Need advice on how to approach my pre-reqs

[RainbowHead]

I'll be signing up for the Spring of 2017. Here are the pre-reqs my CC requires before entering the ADN program.

Human Anatomy & Physiology I (3 Credits)

Human Anatomy & Physiology I LAB (1 credit)

Math course with prefix: MAC, MGF or STA (3 credits)

Developmental Psychology (3 credits)

Principles of Nutrition (3 credits)

Human Anatomy & Physiology II (3 credits)

Human Anatomy & Physiology II LAB (1 credit)

Microbiology (3 credits)

Microbiology LAB (1 credit)

General Psychology (3 credits)

Humanities I, II or III (3 credits)

English Composition I (3 credits)

Total = 30 credits

I only want to take 2 classes at a time (MW) because I will be working 2 part-time jobs 4 days a week. Thursdays are reserved to be my one off day of the week so that I can have time with my boyfriend and family and not drive myself crazy.

I was thinking I would take English and Math first. Classes with labs such as A&P should be taken alone since they could be more challenging. Feel free to criticize.

[gere7404, BSN, RN]

I recommend sociology over philosophy. If you've got a "nursing mind" the crap they sell you in philosophy is going to drive you nuts...

Incredibly solid advice. A lot of people who do well in sciences, where answers are more or less definitive, had difficulties in philosophy, where the answers are more vague and subjective -- they're more opinion based rather than fact based.

I found for social science electives, psychology was the most useful for me working in s behavioral health facility because it gave me insight into the mental health conditions I see every day.

[crazydoglady89]

While I'm aware that A&P is difficult (I'm done with those, so I get it!), I think you are safe to pair them with a less time consuming course such as nutrition or one of the psych courses. While my nutrition course was pretty challenging (my professor was pretty hardcore), it was doable with my A&P. I also took dev psych with AP1 and did completely fine. You might take too long if you take these 1 or 2 at a time. You'll find that not every single course is offered every single semester, so be aware of that.

I work more than full time and while this was a challenge (I don't have much of a social life!) it was doable, and this is all short term. I would take at least two classes. I personally think I could have handled 3 (for example, AP and psych and nutrition would have been doable, but I also took them online), but I know this varies person to person and how much you are willing to give up. I only had to take 6 pre reqs, though. It didn't matter if I took 2 at a time or 6 because my program only admits once a year anyhow.

With your timeline I would definitely double up, maybe even triple depending on how much you work. Two part time jobs could mean 20 hours or it could mean 60...so.

[GourmandG]

Reconsider only taking 2 classes per semester because it'll take forever to finish! If your ADN program uses a lottery system like mine, you may not be selected on the first round which means more waiting. Is it possible to cut back on expenses and just work 1 part time job? Change your hours?

Like someone else said, not all classes are offered every semester. Additionally, new students get first dibs on classes and the longer you've been there, the later your registration date will be! That one class you need may be full by the time it's your turn to sign up.

If you haven't, take the Math and English assessment and get placed. You wouldn't want to save math for last to realize you need 3 semesters of it and none of them can be taken concurrently.

Take A&P1 as soon as possible in order to take part 2. These classes fill up fast. And try to take them back to back. I do agree to take A&P1 by itself. It was my first true science” class and I had to adjust my studying style and barely passed! 2 was easier since I formed better study habits.

You could probably do Humanities 1, English and Gen Psyc in one semester. Read the class descriptions first to get an idea of the workload. Also Rate My Professors - Review Teachers and Professors, School Reviews, College Campus Ratings to get an idea of the teaching style and assignments.

Are you able to take any classes over summer? Look into weekend, night, once a week and classes that lasts 5 or 8 weeks. While working part time, I was able to take 4 classes one semester because two of them, were once a week. Another time, I took A&P2 and an 8 week Stat class so it only overlapped at the end.

I recommend against taking a dosage calculation and med term class and the likes because there's a reason why they're not pre reqs – you don't need them! Your professors will cover what is needed. Those are extra classes that you're spending valuable time and money on! It's taking the place of a class that you actually need. What if you had to repeat a class? Plus, financial aid only covers so much and those units will count toward your max cap.

Good luck!

[busybeeSN]

I started out slow my first semester was Eng and Psy and my second semester was Eng and Math. I did really well and it helped prepare me for what college was like after being out of school for 7 years. The next year I took a full coorifice load the whole year, to make sure I could handle a bit more stress, and it was really not that difficult. I wouldn't change anything, I started slow and worked my way to more work once I felt comfortable handling it. I think it's a great idea.

[busybeeSN]

Also check with your school, at the university I attend, the higher level students register for classes first and new students register last. That's nice taking your harder classes a little later, because you can pick the professor and time you want.

[dorineidan]

Hey!! I'm on my last semester of nursing pre req's usually classes that do not require a lab can be taken online so you that can help you take more classes in a semester. if you are that busy I wouldn't recommend to take bio, micro or H.A& P during the summer as it is accelerated. I do not know about your school but those 4 courses run about 4-6 hours long and require a lot of memorization so dedicating time to study is important. Here is a schedule I would take if u were in your position.

Fall 2016

enc - online

mac - online ( if you are good at math)

bio - onsit M/W

spring 2017

micro- onsite M/W

developmental psy online

diet nutrition thera. Online

summer 2017

hum online

psy. Online

fall 2017

ha&p 1 onsite M/W

spring 2018

ha&p 2 m/W

this is is the schedule I would do if I had 2 jobs and only one day off hope this helps and gives you an idea of how to plan your courses good luck!

[dorineidan]

It's not a race and considering she works 2 jobs taking on more courses could actually hurt her as nursing pre req's usually require a 3.0 combined gpa to get into the nursing program. It doesn't matter how long it takes her to reach her goal as long as it is reached.. Just because it takes someone a long time doesn't mean they are less likely then someone who takes 15 credits a semester to finish..

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I took 1 science plus 1 non science for most of my semesters. A few terms, I took 11-14 units. I did it that way because I have a couple of kids and worked a little bit and wanted to score A grades.

I initially wanted to get into the competitive BSN program. Then, life challenges occurred and I decided to earn my CNA, then LVN/PN. I eventually transferred to an RN program and am now working as an RN.

It took me 6 yrs!

Good luck to you! You can do it!!