Intro to Chemistry or Microbiology?

Published

Hey all!

I am currently down to my last three pre reqs before I can apply (plan on next fall if I can buckle down)

Anyway I WANT to take microbiology with APHY102 and then will do Avanced Phys after

My question is, since I could choose microbiology OR chemistry which would you choose? Which will be more beneficial to me? I am HORRIBLE with chemistry. I got a D in high school so I would like to avoid it if I could but would suck it up and learn if it will help me in Nursing School.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What is APHY 102?

For what it's worth I took both microbiology and general chem. I preferred microbiology especially the lab portion. I guess micro is more helpful to me in nursing school with like infection control, immunity, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I honestly have no clue lol we have APHY 101 which I have taken twice now and am finishing strong, then we have APHY 102 and then Advanced Physiology... I guess I just assumed it was like a more advanced or in depth 101?

I feel like I am leaning towards micro but I'm also not sure how if I can find it online. I tried to look earlier after speaking with my advisor but could only find chem online so that's another reason I am somewhat concerned I'm going to be forced into it

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Okay so I just looked and it is more of the inter relationships within the systems and then introducing us to the systems such as endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic etc., but I'm glad I looked because I'm actually excited about that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm not sure I quite understand your situation, as I don't know what APHY 101 or 102 is. Anatomy/Physiology 1 (A&P 1) and A&P2?

Are you certain the nursing programs you will be applying to will allow you to CHOOSE between chemistry and microbiology? If that is truly the case, I would take microbiology hands down. Physiology will touch on some chemistry, but as an RN I doubt you think to yourself: The hydrolysis of this equation helps my patient because of .... However, I hope you would use Microbiology in terms of immunity knowledge (also helpful on TEAS/HESI - as is some basic chemistry) and other facts about different types of microorganisms and how soap/alcohol works effectively to kill certain buggers but not others, etc.

Hope that helps!

-David

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your reply David. As far as I can tell it is 1 and 2 yes, I was just going by what the courses are for me which probably was not helpful to anyone else

Yes, we can choose to take microbiology, chemistry AND anatomy & physiology 2 OR pick two of those previous three AND take advanced physiology. As it goes now after trying to register, I am stuck with chemistry because microbiology is not offered online currently at my school. I'm not excited BUT my advisor did say I should start getting used to being out of my comfort zone, which she brought up when she said I should take advanced phys in the summer, so theres that I guess.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I should add that I am choosing advanced phys at this time because it is required for BSN and i plan to bridge later

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Burn ICU.

I'm not sure you have been informed correctly by the advisor. Everyone I have spoken to in the program has been told that advance physiology doesn't bridge over to most bsn programs, but micro does. I commend you for getting the co required classes done before applying. I still had a few to take when I started the program and it made things a bit hairy for me. Maybe our co reqs are different because advanced physiology is not a requirement for the Lawrence program. At least not when I started in spring of 2017

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hmmm. Maybe I should not have stated that information then because I did not ask my advisor about that but my sister in law who is planning on bridging later (already completed LPN then ASN ) said that's what she was told so it is definitely second hand information.

I have been fortunate to have time on my hands, although sometimes it's hard to see it that way. My kids were young when I started so I've just been doing one or two at a time since 2017 in the summer. I think that's when I started anyway lol I will have to ask my advisor about that now though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Burn ICU.
Hmmm. Maybe I should not have stated that information then because I did not ask my advisor about that but my sister in law who is planning on bridging later (already completed LPN then ASN ) said that's what she was told so it is definitely second hand information.

I have been fortunate to have time on my hands, although sometimes it's hard to see it that way. My kids were young when I started so I've just been doing one or two at a time since 2017 in the summer. I think that's when I started anyway lol I will have to ask my advisor about that now though.

I started out slowly as well. I understand. I honestly think it's a good idea if you have the time. The program itself is enough time dedication itself without worrying about the other classes. You will thank yourself later

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Check out this site:

Indiana Commission for Higher Education -

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Its been back and forth emotionally that is for sure. Some days I wish I was already doing it, and other I try to remind myself that there is no rush. My husband and I are still constantly at the "well figure it out when we get there" when it comes to these big things. His career has given us lots of practice Haha

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion