Is there a lot of Chemistry in Practical Nursing?

Daisy_08, BSN, RN · May 16, 2015

I do not do any chem in either the PN or BScN program. If you want to study before look at anatomy, but I think you should just enjoy your freedom.

linzipinzi · May 16, 2015

Hi, thanks for your reply! Chemistry was very hard so I am glad I am over that part! lol

I heard that A&P is really challenging though. And pharmacology. Did you find those courses hard?

BrandonLPN, LPN · May 16, 2015

The only Chemistry I had in my PN program was a very basic overview incorporated into the A and P. And most of this was just Atomic Theory type stuff strictly as it pertained directly to nursing related concepts.

There was no actual chem class as a prerequisite for the program, and I think any PN program requiring an actual chem class is exceedingly rare.

Daisy_08, BSN, RN · May 16, 2015

Patho and pharm were hard, but not impossible. I feel like the grade reflected my work, not always the case in many courses and programs.

linzipinzi · May 16, 2015

Yes, I heard that Patho and Pharm are both hard. So I am nervous about taking those courses once I get into the nursing program. It's a lot of memorizing, right? Also, do you need a certain grade in order to pass a course? I was reading that anything less than 75% in each course is a fail. Is this true?

loriangel14, RN · May 16, 2015

The only Chemistry I had in my PN program was a very basic overview incorporated into the A and P. And most of this was just Atomic Theory type stuff strictly as it pertained directly to nursing related concepts.
There was no actual chem class as a prerequisite for the program, and I think any PN program requiring an actual chem class is exceedingly rare.

Keep in mind that the OP is in Canada. Our PN programs generally require chemistry.

Fiona59 · May 16, 2015

You need the chemistry to understand some lab values, osmotic principles, and various drug interactions.

It's not heavy duty chemistry but you need to know what the symbols and formulas mean. There is no building of atomic molecules but you need to understand how they work.

Daisy_08, BSN, RN · May 17, 2015

What provence are you in? Ontario

I did a basic chem unit in a high school general science class, got a 0 on the final test. I managed fine in nursing shcool. In Ontario I don't believe chemistry is a pre-requisite for the PN, but I think it is for the BScN.

But knowing it will work for you not against you. You do need to know your sciences to understand what is going on with your patient.

linzipinzi · May 18, 2015

Yes, I live in Ontario. :) Here in Ontario, College Chemistry is a prerequisite for the practical nursing program. And they said that anything less than 80% is not a good enough grade to get accepted into the program! It's such a competitive program to get into! Anyway, at least I have a better understanding in the sciences! :)

dishes, BSN, RN · May 19, 2015

Some Ontario colleges require chemistry prereq, some do not.

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · May 20, 2015

High school chem is a requirement for entry from what I know. I went to Mohawk and we had to write a pre admission test which included chemistry concepts.