NEED ADVICE-starting pre-req's at Gateway!!

U.S.A. Arizona

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Hello- I know there are alot of Phoenix pre-nursing students out there and I really would appreciate any advice. Specifically- I just I am about halfway through my pre-req's for the RN program attending Gateway CC this summer. I know there is always that little tip of advice that many of you like myself figured out after it was too late. For example, I wish someone had told me that it is not really necessary to sit in class for Med. terminology 145AA and just take it online. Basically I sit there for 2 1/2 hours twice a week to listen to my teacher read words that I need to memorize on my own anyway. Nice lady- but little things like that that you find out later. Also- I am not sure if its because its summer school, but I am finding Gateway to be kind of strange. A strange mix of people. It doesn't have a very college-feel to it. I have heard from talking to others that Mesa CC is really the best campus all around. Do you find that to be true? In addition, I have heard consistently from my advisor that its only a semester wait for people who want to go full time and do not care what campus- but that this year its more like a 2 semester wait- Any input? Also, I am taking A&P 1 this fall with G- have any of you had him- if so, I'd like your thoughts. Basically- I just want some feedback or advice and to chat with anyone that's working their way through Maricopa's RN program. Can't wait to hear back from any of you! Thanks!

Yeah, I go to RIO too for A&P. Alot of drawbacks for me, but also a few pluses. I REALLY miss lecture for this one, but LOVE LOVE LOVED my HCC 130 and HCC 145AA online. Science I think is typically harder online, and the RIO Perception System can be a real pain (that is the program you do your labs in). The biggest problem with A&P, which cannot be remedied by any class form, is the sheer amount of information they expect you to absorb and retain in one semester. Frightening! You only suck up about 20% of it in the end anyway! I suppose that is what Patho steps in for..the rest!:) I don't have kids, but if you do, online would be really nice. And, I think I really learned just as much. I would have liked the one-on-one help with some of the concepts, that is why I miss a physical class. But, I have no choice, since the physical A&P's are so hard to get in to!!!

I tried algebra online...boy, was that a mistake!!! I needed a teacher to explain to me, since I am mathematically challenged! LOL I'm trying to take a couple on-campus courses and one online every semester...this semester, I'm only taking my HCC online, because I'm taking the EMT course, and it's 8 credit hours as it is!!!

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I had Dr.G for A&P II at another college. One of the best insructors I've ever had. Tough but, fair. You will really learn your stuff in his class.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
the RIO Perception System can be a real pain (that is the program you do your labs in).

Huh? I'm taking A&P through Rio right now, and I don't understand what you mean by the program you do your labs in. I do my labs just like I do all my other homework. I've never heard of the "perception system" and this is the third science class w/lab that I've taken through Rio.

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Specializes in cardiac/education.
Huh? I'm taking A&P through Rio right now, and I don't understand what you mean by the program you do your labs in. I do my labs just like I do all my other homework. I've never heard of the "perception system" and this is the third science class w/lab that I've taken through Rio.

Kerry..

I am talking about the errors the system makes when it grades your labs. The "system" they use is called Perception. I know this because every time I go to take a final or mid-term, it is down and we cannot use the computers. The only time you see a hint of it is when you try to access a lab that you have accessed too many times...it says something concerning "Perception". But, I am sure my class is just like yours...big diagrams, bunch of drop-down arrows, fill in the blanks, and short answer. Essays..blah, blah.

Haven't you had to dispute a grade and/or question yet? Do you review yours after you submit? Sometimes it wants two answers in one blank and then sometimes it wants two answers in two blanks (to the same question). If you do it wrong (but get the fundamental answer right) it doesn't give you any points and then you have to email the instructor. Not horrible, but somewhat of a nuisance when your time is already pretty precious!LOL!!

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
Kerry..

I am talking about the errors the system makes when it grades your labs. The "system" they use is called Perception. I know this because every time I go to take a final or mid-term, it is down and we cannot use the computers. The only time you see a hint of it is when you try to access a lab that you have accessed too many times...it says something concerning "Perception". But, I am sure my class is just like yours...big diagrams, bunch of drop-down arrows, fill in the blanks, and short answer. Essays..blah, blah.

Haven't you had to dispute a grade and/or question yet? Do you review yours after you submit? Sometimes it wants two answers in one blank and then sometimes it wants two answers in two blanks (to the same question). If you do it wrong (but get the fundamental answer right) it doesn't give you any points and then you have to email the instructor. Not horrible, but somewhat of a nuisance when your time is already pretty precious!LOL!!

Oooooohhh. Now I know what you're talking about. I didn't know it was called Perception. Yes, I've quickly learned that I need to go over my score/answers with a fine-tooth comb because it often grades a question incorrect when it is indeed correct. For example, one question was what tissue comprises skin. I answered "keratinized stratified squamous epithelium" and it marked my answer wrong because the answer the computer had was "stratified squamous epithelium." :angryfire It also graded one of my questions wrong because the COMPUTER (my instructor?) had spelled the word WRONG! So yeah, this is a little frustrating that I have to check over the computer/instructor's work and second-guess my grade all the time.

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Specializes in cardiac/education.
Oooooohhh. Now I know what you're talking about. I didn't know it was called Perception. Yes, I've quickly learned that I need to go over my score/answers with a fine-tooth comb because it often grades a question incorrect when it is indeed correct. For example, one question was what tissue comprises skin. I answered "keratinized stratified squamous epithelium" and it marked my answer wrong because the answer the computer had was "stratified squamous epithelium." :angryfire It also graded one of my questions wrong because the COMPUTER (my instructor?) had spelled the word WRONG! So yeah, this is a little frustrating that I have to check over the computer/instructor's work and second-guess my grade all the time.

LOL Kerry!! I think I got that exact same question wrong for the same reason!!:)

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

And another lovely example of the shortcomings of the Perception system. It marked all four of my responses wrong because I put spaces between my dashes. :rolleyes:

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