Anatomy and Physiology....HELP!

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · May 25, 2012

I've taken all prereqs, there's certain courses I did in 8 weeks, like general ed history etc, that can be done in 8 weeks and even those drove me nuts. However I would not take ANY of your major prereqs in an 8 week class especially A&P and microbiology, its lots of work to cover A&P has the most chapters and the thickest text of all the prereqs. You gonna end up with reading like 4 to 6 chapters per week and assignments with 2 quizzes every week plus lab work to turn in.

You want to finish quickly but at the same time you need to do your best to get an A in classes like these. 12 weeks, maybe, but I suggest keep to the standard 16 weeks and focus on getting an A and give your self the best chance of actually getting in the program in the first place.

I would say its ok only if you took General Biology at college level recently

But if you decide to do the 8 week course know that you wont have time for anything or anyone you cant go out...not even to church...you'll have to wake, eat,drink ,bathe,use the bathroom and sleep with the A&P text in your hand. Your Best bet if you want to gamble is go ahead register for the 8week class and keep note of the dropout without penalty deadline NOT the withdrawdeadline else a W shows in the transcript, that way you can have a peek at the entire syllabus first day of class, try the course for a week and if you think you can't make it, its better to drop the class and take it in fall if you think you wont get an A grade.

Stephalump · May 25, 2012

You put off taking it because you thought it would be hard, so now you're stuck taking it the most difficult way possible? That stinks!

It can be done. People do it. Just be prepared to be married to it. If you have doubts, skip it and do it in an actual semester...trying to hurry to apply to nursing school won't help if you don't get in because of your A&P grades, for sure.

But if you're dedicated and ready to be overwhelmed and stressed and conquer anyway, go for it! Best of luck to ya :)

Annachu512, BSN, RN · May 25, 2012

I honestly have heard a lot of people like taking the crunched science courses during the summer. The information comes fast but it really is pretty fresh still when taking exams and quizzes. You might find it easier. I unfortuantely failed my A&P II course because my nursing took over so finishing all the A&P stuff beforehand is always great.

I will be retaking in the summer and am not worried. I honestly am glad for the opportunity to change that D to an A :yelclap:

rubato, ASN, RN · May 25, 2012

I actually recommend taking it over the summer. My summer courses are 4 days a week and, in coming to class that often, I retain it better. I took Chem over the summer and loved it. To be done in 8 weeks instead of dragging it out over 4 months was wonderful. Yes, it's HARD. But, then it's over. I also hadn't been in a classroom for awhile, as in 23 years. I would hate to put off my application for another year for fear of a summer science class, but that's just me.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · May 25, 2012

depends on your own personal information learning and retention style. whatever, be sure you're ready to buckle down and really learn it. this is not some fool distribution course you skate through, cross off your list, and forget. anatomy and physiology will be huge, huge parts of your daily life as a student and then as a nurse, so you'd better get it and get it well.

♑ Capricorn ♑ · May 28, 2012

If you have no other choice, then do it. I personally wouldn't do it. Eight weeks is a short amount of time for such an important class. Whatever you decide, good luck. :)

Mkr2012 · May 29, 2012

I'm going to try it.

I have a week to drop for a full refund so I'm sure I will know by then if I can handle it:)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Lexirunner · May 29, 2012

I think you can do it, but it depends on how you learn. I took A&P1 over the summer plus 6 other gen-ed credits and got an A. I learn really well at a faster pace though... less time for procrastination. At that time I also had an 18 month old and a 3 year old. It was a busy summer, but worth getting it out of the way sooner.

OKNurse2be · May 29, 2012

I think you can do it. It will take a lot of time commitment, but it's doable. Just be prepared to spend A LOT of time studying, and memorizing. A&P is part memorizing and part understanding. You have to know where things are ( memorizing ) and know what they do (understanding). I had lots of fun in my A&P class and I am taking A&P2 in the summer. I made use to the lab that my school has available, and I had a study group that I studied with which seriously made the difference, because we kept each other accountable.

Good Luck!!!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 29, 2012

I think you are psyching yourself out. You can always withdraw if you decide you cannot do it, but HEY!! We did so you can too. I recommend you buy the Grey's Anatomy coloring book (no relation to TV show). You learn parts of the body by drawing and coloring them, then you can review them later. Good luck!

2BRN123 · May 29, 2012

Combined A&P? as in both A&P I and II in 8 weeks? I'd run as fast as I could from that. Not because it would be tough, because it obviously would be. I would run because I would doubt the quality of the education I'd be receiving (If it is in fact both I and II in 8 weeks)

Having just taken A&P I (passed with a 98% A, and STILL wanting to retake it) I seriously do not believe its possible for you to learn in 8 weeks what we did in 16, let alone what is meant to be taught in 32.

Just remember, having more class time to make up for the fact that that you're there for a shorter amount of time also cuts into your SELF STUDY time i.e. time that you would spend studying the material at home.

A&P was a part time job for me. I spent at least 15 hours a week studying at home to hammer out the o,i,a,i and bone markings for the APPENDICULAR skeleton, that doesn't include the axial skel, histology, cytology, nervous system, etc.

Adding physiology of organ systems into that whole equation and cutting the time in half just doesn't seem like you'd be getting your bang for your buck on this one.