Nursing Prerequisites

GaGal777 · Oct 30, 2010

I have the same problem....reading comprehension. I am more of a "hands on person". If you show me how to do it, then I can do it.

About your question...there are numerous online study guides. I have a friend taking Anatomy and Physiology. She purchased flash cards with the drawings and labeling for the bones, the nervous system,etc. The description of what each one does is on the back. They are awesome! She bought them at Border's but said they can be purchased at other book stores. The entire set was $30.

I hope this helps. Good Luck! :lvan:

SLM3 · Oct 30, 2010

Borders & Barnes and Noble have a lot of good books on these subjects. You should definitely start with anatomy & get a good understanding of it before moving on to physio & pharm!

caliotter3 · Oct 30, 2010

Some schools make you take biology before anatomy or physiology, so you might want to start there for some basic concepts. You have a good idea to get started now to give yourself that extra time to catch up. And be aware that there are people who take their nursing prerequisite courses one at a time to insure they get straight A's. Just as long as you are aware which schools require the science courses to be less than five years old. And whereever you are in your high school curriculum, make certain you get biology, algebra 1, algebra 2, chemistry on your plate while you are in high school. It will help you tremendously in college. If your high school has anatomy, then take anatomy in high school. And get with your counsellor and learn how to access any kind of academic help now. Learn how to use study centers, tutors, libraries, any kind of academic counselling now. Seek out help with the disabilities office if your school has one. The college you attend might have a disabilities office. You should check it out. Good luck.

greenfiremajick · Oct 30, 2010

Ok guys, I have some brain damage, nobody can tell though. I do find it harder to read and think, but I think I can do ok. I am 16 right now, and I know I cannot do 4-5 classes in college, I will get way behind. So I want to find out how to learn Pharmacology, Anatomy & Physiology, on my own for now. Do they have books online that I can buy.
I am going to study my prereq classes before I take them.

I love love love the Khan Academy videos...Go to youtube.com and look them up!

happy2learn · Oct 30, 2010

In all honesty, if you have problems with reading & comprehension, I don't think studying study guides before you get into college will help.

I don't learn my best by reading either. When I took A&P, Microbiology, and math classes, I always learned the best when I was doing something. When I saw what I read in action, whether that was watching my Professor inflate a lung, drawing a diagram of the blood flow, or growing nasty microbes on a plate, that's when what I read made sense to me. I write my notes in color, that helps me too.

I'm the type of person that learns better by doing. Videos might help you, but I don't think buying a book will. Don't want you to waste money on something that might make you more frustrated.

What also will help you is when you get into college, make your teacher aware of your learning disability. They want to know. All of my syllabus' have a note where the teacher wants you to tell them in advance so they can try to figure out how to teach in a way that will help you learn. There will also be a learning center to help you. Also, check ratemyprofessors.com before you sign up for a class to ensure you are getting a good teacher.

You will probably have to take biology and chemistry (depending on school) before you start A&P. If you are able to take these classes while in high school, then please do so.

Also, have you tried other learning places like Sylvan? My husband had a learning disability and they were really able to help him.

Cerda, you do not have to take 4-5 classes at one time if you do not want to. I'm not going to. You may need to take 2 at a time in order to keep financial aid. That's when you take a difficult class with one you know you will be good at. I'm only taking 2 classes at a time. It's easier to focus when I need to.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Plenty of people have learning disabilities and that is why so many schools offer free assistance. They want you to succeed.

And I agree, take Pharm after you've taken A&P. We can't even take Pharm until after we've taken A&P anyway.

Darkpk55 · Oct 30, 2010

What about nursing school, I'm worried about how much classes I have to take at one time

sunnycalifRN · Oct 30, 2010

What about nursing school, I'm worried about how much classes I have to take at one time

Yes, nursing school can be rigorous. However, if you have a learning disability, the colleges will work with you to help you succeed.

happy2learn · Nov 1, 2010

What about nursing school, I'm worried about how much classes I have to take at one time

You don't have to take a ton of classes at one time. It really depends on the school. For example, at my school, I'm going part time (2 classes) and once clinical begins there is usually 1 clinical per term, though it's like 6 -10 credit hours. Some schools force you to take a ton of classes at one time, others don't.

Despareux · Nov 1, 2010

Ok guys, I have some brain damage, nobody can tell though. I do find it harder to read and think, but I think I can do ok. I am 16 right now, and I know I cannot do 4-5 classes in college, I will get way behind. So I want to find out how to learn Pharmacology, Anatomy & Physiology, on my own for now. Do they have books online that I can buy.
I am going to study my prereq classes before I take them.

If you can find a program that will allow you to go part-time, then you may be okay. But definitely know your A&P and Patho.

Many books come with cd's with downloads to help you understand the content. There are also .edu web sites that have interactive content that may help you. Use your colleges tutoring.