Just starting prereqs... dream schedule?

[mbrae]

I am about to start my prerequisites this fall and I would love your suggestions on how to line up these classes over the next 3 semesters. I'm fortunate in that the university where I'm completing prereq's offers these courses every semester so I have some flexibility in setting things up. Also, I already have my BA but am heading back to school for the first time in... awhile :) so I want to ease in and, of course, do awesome.

• What do you recommend taking during the same semester as A&P 1? A&P II?
  
• Any classes the you found really helpful to take together?
  
• Any you would absolutely avoid taking during the same semester?
  

These are the courses I need to complete:

A&P I

A&P II

Intro Biology

Intro Microbiology

Intro Chemistry

Intro Nutrition

Statistics

I'd love to hear you stories and get your advice. Thank you in advance!

[TheNUPE1911]

AP I and AP II with lab course are very challenging and should not be take concurrently.

[pc1203]

Hi @mbrae! Preparing for grad school can be a stressful time so creating a schedule that works for you is definitely crucial. It is especially important to note which programs require a lab.

I would take your remaining courses in this order:

Semester 1 (Fall/Spring)

- A&P I

- Intro Bio

Semester 2 (Fall/Spring)

- A&P II

- Intro Chem

Semester 3 (Fall/Spring)

- Intro Micro

- Intro Chem II ?

Summer/Winter

- Intro Nutrition (online)

- Statistics (online)

From my experience, I completed the more difficult science courses first, just in case I needed to repeat a course the following semester. A&P, Intro Bio, Intro Micro, and Intro Chem all required labs at my school so that may be something to consider while planning your schedule. Also, Chem for me was a year long course so I'd double check if it is for you too. As others have mentioned, take your time and try your best to ace each course. It's simply not worth it to potentially compromise your grades to finish sooner than later. Best of luck!

[araew2129, ADN]

Semester 1:

Intro Bio, Nutrition, Chem

Semester 2:

A&P1, Stats

Semester 3:

A&P2, Micro

UNLESS by 3 semesters you mean one of these semesters is a summer session. In which case I would recommend starting this summer and do the following:

Summer 2018:

Intro Bio

(only because definitely take this before either A&P, and A&P should NOT be taken as a summer course so you want to take them over fall and spring)

Fall 2018:

A&P1, Intro Chem, Nutrition

(take nutrition online If possible)

Spring 2019

A&P2, Micro

Summer 2019

Stats

[JY0125, BSN, RN]

Hiiiii.

Will you be working while taking the pre-reqs? When I started my NS journey, I worked full time so I was only able to take 1-2 classes per semester. If you're new to science courses, I would recommend starting with Nutrition, just to get your feet wet. I also took Nutrition online, which was completely doable. Then it's really your call on whether to start anatomy or physiology. But if your JCC offers A&P, even better. I finished with microbiology. I took about 2 gap years and took stats, interpersonal communication & developmental psychology during the summer or along with the bio classes. My program has sooo many extra pre-reqs. My program starts in November 2018 and I will be completing my last one (pathophys) in August.

I personally wouldn't recommend taking 2 concurrent science classes because it's a lot of work! But if you're on a deadline, just make sure to study study study! Do your best to do well in these classes, participate in extracurricular activities, and maybe even shadow/work with RNs.

Good luck, you got this!! :)

[mbrae]

Thank everyone again for weighing in! I'm meeting with an advisor this week and registering - I'll let you guys know how it goes!

[mbrae]

Hey ExcitedABSN, thanks for the response and congrats on all A's! :) Can you clarify what order you did your classes in?

[ExcitedABSN]

Thank you. It took a commitment since I was working and a parent but here was my order.

Semester 1: chemistry and statistics

Semester 2 a and p 1 and lifespan psychology

Semester 3: a and p II summer course

Semester 4 micro

I would not recommended taking two science courses in one semester. The courses build on each other and you will need to give it your undivided attention.

[mbrae]

Thanks, ExcitedABSN - I appreciate the follow up. Where did you end up doing your ABSN?