Just Starting off with my prereq's

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Hello Everyone,

In the fall I will be just beginning taking my pre req's needed for the nursing course which is just starting at my community college. I want my chances of getting in the nursing program to be very high, is there any advice that you all can give me? I was also wondering if there is anything that I can study now that will be beneficial to me once accepted into the program. I've really worked hard and came a long way in order to pay for classes, so now that I don't have that stress any longer I want a smooth well... as smooth as possible ride from here. Any suggestions are welcomed .:geek:

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Hello Everyone,

In the fall I will be just beginning taking my pre req's needed for the nursing course which is just starting at my community college. I want my chances of getting in the nursing program to be very high, is there any advice that you all can give me? I was also wondering if there is anything that I can study now that will be beneficial to me once accepted into the program. I've really worked hard and came a long way in order to pay for classes, so now that I don't have that stress any longer I want a smooth well... as smooth as possible ride from here. Any suggestions are welcomed .:geek:

Pretty much what PPs have been suggesting; a few more:

Shop around for various nursing programs; find out what are their required coursework entails an tailor your course selection that way; if your CC has dual degree programs, try to see if they have a program where you can get your Associates, then get your Bachelor's in Nursing.

DON'T pigeonhole yourself to JUST one program...if you have the opportunity and mobility, cast your net wide for your nursing education.

Learn how you best learn and study...those are important factors in your success.

Connect and build a rapport with your instructors as much as possible...they are teaching and providing you material that will be groundwork that will assist in your success in nursing school.

I know nursing school is waaay off, but I ALWAYS suggest this book: Critical Thinking and nursing judgment...I LOVE this book...I STILL use this book, despite being a nurse for 8 years. It's helpful now, in nursing school, as a new nurse and a seasoned nurse. Critical Thinking is essential in life; and it's the foundation of nursing practice-nursing is an application process profession, consistent of constant problem solving. It is a learning curve of thinking like a nurse and leaving what is MOST prudent.

I hope to see you a part of this profession...:yes: Sending positive vibes for your success! :up::up::up::up:

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I thought........ pondering here, but I was under the impression that your BSN is the same two years of core nursing courses as if you were getting your ADN, plus your clinicals (as with ADN), plus an additional two years of the Arts and Humanities. I think you have to do pre reqs for your BSN same as you do for your ADN, one to two years, which puts your degree at five to six years. I may be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.

You're correct. While I was working on my undergraduate degree the nursing students would complete their bsn in about 6 years at the very least and that's only if you did everything on time. There is the nursing prereqs you have to take on top of the general education requirement you must also complete to receive a bachelors degree.

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I would concentrate on:

1. Getting A's.

2. Master self-study skills.

3. Learn A&P, and Physiology well

4. If you have personal items that require your time, and hinder you from getting good grades, then consider going part-time. As you really will need the A's.

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Thanks for the encouragement, I don't know you but you make me proud lol

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A lot of hospitals prefer the BSN over ADN so I would consider doing the BSN.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

You're correct. While I was working on my undergraduate degree the nursing students would complete their bsn in about 6 years at the very least and that's only if you did everything on time. There is the nursing prereqs you have to take on top of the general education requirement you must also complete to receive a bachelors degree.

Really? I took my gen eds for the BSN while I am taking the nursing prereqs. I went half time for a year, took a semester off, and it will still only end up being 5 years when I graduate with my BSN.

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Hi Ambition88,

Congratulations- Im sure you're going to do just marvelous.... My advice would be to take an "easy" class with a difficult one.. Example: If you're going to school full time (12 or more credits) and were planning to start your science courses , I would enroll in Anatomy/Physiology I w/lab and take a humanities course like Art or Music appreciation (if you need to fulfill those requirements).. Don't stress your self by taking on a tedious course load... Your gpa may suffer for it. That way you are able to focus on the harder course work and retain the information better- not to mention nursing school is competitive, so you want to make sure you get a great gpa and pick up some good study skills along the way. Trust me, I was a big dummy trying to take Chemistry and College Algebra at the same time, along with 2 other courses.. Totally not a good look for me ( I suck at math lol) Good luck

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Specializes in Hospice.

I wonder if maybe it has something to do with how long you have been out of school. For example, I have been out a loooooong time, so I had remedial courses to take before I could even take the nursing pre reqs. If I had been fresh out of high school I probably could have done without several of my courses.

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Really? I took my gen eds for the BSN while I am taking the nursing prereqs. I went half time for a year, took a semester off, and it will still only end up being 5 years when I graduate with my BSN.

Same, all the BSN programs around here are 4 years total - 2 for gen ed. and 2 of actual nursing classes. Technically the ADN program are 2 years but most of have switched to a point system to eliminate wait lists. So most people take all the non nursing classes to earn points so ADN programs tend to be 1.5 years part time taking A&P, psychology, english, etc. then 2 years of nursing classes (credit hours for the semester can range from 8-12). A full load around here is 15-16 hours.

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OP - Just dont slack off, keep your GPA high and absorb all the info you can from your science classes as that will help with your nursing entrance exam. Mainly keep up your GPA. That's your ticket in ☺

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This advice applies to any major. When you start taking classes, some will come easier than others. You will likely "hit the wall" from time to time, get frustrated, question if its even worth it.... During those times is when your mental toughness will have to prevail. Surround yourself with friends/family that will encourage you to push forward. If you slip in a subject, don't quit!!! If your studying and something is not clicking, instead of stressing, take a break and gather your thoughts. If your part of a study group, use them to help you get over hurdles. Most Importantly.... NEVER GIVE UP.

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Hi Madelynsmom

Are you planning on still working like that when you start the program? I have a job were I work 7 days a week 2 days off a month and I am starting my pre-req this Fall as well. I am really contemplating quiting because I heard that school will need all my devotion. Espcially with it being so competive. It would be nice to hear what your plans are?

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