Is taking Chem & Physiology together a bad idea??

[TarynV]

I’m in my last year of pre reqs. and need opinions. I have 3 choices. Those choices are to either

1. take a 8 week CNA course over Summer (which would get me 3 extra points on my application) and then take Chem. and Physiology in Fall 

OR 

2. Not do the CNA course and take just Chem. over Summer and just physiology in the fall...what do you guys think? Is phys and Chem a heavy load for one semester? I’m really trying to get A’s in both. I’m currently taking Micro and Anat. this semester and it’s going okay so far. 

Any opinions welcome! 

[caliotter3]

I would split the two science classes. Physiology is the more important class for an A. Take it in the fall after getting the chem done this Summer. If you want to load up, take the CNA course along with the chem. JMO

[Kendrer]

I was doing my pre req's (one at a time because I work and had young kids at the time).  There were a few people in my Physio class that took Physio and Chem at the same time.  I thought they were crazy!  Not sure how well they did, because that is A LOT of material to study and recall at the same time!   So your situation also depends on a lot: are you able to just go to school and not work?  Or do you also have other responsibilities while taking two pre req's at the same time?

If getting an A in both classes would give you more points on your total GPA upon applying to nursing school over having a CNA, I would go one at a time on those classes.  I have a 20+year old chem class that I was able to use for the two schools I applied to that I only got a C in, but I got an A in all my other pre reqs that it was enough to bump me up.  IF I don't get in to one of the schools I applied to this round, then I will re-take chem to get a better grade, but only if I HAVE to!!

[TarynV]

@Kendrer thank you for that advice! I’m actually lucky enough to be doing just school and no work or other commitments. It’s really just physiology I need an A in because it’s weight but Chem is not and I could slip by with a B. Anat., Micro, and Phys. are weighted together and Chem is just a yes/no if and when you took it. So that makes me think maybe I’ll be able to take them at the same time? 

[Kendrer]

@TarynV that’s great that you can just focus on school!  If you get an A in Physio and pass chem how many points will that get you?  More than the 5 for CNA?  If the points you get are much higher for Anna in Physio, I would just take Physio by itself so you can focus 100% on that class. Once you get an a then you can take Chem and be less stressed. 

[marquisdelafayette]

This is hard to answer because it depends on you and your abilities! I took multiple sciences every semester and still made it through easily with A's. If you're strong in science and you know how you need to study to do your best, chem and phys are completely doable together. However, if you need more time with subjects and are at all worried about it, split them up. The CNA course would be amazing for your application, but it's not worth doing if it means your GPA suffers. 

[TarynV]

@Kendrer I am very grateful I’m able to just focus on school right now! Anat., Phys, and Micro are weighted together so I’m gonna try to ace them all so I can 27 points, rather than 25, for being in the 4.0 GPA bracket for that section. CNA license will get me 3 extra points, I thought it was 5. But every point counts! 

[TarynV]

@marquisdelafayette I’m taking anatomy and micro together this semester so I think I’ll make up my mind once I see how this semester goes! Haha I would be doing the 6-8 week CNA course over Summer while only taking my English 1C class and possibly my HHP activity class but I don’t think that will be too bad at all. I’m used to a heavy load of classes so I’m looking forward to Summer! Thanks for your advice! 

[Nurse_USA, BSN, RN]

@TarynV

I think it really depends on the point system. It sounds like by your calculation that it count more to do the CNA course and get 3 points than to get an A in physio. I did a similar thing taking Anatomy and Chem together and Physio and Microbio. People thought I was crazy, but it's manageable if you have the time and disciple to focus.

[TarynV]

@Nurse Coach USA the difference on my application between getting an A and a B in Physio would be 5 points because it bumps be down to the lower GPA bracket for that weighted section. And having a CNA license is 3 points (no hours necessary just the license obtained) so that’s not too bad. I’m also retaking a higher English class(sadly got a C the first go round) so I’ll get at least 5 more points from that (hopefully 10) because an A=15pts, B=10pts, C=5pts. So with at least a B in my new English class, A’s in Anat, Physio, and Micro., the CNA license and at least a 76 on my TEAS I’m looking at like 74 points total which is a good competitive points total for my local program. Thank you for all the advice!!