New to college and don't understand

caliotter3 · Jun 10, 2009

First of all, take a deep breath and relax! This is not that hard to deal with. The counselor was telling you to get going with your registration because you want to get your prereqs done so you can apply to the nursing program. You will see just how hard this is. My physio instructor said he was watching registration one time and his class filled in less than ten minutes on the first day. You would have to take classes to remain in school if you don't get registered in prereqs. There are other classes, like US History, that you will need to get your degree. They have nothing to do with nursing.

You will do most of your study at home. How long it takes depends on your study habits, how much time you have available, and how long it takes you to master the material. You will see that your school schedule is way different from high school. You won't be attending from 8 to 3 M-F, most likely. Your anatomy class may meet for four hours a day on M and Wednesday. Your psych class could meet for three hours once a week on Thurs night from 6 to 9 pm. Look at the schedule of classes online to see when the classes meet. You can also go to the bookstore on campus and buy a copy of the class schedule.

All those nursing classes are the actual nursing program. Don't know why they were listed with the others. Any other questions, feel free to ask here.

Tonyapate · Jun 10, 2009

Well, I took a breath but hardly relaxed yet..lol.. Anyways thank you for taking the time and breaking this down for me. I will see if I can find a schedule to buy. So, what is the usual pre reqs to get in? What did you have to take? Thanks for the guidence.

thinkertdm · Jun 10, 2009

Congratulations!

Each semester, you have to have 12-15 credit hours to be considered a "full time" student. The problem is, there are only a limited number of classes available each semester, and other students who register early fill them up. Then you would be stuck taking other classes to maintain a "full time" status. Don't worry, each and every class makes you a better person.

The other thing is that, depending on which combination of courses, your schedule each semester will be different. I've had classes 8-9 in the morning, then a 4 hour break, then another class at 2-3. Not the best schedule, but if you register late, you have to take what you can.

caliotter3 · Jun 10, 2009

Those listed seem a little heavy (humanities). Some schools will only require micro, anat, phys, English before applying. Others will also require psych, maybe soc. Each school is different in what they require before you apply. Some will want all prereqs done before the application, others will allow some corequisites to be taken at the same time as nursing classes. You will find it easier on yourself if you take as much as possible prior to nursing courses. Required for me: Micro, physiology, anatomy, English 101, Biology (prerequisite to anatomy), math prior to applying. Psych, developmental psych, sociology (or humanities), speech to be taken with nursing courses. Like I said, each school has their own requirements and their own sequence of doing them. You should go to the school's website and look for the schedule of classes online before you make a trip to the school.

Tonyapate · Jun 10, 2009

Thank you all so much!:bowingpur

kittens2008 · Jun 10, 2009

Here is a list of all the classes I took before applying to the nursing program. Even though I can do Microbiology, Psych, Sociology, Life-Span, a "humanities/fine arts elective", and English 103 during the nursing course, I have gotten all but the english out of the way already so I am not bogged down by those classes. Here are the classes:

Intermediate algebra (I also had to take Intro to algebra 1st because I tested low in math placement)

English Comp 101

Principles of Sociology

Psychology (general/101)

History of American Music (my fine arts elective)

Life-Span Development (I am doing this now)

Introduction to Software Applications (I HAD to do this computer class as a prerequisite for the RN program!!)

General Biology

Concepts of Chemistry

Anatomy & Physiology I

Anatomy & Physiology II

Microbiology

Now all I have to get done is 1 more English class before next fall (2010). I plan to do that next summer in between nursing semesters. I hope this helps you! Not all colleges are exactly the same, but this will give you an idea. I am sure I will have to do other things (like History) once I continue from my Associates to a Bachelors.

peytonsmom · Jun 10, 2009

The best way I can explain it is that in order to do well in the actual nursing classes, the school feels that you need to have a solid background knowledge of several things including math, science (specifically Bio, A&P and Micro), and English (for all those papers you'll be writing) and so on. So they have you take these classes before you enter into the program.

It can also be used as a way to weed out some applicants since nursing programs are competitive admissions. So if you do poorly in A&P and your other science classes they feel you wouldn't do very well in the actual nursing classes because those classes build on that previous knowledge.

hth

wooh, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2009

Talk to your advisor, ask your advisor these questions, that's what they are there for, to advise!!

Tonyapate · Jun 10, 2009

Kittens:Introduction to Software Applications ( I HAD to do this computer class as a prerequisite for the RN program!!)

You made me giggle the way you typed that...lol... I wouldn't want to take that either.

Tonyapate · Jun 10, 2009

quote "talk to your advisor, ask your advisor these questions, that's what they are there for, to advise!!

did you not read my post "i wanted insight before talking to my advisor" thanks for the info though. i have an appointment next week to speak with an advisor. take care

kittens2008 · Jun 10, 2009

Ha! I just thought it was ridiculous that I had to pay for a class to learn word/Excel/Powerpoint when I have been using them in my office job since I was like 18 years old, and I use them all the time at home. I felt like it was a waste of money, but I got an A for the class, so it kept that GPA up, so I guess there was something good about it. :yeah:

I am starting the RN classes for fall.... I am a little nervous, August 26 is coming awfully fast, especially with a summer class. During orientation they told us what to be ready for that 1st week - i have like 5 chapters to read and study before we even begin!