Is it true that patho, pharm, and adv assessment are weed-out classes?

Trauma Columnist · Jan 2, 2015

Not weed out classes but rather the basis for advanced practice. Best way to review is thru your basic A&P, assessment and pharm.

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Jan 2, 2015

I have had Adv Patho and Adv. Health assessment, taking Pharm this spring. As far as weed out classes, we have to get at least an 83 in those three classes to continue in the program (and have an 83 average at the end of the program in the other classes). I can only speak for my experience so far, but if you can't pass these classes, you aren't ready for advance practice. I think it is much like registered nursing school, some people just are not prepared to devote the time to study and learn, because it's difficult material to master and it should be. So in that framework, yes it is a weed-out class for those people not prepared to take it seriously.....but if you are prepared to devote effort in studying it should not be impossible to pass.

nursejl1 · Jan 4, 2015

Okay, thanks! Are they to be taken in a certain order? So, is it best to take pathophysiology first, then advanced health assessment, and pharmacology last? Good luck to all in the program! It's hard work but I'm sure it'll be all worth it at the end! :)

zmansc, ASN, RN · Jan 5, 2015

They cover alot of material and require a strong effort, but I don't believe they or any class is a weed-out class in that the professors are more than willing to work with any students to help them with the material. My entire program is laid out at the beginning, so they are in a particular order, but that is defined by the school. Each school is able to define their program and your flexibility in how you take these classes as they desire.

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Jan 5, 2015

I have had the same experience with my professors as zmansc, most of them are extremely helpful............

then there's the patho professor:devil:

nursejl1 · Jan 5, 2015

How many hours should I put aside for studying? And any study tips on show to master the reading? Thx!

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2015

I don't believe that the particular classes are weed out classes but I think that requiring all three in the first semester of a program is a weeding out process.

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Jan 6, 2015

As far as studying, only you know how fast/well you learn. For myself I started studying Patho in particular 2 1/2 weeks before the exams (of which there were only 2 on which your whole semester grade was based upon and needed to be 83 or above). Average 150 questions, extremely in-depth knowledge required. I passed with an A, others unfortunately, failed out. I am not a "leave anything to chance" type of person so I study my tail off. Other classes like health assessment were pretty easy but required a lot of tedious writing of SOAP notes and practicals.

I used every resource available to understand the material presented in Patho, textbooks, internet, notes, etc.

nursejl1 · Jan 6, 2015

Thank you!! That helps me a lot to understand what I should be prepared for! I heard some students putting in 20 hours of studying a week for it! Patho and pharmacology are tough I heard. Any other ones I should prepare to take by themselves?

sherri12 · Jan 10, 2015

I just finished advanced patho and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I ended up with a 96% in the class. I actually enjoyed the class, even though it was a LOT of work. I am in my first week of pharm and find it similar.

mtsteelhorse · Jan 10, 2015

20 hours a week is not an unreasonable expectation for the more challenging, in depth courses. A lot depends on what you bring to the table from your prior studies.