Can someone please recommend a good online program to take pre-reqs?

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 5, 2010

I wouldn't recommend taking any science classes online because most programs require labs and online labs aren't really a substitute. I took other pre-reqs online (like English, Statistics and nutrition) but for the science classes I went to a nearby CC. If online is the only way you can manage, check first with the program to make sure they'll be accepted.

PghRN30 · Oct 5, 2010

I agree with not taking sciences online. Just about all other prereqs you can through almost any comunity college, but nursing schools require sciences with labs. I know some people on here know of places that offer sciences with "do it yourself" lab kits or "virtual labs" online. But there is no way to be sure your nursing school will even accept them. You would be far better off looking at if your local community college offers those as a saturday or night class if that better fits your schedual(most do, but you have to register early cause they fill up quick).

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Oct 5, 2010

I was a SAHM about the same age and decided to go back to school, but getting to a campus wasn't going to work for me right then. I did my ENTIRE A.S online through ccconline. For science classes, you purchase a labpaq which includes everything you need to do labs at home...not online. For example, I got a fetal pig, cow eyeball and sheep brain for AP that I got to dissect in my kitchen - it was so COOL!

The university's around CO (where ccconline is) fully accept these labs and even encourage online classes. (One U has the 3 of the top 10 NP programs in the US, so these aren't slacker universities.) When you get your transcripts from the CC it will show 'Anatomy & Physiology I' for example, but no indication it was taken online. I think the online component in CO is irrelevant since the labs aren't online or virtual, but rather actual hands on.

I am currently taking Biochem and Pathophysiology through ccconline, and they are great classes. But remember, just because they are online doesn't necessarily mean they are easier. For example, in my current Patho class I have not only 9 exams, but also 9 discussions that require research and additional information on the replies, 9 'small' research papers (the average was about 4-5 pages) and a larger research paper. All, are worth about the same points wise. I find, especially in the sciences, that they want to see a 'deeper' understanding of the how and why of something rather than just remembering what something is called. In my patho class, I find that I am remembering quite a bit from my AP classes, so I did actually learn something! lol

Although there are some skeptics, I absolutely LOVED my online experience. I graduated last may with my A.S. Summa Cum Laude. Those grades allowed me to get two scholarships that will cover about 50% of my university tuition. If you have the self-discipline and the drive that is required in online classes then I say, GO FOR IT!

Good luck!!

~SD :)