How many nursing classes at a time?

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Nov 2, 2016

If I recall correctly, I took one 15-week course combined with two 8-week courses. The 8-week courses were consecutive as opposed to concurrent. That way, I only had two active courses at one time, where one 8-weeker would begin the day after the first had ended. That maintained the flow...and the required enrollment credits for student loan purposes.

Fortunately, neither course had papers due at the same time. Aside from the above situation, I mainly kept with only two at a time.

I would make my initial posts in Monday, reply to other posts on Tuesday, (all posts and required responses had to be done in APA format and by Wednesday night), and keep the remainder of the week for myself, family, and work.

Occasionally, I would log in and make additional responses to other posts. I made sure to do all of my papers on a Monday or Tuesday as well, since those are the only days I set aside for nothing but schoolwork. I did not deviate from that schedule....unless I simply had no other plans during that week. I worked 12-hour nights, but kept a dedicated work schedule, no fluctuations.

I don't know if I would tackle three 15-week courses because that's three courses at once during a period that would seem like forever. But I think I did do two of those plus one 8 week, which had me in 3 courses for an 8-week period.

It was doable, but not fun at all, especially when you need to get your responses done and your classmates are waiting until Wednesday to post their initial responses.

So, plan wisely. It can definitely be done if you're not one who struggles with APA format. :yes:

emtpbill, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 2, 2016

IIRC excelsior allows you to register for 4 tests at one time and allows 2 classes to be taken at the same time. This may have changed but for some reason those numbers are sticking in my mind.

pommkiwi · Nov 2, 2016

thanks for your insight, I like the idea of staggering 15 and 8 weeks together - a smart move in that deadlines are less likely to fall together, the 8 week classes all seem to be themed the same way. I'm just getting super despondent at how long this is all taking, as a foreign-trained RN I have had to fulfill a huge number of prereqs, already have done way more work converting a 3-year diploma than I did during those three years!. I will certainly look into combining your method.

Justin