New student: Should I take anatomy and chemistry together?

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Hello, let me start off with a little about myself. I just decided recently to go back to school for nursing (I have my BS in psychology and have a pretty decent job, but its very stressful (I work with kids with severe behavior problelms and come home stressed at the end of the day, and some times even banged up from putting them in physical restraints! and im a pretty small girl) I have been out of school for almost four years.

My question is- does anyone have any experience taking anatomy and chemistry together and have any advice about whether or not to do it? I want to be able to start the nursing program by 2010 and if I don't take them together (or with physiology or microbiology) I wont be able to start until 2011. That just seems like a long time for a 2 year degree, when I already have all of my other pre-reqs done from my other degree. But then again I dont want to fail my first semester... Some other details about me, I am pretty horrible at math, I can usually pass anything if I put my mind to it, but I need A's in these classes, I have never taken such hard classes together, and havent taken a science in years. Anyways, thanks for your input, I just found out about this site and its great! The little icons are great too! :bowingpur Please! Advice! Classes start in two weeks!

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I took those two classes at the same time and it was no problem for me. Chemistry is easy as long as you have had algebra, you do need the algebraic equation for that course. The prof reviewed it for us, as I recall. I really loved chemistry!

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

If you are looking for a less stressful career, are you sure you want to pursue nursing?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Of the three classes you mentioned, probably anatomy would be the best to take chemistry with if you have to take it with one of them. Physiology presumes you know the basics of chemistry, because human physiology is nothing but chemical reactions. Microbiology presumes a little chemistry as well, but you could probably take chemistry with it, but it's probably best to take micro after anatomy, so your plan sounds doable, especially since you know yourself by already having taken many classes already.

Good luck.

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Specializes in NICU.

I just returned to school after three years and took anatomy and chemistry together this past fall semester. I hadn't taken a science class in years as well and was very intimidated going into it, but I managed to do well in both. Anatomy is mostly memorization so you must have the time to put into it, and I was surprised at how easily chemistry came to me. The math part of it was not as difficult as I thought it would be...my teacher gave a lot of practice problems as homework and it really helped (although it was very time consuming!). If your teacher doesn't assign much homework it might be a good idea to get a study guide with practice problems. I think if you have the time and put in the effort you will be fine. Good luck!

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Specializes in Maternity.

i took intro to chemistry along with a&p1 and did just fine :) i didn't find this combination very difficult to manage

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Wow, thanks for the quick responses! I feel more confident now about taking the two together. As far as my job being stressful, I only mentioned it because I am going to be working while taking classes. If all of you guys did it and did well that makes me feel alot better!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

I don't see why not, I'm taking A&P I along with Chem this semester (got Dietary Nutrition in there as well). Of course maybe I should let you know how I do *after* I'm done, lol

Update: Finished with those classes and got A's in all of them. AP and Chem together is certainly doable.

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Specializes in Cardiology, LTC, SANE.

I took A&P 2 and Chem 2 this past semester, and it wasn't too bad. As long as you put time into them, you'll be fine! :)

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watch your drop date. if it gets to be too much, you would do better to take them seperate and pass both.

just my :twocents:

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Agree with Seasoned hopeful.

Working full time and taking these time-consuming classes can be a daunting task.

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You've just described me. I also have a B.A. in psychology. I used to worked with students with special needs. I'm currently a long-term sub teacher in a Biology & Health high school class. I would like to go into nursing. How did you do on taking chem & anatomy together? I'll be doing this on Fall 2009. Any insight?

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