HACC: Taking A&P I in summer while working?

[Tashie27]

Hi all!

I have been accepted into HACC's pre-nursing program for the evening/PT program in Lancaster, and I just met with my adviser. I already have a Bachelor's Degree (in Psychology) from a previous college, so a number of my general education classes are already completed.

Applications for clinical in 2015 can be submitted in February & December. If I don't apply until December, it looks like I'd wind up graduating an entire year later. However, my conundrum is that I would have to take A&P I this summer '14 so that I can take A&P II in Fall '14 and be able to apply in February 2015.

The course offering this summer for A&P I is from 6-8:30 or 8:50 (varies), four days a week. I work a 40-hour job, every day from 9-5:30. From your experience, would this schedule be doable to maintain for 2 months and come out with a decent grade in the course?

Thanks so much in advance for your advice/feedback! :)

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Hi Tashie27

Congratulations for being accepted into HACC's pre-nursing program. I've been going to the Lancaster campus as well as taking online courses through HACC since this past summer. They have a good program.

A&P (both 1 and 2) are doable in the summer; though if you take classes in the summer, I would recommend watching your credit load. https://www.facebook.com/groups/245013375611918/ is the HACC nursing facebook group (which includes pre-nursing) where you can find out from other HACC students how they liked various professors. Rate My Professors – Review Professors and Teachers, School Reviews, College Campus Ratings is another source; though I've had mixed results. I.e. some professors with bad marks were actually great when I took them. The main downside for HACC AP1 in the summer are going to be lack of choices for professors compared to the fall and spring semesters.

In terms of study planning, the "general" rule of thumb is two hours of study per week for every credit. So a three credit class would require a "general" minimum of six hours. What I've found is that your sciences with labs are better thought of as two separate three credit classes (due to the lab component) rather than four credits "just" for the purpose of calculating study time. So if you can dedicate at least six hours (eight would probably be better especially if you've not had a biology class in a while) per week for study time, then you should be ok working a full time job.

I cannot speak for other campuses, but the tutoring / learning center at the Lancaster campus is wonderful; the tutors are kind and knowledgeable willing to share. There are two separate model rooms (one for AP1, and another for AP2) which include various models (no where near the amount in a lab room, but still good) as well as a compound microscope and slides.

You can find general AP help in the Pre-Nursing Student here as well as the facebook group. I also post often for my science classes on my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/petermabraham (right now, I'm taking AP2 along with three other classes).

Thank you.