Is there an online rn to MSN-Ed program that doesn't require stats?

Moogie · Jun 4, 2011

I just finished an online program that required stats but oddly enough, the school did not offer stats online. Most students took it elsewhere and transferred it in. I live fairly close to the school so I took it on campus.

Stats can be tough but it's doable. It was very helpful in understanding nursing research. Don't be afraid of it! You can do it!

SunnyPupRN · Jun 4, 2011

Thank you for the reply! Here's my thing - I ve a math processing disability [called dyscalculia], and I'd love to be able to understand figures. The thing is, I flunked maths since fifth grade, went to summer school, where they sort of pass everyone, rinse and repeat. Finally was tested for the learning disability when I was thirty. Got thru nursing school with the Americans with Disabilities Act by substituting Chem for math. Of course calculators for doses. Problem is, I have about a 4th grade basis of math, the simplest of rote addition and subtraction, multiplication, a little division. I don't know how to jump from that to Stats even with help. I missed years of foundations of math, and at the same time I don't feel like my learning disability should hold me back. Does that sense?

Moogie · Jun 5, 2011

Yes, it makes perfect sense. I think your grad program would make accommodations for you in this situation. Maybe you won't have to look for a program that doesn't require stats.

I think the most important thing about stats is to understand why you use certain tests such as why you use a t-test instead of a z-score. In many schools there seems to be less emphasis on actually doing the calculations because of the availability of software that will do them for you.

I'm glad you are familiar with the ADA act. You already know how to advocate for yourself and your learning needs.

Check with the various programs. I think you will find something that will work for you!

SunnyPupRN · Jun 5, 2011

Thank you...I appreciate your help!!

allnurses Guide · Jun 5, 2011

I agree that you should be able to do it - I found it was mostly how to read and interpret the research, rather than how to calculate stats yourself. There were several formulas etc but we did not have to memorize them. Maybe just talk to some programs - if you plan to teach nursing, it would be difficult if you can't interpret the nursing research, evidence-based practice etc.

SunnyPupRN · Jun 5, 2011

I agree that you should be able to do it - I found it was mostly how to read and interpret the research, rather than how to calculate stats yourself. There were several formulas etc but we did not have to memorize them. Maybe just talk to some programs - if you plan to teach nursing, it would be difficult if you can't interpret the nursing research, evidence-based practice etc.

Yikes, that's a scary thought! UGh...I'm starting to feel lost! I was between trying to go for the MSN -NP with certificate in psych, and MSN-ed. Thanks for the input. Maybe I'll look at the NP boards and see how they are, or see if I can shadow an NP.

Thank you SO much for everyone's thoughts!

bernadine33 · Jun 6, 2011

stats goes with research...you need that especially in interpretation of data......

mom2cka · Jun 6, 2011

I took stats as an undergrad, but within a psychology department - the emphasis was much less on math vs how to interpret the data, recognize good from bad, etc. I believe it's offered online still at css.edu. I started with Cs in math in 4th or 5th grade and didn't 'get it' until college when I had a great teacher who took the time to show it to me from a different perspective... that made stats so much easier - once I wasn't scared of the math piece of it. Good luck!

SunnyPupRN · Jun 6, 2011

OK- With all that said....should I be looking more at patient care [NP with certificate in psych], with I know will have to deal with a stats course in school but will probably be able to seek accomodations for my learning disability AND seeing pts one on one daily is not something that will require a career dependent on research interpretation?

allnurses Guide · Jun 7, 2011

No - I am in an ACNP program and just about every subject has a paper based on "evidence based practice" as all clinical practice is meant to be based on the evidence in the literature. You're going to need it in advanced practice nursing, whether NP or Ed - I would just concentrate on finding a class or program that is supportive and willing to work with you. I personally had a GREAT stats teacher and a GREAT research teacher in my MSN program that made it so easily digestible it was actually useful!

SunnyPupRN · Jun 7, 2011

No - I am in an ACNP program and just about every subject has a paper based on "evidence based practice" as all clinical practice is meant to be based on the evidence in the literature. You're going to need it in advanced practice nursing, whether NP or Ed - I would just concentrate on finding a class or program that is supportive and willing to work with you. I personally had a GREAT stats teacher and a GREAT research teacher in my MSN program that made it so easily digestible it was actually useful!

Ok, next question - now that I know that, I'm thinking that doing it online is not going to be supportive enough. What do you think?