Confused.. Pre-reqs are different at each schools I want to apply to.

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Dec 11, 2018

Yes, you need to complete the pre-reqs for each school that you're interested in applying to, even if the schools have different pre-reqs. Unfortunately, nursing school pre-req classes aren't as standardized as med school or PA school, so some nursing programs will require random classes (some want developmental psych, some want abnormal psych, some want nutrition, etc.)

You can try to narrow down the schools you apply to based on the pre-reqs they require. You can also reach out to different programs to see if certain similar courses will be 'close enough' so that you can place out of others. For instance, I applied to a school that required intro psych, but they waived the requirement for me because I demonstrated that I had enough other psych classes to make up for that experience (i.e. AP high school psych, college-level abnormal psych and developmental psych, a couple of grad-level psych classes). However, if there are certain schools that you really want to attend and they tell you that you have to take certain pre-reqs, you have to suck it up and do it.

caliotter3 · Dec 11, 2018

Prioritize the schools in terms of which you will apply to first, then complete the "extra" requirements in turn. If at all possible, do those "extra" requirements during the same term so you can be done with them. But yes, you have to have those prerequisites completed, otherwise you are chancing that your application will not be considered. Another alternative would be to obtain an exemption or to have alternative courses accepted in place of the outlier courses. This would take time and effort for the process that you probably do not have available.

FutureNurseWard · Dec 11, 2018

Well, I have psychology of gender and my 101. I wonder if that can be considered in place of development psychology. Hm.. so i should complete all for my school of choice, apply, and take the extra classes i need the following semester assuming i dont get accepted and then apply for the other schools?

FutureNurseWard · Dec 11, 2018

Gotcha. Just trying to get an idea of the best way to go about all this. Well, im sure if i take all of the classes for every program i am sure it will benefit me as a nurse

caliotter3 · Dec 11, 2018

I can pretty much guarantee that psych of gender will NOT replace developmental psych. Schools are pretty picky about dev psych. There are those that caution one to take a course that covers the entire lifespan, not just "portions". At one school I attended, dev psych was divided into two semesters and one had to take both.

FutureNurseWard · Dec 11, 2018

I can pretty much guarantee that psych of gender will NOT replace developmental psych. Schools are pretty picky about dev psych. There are those that caution one to take a course that covers the entire lifespan, not just "portions". At one school I attended, dev psych was divided into two semesters and one had to take both.

Oh that's good to know. Ill just take it then and deal with it! Ty!

Oldmahubbard · Dec 12, 2018

I had to take developmental psych, because I had a similar course that didn't exactly match the requirements. The good news is it was easy.

Good practice for jumping through hoops, which is mostly what school is.

rnhopeful82, ASN, RN · Dec 12, 2018

I have a BS in psych and I took so many psych courses as electives it was ridiculous. I took child development and adult development. At my current school, because I had not taken adolescent development, I was required to take lifespan. The guy tried to see if I learned adolescent anything anywhere else. but nope. What a waste of time. But it was an easy A. For those 2 weeks I was missing. Sigh. So yes, you need to fulfill any pre-reqs required. Some previous courses will count, some won't. I doubt gender will count for anything other than a possible elective.

Kallie3006, ADN · Dec 14, 2018

Have you talked to an academic advisor at the college you are at now? They would be able to tell you your best course of action for each school you are interested in.

JY0125, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2018

Hm. I'm pretty sure you can find a developmental psych course that's offered as a single course. You should look into santa barbara city college. They have online classes that are pretty convenient to take!