Pre-nursing classes

FutureNurseInfo · Dec 16, 2017

If I were you, I would double check the requirements for the nursing program. I never heard of a nursing program that did not require either chem or developmental psych. But if your school does not require either, which is odd, I would still take at least chemistry.

Dadof2RN2Be · Dec 16, 2017

In my short experience, those types of classes are only "required" for the BSN programs. At least here in Montana. The local ADN program does not require them, but if taken they do give the applicant "points" to increase their chances/rank for acceptance into the program. I would always double check with your advisor.

RebeccaMichelle, ADN · Dec 16, 2017

I am a very organized and well-prepared kind of person, so I definitely made sure that those classes were not a requirement. This program is for an ASN, maybe that is why? They also have an RN to BSN program that I will be doing after I get my associates. I looked at their requirements as well and they don't require those classes either for the BSN. I really wanted to relax this summer before nursing school but I have been going back and forth with wanting to take these classes over the summer. My program does not require ENC II either. I am okay with that though.

RebeccaMichelle, ADN · Dec 16, 2017

I just wanted to get other people's thoughts and opinions on this. I thought it was odd as well. I am going to speak to the advisors at the health center to ask about why they are not a requirement.

Dadof2RN2Be · Dec 16, 2017

It is interesting nonetheless, but doesn't surprise me in the differences between programs/states even countries. At my local 2 year college Montana State University - Great Falls those classes are not required but "highly suggested." But if applying through Montana State University through Bozeman, MT they are required. My goal is to apply to both programs, with the Bozeman program being my number one choice, but it is so competitive. Worse case scenario I am over prepared for the ASN program if accepted.

RebeccaMichelle, ADN · Dec 16, 2017

I think I will end up taking human development and nutrition. I don't think I can do chemistry along with those classes because it would be too much for summer. Or maybe I will just do chemistry and medical terminology. I haven't decided yet. I guess I will decide for sure after speaking to an advisor. It's better to be over prepared though.

nflores78 · Dec 16, 2017

I attend Anne Arundel Community College in MD and my school does not require college level chemistry. I took intro to chem, nonncredit which was a better option since I never took chem before.Nutrition and Growth and development are required of program.

However to move on to BSN, you have to have. college level chem if I want to do consortium program. I am going to think hard on that and if I do it will be a class I take alone. Intro was hard enough although I did get an A. Good luck.

PudgeMC, ADN · Dec 17, 2017

My ADN program only requires Human Development. If I were to choose one of the three that you mentioned, I would take HD. It will really help with your Mother/Baby classes. My first degree was in hospitality and it required Nutrition. I thought it was a joke. It will be important in nursing school to know which foods offer certain nutrients, but it doesn't require its own course. Good Luck

RebeccaMichelle, ADN · Dec 17, 2017

Thank you! I think human development would be good also. Thank you for your advice!

Ruixi13, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2017

Honestly just follow what the schools you're applying to require as prereqs and take classes according to those. I noticed theres a huge variation in prereqs at different nursing schools. Some may even include courses in their nursing curriculum that other schools want as a prereq to be completed beforehand (example some schools need pathophysiology or pharmacology as preqreqs whereas my school you take them in nursing school once accepted). Some schools even have organic chem as a requirement which turned me off from applying to them. I would suggest for example if your school doesn't have a requirement for a class that other nursing schools do (ie nutrition) to simply buy a cheap used nutrition textbook and self study. You'll learn a lot and not waste time or money on a course you don't need. I also wouldn't go too crazy with chemistry, but there are certain chemistry principles that will become useful in anatomy, pathology, etc. Just study those and don't concern yourself too much with chemistry that doesn't apply to human functioning.

Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2017

Every school is different and will have their own set of requirements. As an example, here in AZ we have a great program where the community college partners with universities so you can take classes with both, and get a BSN. The point of the story is that each University has different pre-reqs, even though all the students will be in the same ASN course through the community college. Same program, different pre-reqs. For example, one university asks for only 1 additional pre-req whereas one of the other universities asks for at least 6 additional pre-reqs.

If you've done your homework - which it sounds like you have - and you are sure the program is accredited, then I personally would only take those classes you mentioned if (1) I could afford the fees and (2) I had time. I wouldn't take anything in addition that would get me stressed out or overwhelmed if I didn't "need" it as a requirement.