Excelsior A&P/Micro

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I've been looking at the A&P and microbio forums, but I feel like my topic is a little different.... Has anyone taken either class at Excelsior? Any suggestions - what books/materials did you use? How much did you study? - Thanks for all your help!

I registered for both at the same time - Which one should I do first? I'm nervous because A&P is ALL of it, in one test...

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I moved your thread to the Distance Learning Forum so that you get better responses. I graduated over two years ago, but I'll tell you what I did.

For most of the EC exams, I used the primary textbook recommended by the content guide. I also utilized the online practice exams when they were available.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

For A&P, I used the recommended text, a College Network study guide, Lisa Arends' notes, and the EC practice exams. I studied for at least 3 months for this one. Got a B. It is a monster of an exam, but do-able! So glad I did it first. :)

For Micro, I read "Microbiology Demystified" (great book), as well as a College Network study guide and Lisa Arends' notes, and did the EC practice exams. I also had the recommended textbook and did some reading from that, too. Studied for about 6 weeks for this one, but it was my last actual EC exam (I was already CPNE-eligible before taking it, and only needed a couple of CLEP tests besides) and I rescheduled it a few times. Got an A on it, though.

Definitely get A&P out of the way first! Just my opinion. Good luck!!

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Specializes in TCU, Med-Surg.

I haven't taken a&p through excelsior but I have taken Micro. I used the recommended textbook (and edition prior to save some $$$) and microbiology cliff notes. I also used the coloring book and "Clinical Microbiology Made Simple". I got an A. As others before me have said, the practice tests are gold! I studied for about 6-7 wks before I tested. If I were you I would go for A& P first though.

Good Luck!:up:

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I took EC's A&P last month,used Chancellors and Lisa Arends and took EC practice exam.I studied for 3 months for this one and got a B,this is a hard test because it covers all systems and there is A LOT of info to remember!Doing Micro now using same study materials, Chancellors & Lisa Arends.and Will be taking my test 2-16.So I will have about 6-7 weeks in.Next on to NC 1 finally!!Hope this helps!

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Specializes in Home Care, Peds, Public Health, DD Health.

i am wondering how you set up the studying? it seems like so much information. I have about 3 months to study and just reading the material seems to take more time than i have. i took A&P 8 years ago and got an A and since i just need the Excelsior test to qualify for my clinical i thought it would be easy...not so! any advice would be helpful!

JP

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When you take the Microbiology, is it just an exam? Or is it a class with a lab? I'm looking for an online microbiology class with a lab...My great state of California needs a lab with microbiology....

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

EC's Micro is just an exam -- no lab.

For an online Micro with a lab, there are a few threads around here with info ... I think Rio Salado is often mentioned, as is Edukan.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
i am wondering how you set up the studying? it seems like so much information. I have about 3 months to study and just reading the material seems to take more time than i have. i took A&P 8 years ago and got an A and since i just need the Excelsior test to qualify for my clinical i thought it would be easy...not so! any advice would be helpful!

JP

I would use the EC exam content guide and make an outline from that. Because you've had A&P, much of it will probably be review for you. I also had an A&P-type course back in 2002 for Paramedic school -- it was called "Human Biology" and it went over all the body systems, but had no lab ... EC wouldn't give me credit for it, but it sure helped prepare me for this A&P exam. :) But I think if you break it down using the exam content guide, it might be more manageable for you. Good luck!

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Specializes in paramedic.

I too have to take A&P and micro and was going to do it through EC. Anyone out there clep it, and which one is easier. Haven't had A&P since medic school.

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

I took both through EC - my first two tests. I bought the recommended books and used the content guides. They didn't have the practice tests at that time.

The microbiology text followed the content guide exactly. I thought that was the easier test, but I did manage to get an 'A' on both of them.

I took A&P in paramedic school also, but thought this exam was more in depth which is why I studied a tad longer than micro.

Good luck!!

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Specializes in OB/GYN.

Where can I take the excelsior practice exams? Does anyone have the link? Thanks!

Currently studying A&P with TCN study guide..then onto micro.

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