Do you recommend anatomy and physiology to be taken alone?

sweetiepeas · Sep 14, 2009

I took my A & P with an easier class. PE, Photography and something else, can't remember now. and I worked full time.

There is a lot of studying, so if possible take easy classes.

minnierocker · Sep 14, 2009

I wouldn't say that I recommend it. Anatomy is time consuming, and physiology is (for me anyways) was a lot more studying because the information was hard to grasp( in my opinon very boring). Um I took physiology in summer semester so I could apply for nursing program that fall. Well it was a mistake it was way too overwhelming ( i was working full time and had a 2 yr old). I ended up getting a C in physiology which is like an F when trying to compete for the nursing program. I am still waiting to get in program and regret big time. I have tried 3 times already and I'm getting really disappointed. So my suggestion to you is do only what you know you can handle. I knew it would be really stupid of me to take during summer and I was right. :banghead:

NurseThis21, BSN, RN · Sep 14, 2009

I honestly think you should give it a try (i.e. taking the course load you mentioned) because this will give you a glimpse into what you will be facing in nursing school. You'll always have a few difficult classes and some that are less demanding so your course load seems fine to me. I took 18 hr course loads all through my college career (equivalent of 6 classes) so since it's obvious that I'm still alive, I'm sure you can get through it! Just know that if you have difficulty with time management and organization, you may find it a little more difficult so work on that if that's the case.

Also, if you don't do so well in the courses, don't fret. Take it again if you're able to or just write a killer essay for your nursing school application! That's an easy way to trump your scores.

Good Luck with everything!

NurseThis21, BSN, RN :nurse:

UIC Alumna

SaraFL · Sep 15, 2009

Can you take one or two of those classes this semester? My school has several different start times each semester, so you may be able to get into an 8 week class or something (my nutrition was 4 weeks).

My A&P was together so I have no idea what it would be like taken separately, but that does sound like too much. Even if all you did was school, there's only so much your brain can handle. I would at least try to take Micro after the A&P if possible.

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Sep 15, 2009

I wouldn't recommend it, but you should seek out those who have taken those classes from your school and see what they say. Not all anatomy/physiology/microbiology classes are created equal. What might be doable at one school may not be at another. I can totally understand wanting to get through your pre-reqs as quickily as possible, but having to retake a class b/c you didn't get a competitive grade would probably be a big bummer. Good luck in whatever you decide!

sweetiepeas · Sep 15, 2009

I know that our entry into the Nursing program is based on a point system that is largely from our grades. Find out wat your requirements are. For me to get enough points to make it through selection we pretty much had to get A's in all of our science classes.

Good luck!

copyandpaste · Sep 15, 2009

Man-o-man. This is all good advice. I just know that those are the only classes I need to get into the nursing program. So I HAVE to take them. But if I dont take them next spring, then I wont make the deadline for when they start the nursing program. From what I understand the program is on a strict rotation, and If Im not in it come this june, then I will "miss the bus" so to speak, and I'll have to wait til' the following June...Pretty sure thats how it works. And I suppose I'll be screwed if I dont get good grades in those classes. Some of you indicated that it IS doable....I suppose youre right. Maybe Ill just get a part time job instead of a full time.

sweetiepeas · Sep 15, 2009

Well if it is the only option then do it and work your orifice off! You can do anything you set your mind too.

CrunchyMama, ASN, RN · Sep 15, 2009

My school requires taking A&P1 before starting nursing. Having gone through 1 and 2 I think they should require both to be taken before starting nursing. I'm in nursing 1 right now and there's no way I would be able to do both! It just depends on what you're capable of. I have to read chapters 2-3 times....nursing is already enough reading....I wouldn't want to add A&P in there, lol. A&P is tough and IMO is better taking it with easier classes. GOOD LUCK!

ryantherunner · Sep 15, 2009

i would go for it! right now i am taking a&p, chemistry, statistics and two easy classes. it takes a lot of studying for me to retain information (between class, studying, and work i put in 70-80 hrs a week) but it's definitely doable. i guess it just depends on how much time you want to put into and how much of a life you want outside of school and work. best of luck!

keithjones · Sep 16, 2009

Im working 40 - 56 hours a week and taking all my prereqs at the same time, my lowest score in any class ATM is a 94%. just budget your time and stick to it. allow for minimal relaxation time and dont plan on being social outside of class. that fits my personality just fine, so I am doing well.