How do you decide which pre-reqs to take first?

runtagua · Jul 18, 2009

I started with the English and Speech requirements because those were open classes when I started. It's so much harder to get into the Science classes with a "new" registration date. Then I took Chemistry because that was a pre-req for Micro (and now it's a pre-req for Phys). It just went from there. I took Anat & Phys together in the same semester, then Micro. I took the Psychology, nutrition, and other classes when I could fit them in, sometimes during the Summer.

Then I took all the gen-ed requirements while I was waiting to hear from the lottery selection (which took almost 4 years for me). I also took classes at other schools around because they were pre-reqs to apply to their programs. I took them all.

Just take what you can get into now, and don't worry so much about what school you're going to get into.

nohika · Jul 18, 2009

A lot of the hard-science classes (A&P, Micro) have pre-requisites, so you really have to look at all of the classes and look at what you have to take FIRST. Also, if you're a new student, like runtagua said, you have a very bad registration spot. Take the gen-ed classes like English and Psych (if required) and slowly start to get a better spot. It'll take time, but remember, good grades matter most in several programs.

Good luck!

Ted D · Jul 18, 2009

I started with the English and Speech requirements because those were open classes when I started. It's so much harder to get into the Science classes with a "new" registration date. Then I took Chemistry because that was a pre-req for Micro (and now it's a pre-req for Phys). It just went from there. I took Anat & Phys together in the same semester, then Micro. I took the Psychology, nutrition, and other classes when I could fit them in, sometimes during the Summer.
Then I took all the gen-ed requirements while I was waiting to hear from the lottery selection (which took almost 4 years for me). I also took classes at other schools around because they were pre-reqs to apply to their programs. I took them all.
Just take what you can get into now, and don't worry so much about what school you're going to get into.

I already took English 101 in my first degree, and probably a few other classes that may satisfy some gen-ed requirements....how do I find out which ones I don't need to retake?

nohika · Jul 18, 2009

I already took English 101 in my first degree, and probably a few other classes that may satisfy some gen-ed requirements....how do I find out which ones I don't need to retake?

Your best bet would probably be to contact an advisor at the college you want/are looking at going to, or check their website - you'll probably find some information there.

MammaNurse2Be · Jul 18, 2009

Our school gave us a path. Bio and Chem were pre-reqs for Anatomy. Then I took Physio and Micro.

Protongirl · Jul 18, 2009

IYou mention that you already have a degree, does that mean that you plan on applying to ABSN or GEPN programs? if so, I would suggest spending some time looking at the websites of all of the schools that you are interested in. In my experience, nursing schools usually have clear explainations of what their requirements are on their websites. Once you have looked at enough schools, you will begin to see that there is a pattern to the seeming chaos!

As nerdy as it sounds, I made a spreadsheet containing all of the MEPN programs, what pre-reqs they had, the cost of living in that area, etc, etc. Once you narrow it down, you will be able to decide what classes you need. The range is pretty striking, not just in what classes you need to have taken, but also what grades you had to have in them, how recent they have to be, etc. I found that it is imperative to decide ahead of time where you want to apply to. For me, not wanting to take chemistry again (it has been more than 5 years) narrowed down my choices considerably. However, if you are bound to a certain region, you will need to know and plan for taking all of the required classes.

Good luck! :wink2:

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · Jul 18, 2009

If I were you I would contact the nursing school you are interested in applying to and talk to an adviser there.

However, most nursing schools want the Eng,Psych, Math (some want stats and other just college algebra), API&APII......try to get into those and/or complete the prereqs that will allow you to take those classes.

I have me eye on one school in particular and I talked the the Nursing counselor and provided I don't flunk anything I should start clinicals in Fall 2010. But talk to someone first!!

Brighten · Jul 19, 2009

Well I got like the english and speech done early. When I got to the science pre-reqs I just listened to some of my friends and I went with chem first then o-chem and nutrition and anatomy. the funny thing is that those 3 classes blended with each other really well. Im taking micro now in the summer and will finish physio in the fall.

I think it will depend though b/c I know some people who say chem is hella hard when I think it was hella easy. I would go with chem first though for your science pre-reqs.

Ted D · Jul 19, 2009

IYou mention that you already have a degree, does that mean that you plan on applying to ABSN or GEPN programs? if so, I would suggest spending some time looking at the websites of all of the schools that you are interested in. In my experience, nursing schools usually have clear explainations of what their requirements are on their websites. Once you have looked at enough schools, you will begin to see that there is a pattern to the seeming chaos!
As nerdy as it sounds, I made a spreadsheet containing all of the MEPN programs, what pre-reqs they had, the cost of living in that area, etc, etc. Once you narrow it down, you will be able to decide what classes you need. The range is pretty striking, not just in what classes you need to have taken, but also what grades you had to have in them, how recent they have to be, etc. I found that it is imperative to decide ahead of time where you want to apply to. For me, not wanting to take chemistry again (it has been more than 5 years) narrowed down my choices considerably. However, if you are bound to a certain region, you will need to know and plan for taking all of the required classes.
Good luck! :wink2:

I would love to not have have to take Chem, but how is that possible if it's a pre-req for Anat/Micro? Which schools didn't require it? I am willing to move anywhere for the ABSN program. Which pre-reqs would you recommend as MUST-DOs?

SusanneCollins13 · Jul 19, 2009

I would take the science classes last. I just graduated from Nursing and if you take the science too early, you will not remember what you learned by the time you go into nursing. Start out with the common classes first, the ones you know will transfer to any schools and delay some such as spanish or whatever else there is. This way, when you know what school you will attend, you will know which classes to take that may not transfer as easily as math etc etc.

Protongirl · Jul 19, 2009

In my case I took chem more than 10 years ago, so I was okay for A&P and Micro. However, many ABSN and GEPN programs want chem to have been taken in the last five years - so I crossed those programs off of my own list. In my area some classmates also got into A&P based on highschool chem.

If you have never taken chem, then you will most likely have to start there before A&P and Micro. On the upside, chem will help you with understanding physiology and how medications work.

I would really recommend spending the time to look at the websites of ABSN programs that you are interested in - it really will clarify things for you. Especially since some programs care about classes like nutrition or human development as well. You need to know this as far ahead of time as possible, since you don't want to be unable to apply for a great program simply because you haven't taking some easy 3 unit class. Since you have quite a few classes to take, you might as well plan ahead and do it the right way - that way you can base your applications on other variables, such as region, reputation, cost, etc. With how difficult it is to get into nursing programs in some areas, it is a great thing to be able to cast a wide net.

Here is a link a list of ABSN nationwide programs that AACN provides: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/APLIST.PDF

Good luck!