Pre-req question!

[AshleyDeeee]

So I'm in a bind. I wanted to apply for Nursing school this upcoming spring, however, my physiology and microbiology are going to have to be completed during the Summer of 2016 because I need College Alg to take Chemistry and I need Chemistry to take Micro and Phys. Has your school ever let you take two courses (that need to be completed separately) concurrently? If I could take College Algebra and Chemistry in the same semester, I'll be good to go and can apply in the Spring.

[Mrs.Bookworm]

Every school is different, however you could if you took the math the first half of the semester and CHEM the second half of the semester. Only if your school offers the classes like that.

In doing that you have to remember that the classes are cut down half the time so they go over the material a lot faster.

[AshleyDeeee]

I looked to see if I could do that and no luck. Chemistry is only offered as a full 16 week course. BUMMER! I'm going to head to advisement tomorrow and see what they can tell me. If I can't, I suppose I'll have to deal with the fact that I won't be going to nursing school for another two years.

[Plutonium261]

You'd have to speak to your school advisors, however, it's highly unlikely to be really honest. Prerequisites are as such for a reason. Not saying that you would, but if for some reason while taking the classes concurrently you didn't pass algebra (the class intended to be a prerequisite), the school would be in a bind. Also, they require algebra before chemistry for a specific reason. Chemistry is a sort of different language, and one of the things needed in order to decipher that language, algebra is needed. I know the feeling of not wanting to wait, and to already want to apply or get into a program, however, when it comes to certain things like this, going about the process in the proper manner I promise will only benefit you, your education, and your skills, knowledge, and ability to critically think in the long run.

[teesquared]

I went transient at another school and manage to take Physiology and Micro together. Get with your advisor to see what area universities and community colleges credit are transferrable and equivalent.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

"Prerequisite" does not equal "concurrent.: There's a reason why they want you to have completed algebra before commencing chemistry.

[MsCupcakes]

Are you already proficient in College Algebra? Some schools allow you to test out by taking their math assessment test. Additionally, College Algebra can be taken as a CLEP test. If you already know the material, you can take a test for credit. You can take it prior to the semester and have the score sent to your school, then be on track to take your chem. A word of caution though - CLEP tests are pretty comprehensive and, at least for me, required quite a bit of additional review prior to taking the test.

[VicChic20]

It is tedious to do all of these prerequisites first, but it is necessary so you're better off being successful in these classes. Algebra is a language all on its own, so it makes sense on why they want you to take it before chemistry. It is annoying to have to wait, but the prereq's are important. It is building up your academic foundation to be successful when you get into the nursing program.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

You need a solid grasp of algebra before attempting chemistry

[AshleyDeeee]

Thanks for the input, everyone! After speaking with an advisor (and taking a breather to think clearly and not in desperate mode), taking both courses together wouldn't be smart and, of course, not possible. I have found a reputable, high-NCLEX-pass-rate school that doesn't require those two pre-reqs (and I have taken all of the others they require!) to at least obtain an ADN, so I think that may be my only option at this point. Fingers crossed that I get accepted!

[Mrs.Bookworm]

Good luck!!