Anatomy & Physiology (1 and 2) + Microbiology = SUMMER

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so i plan to take anatomy and physiology 1 and 2 and microbiology during this summer.

ap1: mon-thurs 8:00am-12:45pm (06/06/2011-0710/2011)

ap2: mon-thurs 12:45pm-5:30pm (07/11/2011-08/14/2011)

microbiology: 5:30pm-10:15pm (06/06/2011-8/14/2011)

my question is: is this a smart move on my part? i am trying to make sure i am done with the 3 classes so i can take the teas (for ut medical branch) and the hesi (for ut houston nursing school). and in order for me to make the deadline of the fall 2012 nursing program at utmb, i must send my application in between (november 15, 2011 - january 15, 2012). so i figured that i should take ap1, ap2, and micro over the summer in order for me to be ready for the two nursing entrance exams. then i would be only taking (human development and growth, chem. lab, philosophy, and biology 1) in the fall 2011. either way i must take ap1 during the summer because i don't want to be behind; if i do not take ap1 in the summer then i would have to take ap1 in the fall 2011 and then ap2 in spring 2012, setting me back on taking the nursing entrance exams.

now what i can do is: switch another class out with microbiology; that way i can lessen the load during the summer and then take my nursing entrance exams when i am done with my fall 2011 semester.

p.s. i have already taken nutrition, chemistry, statistics, and intro to sociology. along with the basics: gov't 1&2, english 1&2, art history (visual and performing arts), and intro to psychology.

here is the link for the nursing prequisites of ut houston nursing school. the prerequisites are almost identical to that of utmb. http://registrar.uth.tmc.edu/admissions/prereqtransferbsn.pdf

all advice is appreciated it,

nurse-mode-on

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Specializes in PICU.

Unless school comes REALLY easy to you and you aren't working, don't have kids, a boyfriend, or much of a life I would NOT do that. Take your time. It may seem like you are speeding things up by doing it this way, but if you don't get all A's its really gonna be hard to get into to a program. And even with all A's its still hard. By taking your time, getting all A's it you will have a much better chance of getting in sooner rather than later. Don't do anything to jeopardize being successful in your pre-req classes. Its make or break!! I had a friend this last semester who attempted it and ended up getting all C's in her pre-reqs :( Also by spacing out your science pre-req courses you can become a CNA and get some experience which, depending on your program may help a lot toward getting in.

So in conclusion, don't do it!!

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Haha, I'm a guy by the way. But yes, I am trying to speed through things but i definitely do not think I can make all A's in them if I do take them all together this summer. You're right, I should definitely take my time. I was just trying to finish the prereqs that way I can take the TEAS and HESI and make the fall 2012 deadline is all. I would rather not wait so long to apply you know? But making better grades is definitely a must.

Btw, I am a translator for a home health agency for 2+ years now ; so hopefully that makes me marketable!

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Specializes in PICU.

Haha, sorry there I go assuming things. Yeah take your time, don't make the mistakes I did! Translator def a plus, but there is nothing like hands on doing it yourself experience. I would really look into being a CNA :)

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No hurt feelings :) now what would you recommend on doing? I do plan on taking at least A&P1 this summer. What nursing program are you looking to get into? How long does it take to become a CNA?

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

The time to become a CNA depends on the length of the program you choose. There are tons of small private schools(well at least in Georgia) that teach CNA courses for as little as 4 weeks. However, many colleges make a CNA course take up to a 3 months or a semester long. Either way, you take the sames certification test. I would go the private option as long as you find a reputable school in your area.

I'm taking A&P I right now for my summer classes along with Chemistry and its really tough that I have decided to work less hours as a CNA in order to focus on school. A &P I focuses alot on memorization of body parts and since its a summer class that basically lasts 4 weeks, we have a test every week.

But in short, I enjoy the class but sometimes I slack on the Chem because I put so much energy into the A&P.

Best wishes... being a CNA will give you invaluable experience.

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Hi Nurse-Mode-On,

I have to agree with the others...Take it slower with these pre-reqs!!! I would NOT recommend taking A&P 1, and 2 and Micro in the same summer, because all 3 are so important to nursing, are large amounts of memorization and require lots of individual attention.

If you want to take 3, swap out that microbio for a few others you mentioned such as human development, etc something less memorization-heavy.

I have learned that those particular pre-reqs are not only so important for nursing, but for acceptance into nursing school, and you really want those grades to be especially strong:)

Just my two cents!!! Best of luck to you!

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i just finished taking ap2 and micro this spring, it was a lot of work, but definitely do-able if you are willing to work your butt off and your nose will be permanently in your books until the semester ends!! but to take all three is going to probably do more harm than good... im not sure about your school, but at mine our summer sessions are only 6 weeks each. I think you will quickly burn yourself out if you try doing them all at once... i would take the ap1 in the summer and you could take ap2 and micro in the fall ... i wouldnt rush... it is better to take your time and do well, than to rush and not pass! Good luck!

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Specializes in Public Health.

Take Ap1 and Micro over the long summer semester, then in fall take AP2 and your other classes...seriously you don't need those classes before you take the teas or hesi...just study for those tests through their review books and you will be fine. Although I must admit I am confused as to why/how you are taking AP and Micro before bio?? You should probably have a background in bio before taking on the beast that is AP

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Each student

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Specializes in PICU.

I am looking to get into a ADN program. My I have a 3.15 gpa so I am really suck. I'm a chronic B student. So I figure I'll work my way up the ladder. It will take more time but I feel that for me its the best route. Plus its the only schools I can really get into. :/ CNA programs take 6 weeks.

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I would NOT do that. I think you have grossly underestimated what it takes to make A's in those classes, and believe me...you want A's! You will be competing with other students that have 4.0 in the sciences, and the C's you are likely to earn won't get you very far. That will mean taking them over, which I bet you aren't interested in doing! Take your time, slow down, and spread things out a bit so that you can make A's the 1st time around. One nursing school I looked into applying for actually had the question on their application "Did you make an A in A&P 1 & 2 the 1st time you took them?". Yep, that means that if it's between you and another student that are the same in every way except they got A's the 1st time and you got yours the 2nd...you are out.

I'm a late 30's male myself, with a job, wife and kids. I felt immense pressure at first to get into nursing school NOW NOW NOW, and then I realized it's not a race. It's taken me 2 years to get all my pre-reqs done, and I'll be applying with a 4.0. I like my chances, and I didn't take anything twice. It was worth the extra time. Probably would be for you too. Good luck brother.

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