Can someone give a brief on Pre-reqs&dividing classes up

sunray12 · Sep 20, 2008

Hi:

The prereqs for nursing and most allied health programs are pretty similar. e.g. Whether you go with nursing or x-ray tech, one of your prereqs would probably be A&P I and II (anatomy and physiology). If you don’t have any college level math and english you can expect to have to take those too. Nursing programs at community colleges in my area also require chemistry. Those are general requirements but every school has more specific science, social science and sometimes other general education stuff that they. All this varies from school to school and is usually spelled out on school websites – and if it isn’t then email them and ask for a program brochure.

I have kids and a ft job. I am taking two classes/semester now (prereqs) and may pick up the pace next year. With disciplined time management and a supportive family it is doable.

Don’t worry about how you did in h.s. math – that’s in the past. A lot of teenagers don’t have any definite plans for the future and aren’t motivated to get good grades. Now that you’re an adult with a family and specific goals your motivation is different so you will do fine.

Adams_Mommy_07 · Sep 21, 2008

I agree with the previous poster with regard to the math courses. After high school I went to my university and things were VERY different. In high school all I cared about were friends and slumber parties--so I ended up with a 3.0 In college (immediately out of high school) I ended up with a 3.68 which is a huge difference. You are more dedicated to personal success when your paying for it yourself so you will do fine. I eeked out a B in high school algebra II (only because I crammed my butt off and Aced the final or we'd be talking C, maybe D). I saved my math class (because I figured it would be a repeat of the high school atrocity) for the last semester of college and ending up getting an A. So don't worry.

As for the classes, just check around at the schools in your area. The two programs share classes, but schools require different things---even nursing schools differ to some degree on their course requirements.

I work full-time, with a full-time toddler :), and go to school full time. I wouldn't do more than 12 hours though if you are very busy. Limit yourself to one science course and one math course per semester though because they tend to be more demanding. It wouldn't make sense to take Chem II, A&P II, and Micro in one semester and Psych, Art Appreciation, and Ethics in another if it can be avoided. It's not that the first set is more difficult, those courses tend to be SIGNIFICANTLY more demanding of your time. It's best to even things out a bit.

I hope this helps and good luck!!! :up:

teadough · Sep 21, 2008

Thanks for the responses. Right now I need to find a new line of work which will allow me to attend class. I am not in a rush but need to find something by spring. I work a 12hr rotation/swing which makes going to school impossible. Changing jobs is a big fear but my wife is being really supportive with my decision.

Regards,T:)

teadough · Sep 21, 2008

and another question

What does a person mean when they say they already got their Coreqs started before Nursing school? I understand the prereqs but am confused as to what else you can take before actually starting a RN program. If I do this I am trying to find the most sufficient way to use my time since I will be trying to work and go to school. If that means taking a little extra time with some of the other classes then so be it. I don't mind spending an extra year or so doing whatever it takes.

Like I said earlier, I know I can contact my school(and will later) but I am working nights and have been wanting to get some ideas from various people....plus I am already addicted to allnurses Forums

Peace,T:)

peytonsmom · Sep 22, 2008

For most colleges you have to complete your prereqs before you are even allowed to apply for the actual nursing program. So the first two years of a BSN or the first year of an RN program you are considered pre-nursing. Then, after you finish your pre-reqs you are allowed to apply for the nursing courses. Both the community college and the 4 year university i'm looking at require not only certain pre-req classes completed, but a certain level of GPA and a certain score on the ACT/SAT test.

Just to give you and idea, for the both the 2 year degree and the 4 year degree school i'm looking at, my prereqs are:

A&P I & II

Microbiology

Chemistry

Algebra

English I & II

Lifespan Psychology

General Psychology

Speech

Computer Fundementals

Nutrition

(Then there are a BUNCH more general ed classes for the 4 year degree like arts and humanities and such), also the 4 year degree requires a basic biology class as well.

If you apply for the nursing program and don't get in based on your GPA (most colleges i've looked at fill slots and wait list by GPA, but others also use a points system or even a lottery), you go on the wait list until you can get it.

I work FT and have a 3 y/o at home. I started off just taking two classes this semester to work my way into things, but starting next semester i'm attempting 4 classes each semester. BUT I really enjoy online classes so that makes it easier. I can work on them not only at home after the little guy goes down, but during my down time at work as well.

hth!

Good luck!

dallet6 · Sep 22, 2008

co-reqs are courses that you would take as part of the program, but are not in the program themselves. These classes can usually be taken before you are in the program.