Number of classes?

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Hi, I am starting nursing school in the fall and I have noticed on some other threads people referring to taking more than 3 classes at a time being too difficult. I am scheduled for around 7 classes (18 credit hours) just for the fall semester. I also have a one year old son and a husband. Is this possible? I thought it wouldnt be a big deal until I noticed the discussions on other threads. Thanks! :)

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I think it depends what classes youre taking. Im finishing up my pre-reqs, and I have 4 (12 credits) for the summer and this fall Im taking 5 (15 credits) but I have no children and work part time. The actual nursing courses at my school are 9 credits, once I start thouse in June, Im looking at doing one nursing course, and one elective, I need 12 credits for financial aid. My brother is a nursing student also, finishing his pre-reqs also and only takes 2 a semester - it depends on your time mgmt skills and study skills

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For my accelerated program I took 6 nursing classes in Spring semester. (Med-Surg 1, Med-Surg 2, Pharm, Communities, Psych, and Maternity)

And it was HARD. Not impossible, but hard. I have a husband and no children, and I didn't work. The people who had families didn't work, and the people who worked didn't have families, which I think worked out for a lot of people. The important thing is to manage your time well, and you'll do fine though!

Are they all nursing classes or are some of the gen ed?

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They are most gen ed classes; algebra, chemistry, english, A&P, Microbiology, psychology, human nutrition

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Holy, you can prove me wrong, but under normal circumstances that class load is borderline suicidal. Hey, if you can get As without studying or need minimal studying time, go for it if you must. It's not even studying, the hours of homework alone. Even students with no work or family obligations would look at that, cry, and proceed to split those classes for the next semester.

Personally I wouldn't advise it, I don't think any sane person in here would either especially if you are trying to maintain a 3.5+ GPA, but hey people on these boards do the impossible, but it's because they have to, if you're in that situation good luck.

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This is going to be my first semester in college after 5 years of being out of H.S and being a homemaker. Those are the classes the school (Its a private school) recomends entering freshman take their first semester. I didnt think it was that many but the more I talk to people, the more scared I get about how do-able this class load is.....I do plan on keeping a 3.5+ GPA, I take school very seriously

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Wow....IMO that's way too many classes at once! I know I'd end up a pysch patient after that. Seriously...do NOT overdo yourself like that...I don't care how smart you are. Not being ******, just trying to help...that's just a lot. Good luck!

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They are most gen ed classes; algebra, chemistry, english, A&P, Microbiology, psychology, human nutrition

I think you'll be OK. It'll take dedication, but it's doable. Are you required, or is it just recommended? A&P and Micro at the same time will be the hardest together in my opinion. Is your husband ready to take a leading role in parenting? Because that will help a lot (or so I've been told by others).

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Last semester I took a total of 23 credits because I really wanted to finish all the prerequisites and have the summer off... so I took gen chem I, geography, microbiology with lab, ethics, Spanish II (gen ed), Intercultural Communication and intro to nursing (nursing prereqs). I finished all courses with As BUT all this while having no kid, no job and no hubby either. So it is doable but it all comes down to how motivated you are really. Perhaps how tolerating/ supportive is your husband also... with the little one you will need his help most likely.

Hope it helps, Good luck!

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I think that load is doable, but rough, chem, english, nutrition and algebra in my opinion aren't too bad. Im taking AP and Micro this fall and spring - but I have heard each of those are pretty rough, if youre really strong in science then go for it

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I would say try and drop down to five. I took A&P and Micro and had no problems at all so I personally don't think it matters which two but I think with a one year old it might be an overload.

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Specializes in ED.
They are most gen ed classes; algebra, chemistry, english, A&P, Microbiology, psychology, human nutrition

What's your hurry?

I am a single mom with a very busy 10 year old. When I started she was 8. I think this is too much. You will have a lab with the A&P, chem, and the Micro class. That's another 3 or so hours per lab each week. That's NINE hours just to be in labs. At my school, chances are these classes would overlap and wouldn't even be a possibility. Heck, I wouldn't have been able to afford that many classes and books all at one time either.

Once it got into the nursing program, we did have to take 4 classes each week plus one 4 hour lab per week, an 8 hour lab and an 8 hour clinical. I think we had a total of 24 hours per week. The instructors were at least a little flexible and would try to not schedule tests on the same day. General ed class teachers aren't going to be so forgiving and flexible.

If it were me, I would scale back my load which would give me a better shot at better grades and WAY less stress. An extra semester won't kill you.

meredith

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