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Discussion

HELP!! Which math is best?

I have searched through the threads and still can't find exactly what I need to know. I am a pre-nursing student and plan to transfer to a BSN program. I want to know which math is best, College Math or College Algebra? College Math is NOT algebra intensive and is for non-technical degrees. College Algebra is designed for students majoring in business, mathematics, science, engineering, or certain engineering-related technical fields. I plan on receiving my BSN and going on to CRNA if that makes a difference. Any advice would be appreciated.

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    You MUST know algebra in order to do medication administration calculations. I have not encountered a nursing program that does not require algebra.

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    algebra and ratios/proportions

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    • Author

    One of the programs I was thinking of applying to is UT Austin and all they require is College Math. I was thinking College Algebra would look better on my application and I would just be that much more prepared. My advisor suggested taking College Math which gave me the impression - why take a hard class if you don't have to. I want to do what's best not just what is expected of me.

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    i dont know the difference but college algebra will better prepare you for nursing school.

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    • Experts

    you are never going to go wrong if you take the highest level of math you can get under your belt. in most colleges, that's college algebra. when i took it years ago, you had to have taken intermediate algebra and trigonometry to get into the class. you should also look at the graduation and course requirements for the college(s) that you plan to attend to get your bsn. that is the safest way to know. i recently went back through a whole series of math classes to retake trigonometry and calculus. the sequence was basic algebra-intermediate algebra and then college algebra and trigonometry were considered to be at the same level. the next step up was calculus. also, at my college, the math sequencing was clearly laid out on one page of each class schedule so students could determine what level of math they are at.

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    The BSN program I took required statistics. No need for other math. So many people failed statistics, the year after, they made college algebra a pre-req, so you might as well take it and get it over with. (in case you can't tell, I HATE math!!)

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    • Experts

    My specific community college offers both CLEP exams (College Algebra and College Mathematics), but they will only grant college credit for the College Algebra CLEP. My school does not accept the College Mathematics CLEP under any circomstances.

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    • Author

    Thanks guys. You all have just reaffirmed what I knew deep down. :idea:

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    every bsn program in texas requires stats, but not everyone requires algebra. in my opinion college algebra is one of those courses that has so much useless information in it that you will never use as a nurse. everything i learned that i use on the floor ,i learned in pharm. i was a nurse long before i took and passed college algebra. however, it is one of those things most people have to conquer in order to be a rn.

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    COLLEGE algebra is not that bad and if you are going to get a BSN The S stands for Science Ha Ha Good Luck. Get on it youll do great and come ask for help. I love nurses we love to help.

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    Hey while Im here. PLEASE someone tell me what is a good site for texas CEUS Please Thanks a mill

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    • Experts
    You MUST know algebra in order to do medication administration calculations.
    Actually, all of the medication administration calculations I've done during my career have utilized simpler prealgebraic math skills, such as division, multiplication, fractions, decimals, and percentages. I have never had to evaluate a multistep college-level algebraic equation to solve a med math problem, or figure out the correct dose of medicine to administer.
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