what is the difference between Microbiology -vs Microbiolgy for health profession..

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I understand microbiology, is one of the prerequisites for some nursing programs, but can someone tell me or give me a description, of the differences in the course...Has anyone had to take microbiology and micro-biology for health professions?

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Specializes in Cardiac, CVICU.

You really can take either, but I would take Micro for HP. It's normally an introductory class for lower credit, which is all you need. It covers the general aspects of the class in one semester. Additionally, this class will focus on information that is relevant to medicine.

Microbiology is normally a traditional biology class that is for upper credit. Usually biology majors or premed majors take this class in either a semester or a two-part class. It teaches everything there is to know about micro, which would be a waste of your time. Plus, biology is normally a prerequisite.

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I took the regular micro-bio and I didn't think it was that hard. But I'm guessing the micro for health professionals would filter out what was unrelated to health care and focus on what is. Sometimes universities will create special classes like this when there are a lot of students wanting to take a class that is also a major requirement in another program. For example, I took a chemistry course for non-science majors and it was basically all pre-nursing students and a few criminal justice students.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The general microbiology course is for students who intend to major in molecular biology, chemistry, microbiology, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, or any of the hardcore empirical sciences.

The microbiology course for health professionals is geared for future healthcare workers such as nurses, medical technologists, dental hygienists, speech language pathologists, and so forth.

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Took both, the regular one for biology majors was A LOT harder and had much more content. The HP one is usually 100-200 level with intro content that is only relevant to well...healthcare.

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Thanks!!!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Why wouldn't you take the regular microbiology? You learn a lot more and it's all very fascinating. :)

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Kurlin, i did take the regular microbiology, got an A-, i just have to take Microbiology for HP during my Nursing program. I guess it wont be as hard as the regular microbiology, by what i have read so far. Thanks again for the advise.

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I just got my Micro-bio excepted from my previous school..so i don't have to worry any longer, about taking this class over. That is definatly good news..I just have to take straight nursing courses.. Thanks guys for differentiating, and explaining the concepts of those two courses for me.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

look at the course description. Surely that will help differentiate between the two. I would think that the one for healthcare workers would include how to get rid of or treat someone with those infections, not just identify them

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At my school, they were actually interchangeable and regular micro was being phased out. Ask your advisor, and ask the nursing program director if either would put you at a disadvantage.

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