Having a hard time with NVCC prerequisites and application...

[akoukla22]

I posted this in the Colleges section, but thought i might have some luck here too! This is my first time posting and I really appreciate any help!

I am hoping to apply to the NVCC Traditional Track (Fall 2014) - applications are due by the end of Spring 2014. I spoke to two advisors in September who recommended I take Biology and Intro to Medical Terminology this semester and Health Sciences I and II along with General Pharmacology next semester. So far I have A's in my two classes this semester and am all registered and books purchased for next semester.

My question is this - I see in the brochure that the Medical Terminology course and the Pharmacology course are both part of the program once you are on the track. It specifically says that you can take them beforehand, but you're still going to have to take them once you're accepted.

page 3: http://www.nvcc.edu/campuses-and-cen...rack9-9-11.pdf

I emailed the department and they gave me conflicting information, saying I wouldn't have to retake those courses. Does anyone have experience with this?

If I have to take them again, I think I'd rather drop the Pharma class next semester and instead, take Algebra and Chemistry. I see they are prerequisites as well and I took them 15 years ago in high school and only got C's.

My other question is - what do you think would give me better chances of getting into the program? Would taking a class that is in the Nursing coursework (Pharmacology) and getting an A in it show them that I'm serious and will be a good Nursing student? Or would they rather see above-average grades on all of my pre-reqs?

I plan on going in to speak to an advisor next week, but thought I'd reach out to you all and see if you had any advice first.

Also - are there any advisors that were standout that you could recommend? I have gone in twice and talked to two different people who seemed pretty indifferent about me. This is a huge life and career change for me. I was laid off of my sales job in August - the 4th time I've been laid off in 2 years. I sat down with my fiancee and had the "we cannot start a family if i'm being laid off every year" conversation and decided to take the money we had saved for our wedding and invest it in my schooling. My now-husband has sacrificed a lot for me to do this career change and I want to do all i can to be accepted! My biggest fear is that I will not be accepted and then I will have blown a few thousand dollars on some pre-req courses and still be unemployed, a year later.

Any help/guidance?

Thanks all!!!

[Annaroseimprota]

Hey,

I am also applying to the Traditional track for Fall 2014. To clear up your question about courses, you can take the non nursing courses like pharmacology and medical terminology before being accepted into the program, you will not have to retake them once you are in the program(this is helpful to lighten your load since the nursing classes will be intense). However, if you do not finish those courses before starting the program you will have to take them in the semester indicated in the brochure. I know it's a bit confusing. Also, you really want to focus on your prerequisite classes and get a high GPA because it will improve your chances. As far as a counselor is concerned, at the Springfield campus I have talked to Bridgett. I'm not sure of her last name but she was helpful and answered my questions. Hope this helped. Good luck!! :)