Pathophysiology

[liltiger427]

I'm wondering about Patho. I got a C in Anatomy 1 and in Anatomy 2, but I was working full time while taking those and I have a 2 year old. I've dropped my hours and my fiancee does most of the care taking of my son. He will be 3 a few weeks after the next semester starts. My choices are to take Patho with MedSurg 1 and Mental Health, or to take it by itself in the summer. However, the summer is only 6 weeks and it's all online. I have the option to take it face to face in the spring. Has anyone had experience taking it online? How did you do? It's also offered online in the traditional 16 week format. Thanks in advance!

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

Here is the advice I will give for your situation. Going to a class in itself encourages you to be motivated. In other words, you will be certain the readings are finished; you completed practice questions, and are ready for an exam. Online courses are not more difficult or easier than traditional courses. The only difference it motivation.

Of course your learning style is something else to consider. Some instructors on campus may incorporate other activities besides lecture to help students understand the content. Those activities may be tactile activities that cannot be done online. I am currently pursuing my PhD in an online format. I have a calendar with due dates of when papers need to be completed so that I can review them prior to submission. I break assignments into smaller parts with deadlines. My professors do not send out reminders. That is why they provided a syllabus.

It really depends upon with what you feel comfortable. Either way, good luck to you.

[krisiepoo]

I took it online and wish I hadn't... It was harder to understand the concepts and just having a teacher explain it is 1000x better in my opinion. when I become a nurse, I plan on retaking this class (with a live teacher) so I have a bigger and better grasp on it all and to cement it in my learning.

If you have the option, go live

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

And you won't do well in pathophysiology if you don't have physiology down solid. Whichever route you choose, do yourself a favor and use the Physiology Coloring Book, a real text and not a joke, available at Amazon. It will really help you stay on track when the patho starts getting intense.

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

Personally, I found physiology to be much harder than pathophysiology. I think it is the material that makes it easier for me because I'm motivated to learn about disease states. You'll wish you took it during your MedSurg rotation, however, MedSurg is a LOT of information and might want to take it during summer.