I am taking my prereqs. Which math should i take?

studentih · Apr 3, 2015

I was actually going through this same decision when I was looking at my classes to take this upcoming semester. I made the decision to go with algebra, but only because I am taking it during my 8 week summer semester and I know that I will be able to handle it during the summer. I am going to take stats eventually, but I am going to take it during a fall semester or spring semester because they are 16 weeks in length, and I took the course once before, but dropped it because it was pretty difficult. I plan to get my BSN after my ADN and stats is one of the classes required to get into a BSN program. So I would say, go with algebra but if you want to go on and get your BSN then go with stats. Unless the program that you plan on applying for is a BSN that doesn't require stats, then just take algebra.

Hope this helps! :yes:

IH

PaulBaxter · Apr 3, 2015

A few thoughts for you:

First, I think understanding statistics is a CRITICALLY important skill, not only in nursing but in all of modern life. But specifically to nursing, understanding stats means understanding what number MEAN. This could be vitally important in situations like deciding when lab or test values need to be reported to the MD or indicate that emergency action should be taken (or just monitored, or not a cause of concern at all).

Second, you HAVE to be decent at algebra to be able to do well at stats. You need to be able to manipulate your numbers, be able to handle calculator skills fluently, etc. If you feel weak at all with things like ratios and manipulating complicated fractions, then you need to review those areas first.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, there are LOTS of ways to learn math, including stats, outside of your school curriculum. For example, before I took my college stats class, I took this free course from Carnegie Mellon:

Probability & Statistics | Open Learning Initiative

I found the free course much better organized and and with much better presentation than my college course.

For math of all sorts, though, the gold standard these days is Khan Academy. Do yourself a favor and register there. Everything is free. Any area of math you feel weak in you can work on there. You can do practice problems, and the explanatory videos are always clear and thorough.

Best of luck.

lhflanurseNP, APRN · Apr 3, 2015

I have to agree with Paul. More and more nursing, and healthcare, is being driven by evidence based practice guidelines. In order to really understand and appreciate the results of "studies" done on this or that technique, approach, etc., you must be able to look at a study and determine it's genuine reporting. I went back to school and suffered through Stats figuring once I was done I would never really use it...LOL. The further you advance in your career and education, you are going to need to have a strong basis of Stats. Just wanted to add my two cents worth.

feeneishia · Apr 3, 2015

Well I have a previous BS in Business, and I loved Statistics but was a less than average math student. I got in A in stats. I'm fortunate that the ADN program I'm applying to accepts my Stats as a higher math, so I don't have to take another math. I did see in the bridge program I plan on taking that they also require stats, so I was happy that I took it instead of anything else. I am not sure if it's even doable in your case, but I don't like math at all so I say go for Stats if it's beneifical for you.

iknoweverything · Apr 3, 2015

I was actually going through this same decision when I was looking at my classes to take this upcoming semester. I made the decision to go with algebra, but only because I am taking it during my 8 week summer semester and I know that I will be able to handle it during the summer. I am going to take stats eventually, but I am going to take it during a fall semester or spring semester because they are 16 weeks in length, and I took the course once before, but dropped it because it was pretty difficult. I plan to get my BSN after my ADN and stats is one of the classes required to get into a BSN program. So I would say, go with algebra but if you want to go on and get your BSN then go with stats. Unless the program that you plan on applying for is a BSN that doesn't require stats, then just take algebra.
Hope this helps!
IH

I have a similar situation i am choosing one for a 6 week semester this summer

iknoweverything · Apr 5, 2015

I have to agree with Paul. More and more nursing, and healthcare, is being driven by evidence based practice guidelines. In order to really understand and appreciate the results of "studies" done on this or that technique, approach, etc., you must be able to look at a study and determine it's genuine reporting. I went back to school and suffered through Stats figuring once I was done I would never really use it...LOL. The further you advance in your career and education, you are going to need to have a strong basis of Stats. Just wanted to add my two cents worth.

Thanks!

verene, MSN · Apr 5, 2015

I wasn't sure and did took a placement exam through my college. I started an algerbra class and about a week in realized I didn't really need the instruction, just practice. So I dropped the class, spent a few months studying on my own and placed high enough to take either calc or stats. Stats is required, calc is not so I'll take stats either this summer or next fall. You might try doind some pracitce problems - either from a text book, or use a free resource like Khan academy to brush up your skills if you think you just need a bit of a refresher rather than a full course.

Sizzline · Apr 5, 2015

At my school, college algebra is a prerequisite for stats, so I took both. If you can/will only take one, I would take statistics. I am only in my first semester of clinicals, and I have already found it very useful. I would highly recommend taking stats during a normal-length semester, not over the summer, and not as an online class.

2011RN · Apr 5, 2015

If you plan on getting a BSN or MSN take statistics you will need it for either of those.

happyinmyheart · Apr 5, 2015

If you want to get your BSN take Statistics! It is usually required for a BSN anyways. I struggle a lot with math, but I studied for hours and hours so I managed an A :)

dorkypanda · Apr 5, 2015

You can take a look at the requirements programs have for prereqs are concerned and like others say BSN programs do require stats so stats seems the most practical to take.

stats isn't a hard math class, you just need to do many problems many times and spend time studying. While it isn't a breezy easy math nor head boggling math course it can get slightly challenging if one doesn't put in effort.