Pre-Req's...Need Advice

MissB08 · Sep 17, 2008

I think you should do the two semesters and apply meanwhile start with the third sem while wating to be called to the first school. If you dont get in the first school then at least you will have started the pre-reqs for the other school!!!

chuff · Sep 17, 2008

I am in the same situation and I agree with the other poster. You should take what is required for your first choice, then apply to that school, and if you don't get in you can take the other classes in time to apply for your second choice.

Ike Arumba · Sep 18, 2008

Thanks for the responses. I was thinking that was what I was going to do, but at the same time I think that the extra pre-reqs for my second choice, in the end, could be useful to me, even though they aren't a reqirement to get into my first choice school. The extra classes I would have to take would be Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, and Nutrition. I would think they would be useful whether they are required courses or not. What do you guys think?

chuff · Sep 18, 2008

I'm surprised that Nutrition and Pharmacology aren't required. They are required for every program I have ever looked into. I would take them anyway. I can't imagine the info from those 2 classes NOT coming up in nursing school or your future career.

As far as medical terminology, I would only take it if I had to. So far, every class I have taken has included a terminology section in the textbook, either in the back of the book or included with each chapter, so it doesn't make sense (for me) to take a terminology class when the info is already provided.

Ike Arumba · Sep 18, 2008

I'm surprised that Nutrition and Pharmacology aren't required. They are required for every program I have ever looked into. I would take them anyway. I can't imagine the info from those 2 classes NOT coming up in nursing school or your future career.

That's what I was thinking. So far what I've figured out is that if someone goes through the separate LVN program at that school, that's when they get the Pharmacology and Nutrition classes. But, if someone just wants to go to the straight ADN program, they're not required to take them beforehand or, as far as I could tell, any time during the nursing courses themselves. I thought that was kind of odd too.

I am still debating on the Medical Terminology course though. I don't know how much it could or would help me, since I have worked in the medical field before ( I was an aide) so I did pick up some terminology there. BUT, a couple of years ago I did attempt a Survey of A & P and found that some of the terminology confused me. I'm not sure if that was because I haven't used the few things I did pick up as an aide for about 8 years, or if it was some of the other things that were going on at the time.

Anyway, thanks so much for the advice!!

Salamandrina · Sep 18, 2008

that's what i was thinking. so far what i've figured out is that if someone goes through the separate lvn program at that school, that's when they get the pharmacology and nutrition classes. but, if someone just wants to go to the straight adn program, they're not required to take them beforehand or, as far as i could tell, any time during the nursing courses themselves. i thought that was kind of odd too.
i am still debating on the medical terminology course though. i don't know how much it could or would help me, since i have worked in the medical field before ( i was an aide) so i did pick up some terminology there. but, a couple of years ago i did attempt a survey of a & p and found that some of the terminology confused me. i'm not sure if that was because i haven't used the few things i did pick up as an aide for about 8 years, or if it was some of the other things that were going on at the time.
anyway, thanks so much for the advice!!

i took medical terminology and it wasn't required. i think it improved my vocab and pronunciation and maybe i could break down some the greek origin words i would run across in patho, but i don't think it is crucial. only take it if you are interested in it. treat it like you would any other elective.

good luck.

txnursingqt · Sep 19, 2008

I'm surprised that Nutrition and Pharmacology aren't required. They are required for every program I have ever looked into. I would take them anyway. I can't imagine the info from those 2 classes NOT coming up in nursing school or your future career.
As far as medical terminology, I would only take it if I had to. So far, every class I have taken has included a terminology section in the textbook, either in the back of the book or included with each chapter, so it doesn't make sense (for me) to take a terminology class when the info is already provided.

Nutrition and Pharmacology are not required at my school either. Actually I haven't found that many ADN programs that require them. Now most BSN programs that I have looked at do require them. I guess it depends on the state and even the county since I think that Dallas County requires at least Pharm, not sure about nutrition.

Just a side note --- my mom got her LVN a little over 30 years ago and she is always going off about how many pre-reqs are required now. She said that is what NS is for!! She said back when she went to school it was A&P and Micro required and that was it. You took everything else during NS. I am assuming they changed things when people started having to wait to get into NS and so they decided why you wait you can take these classes! :banghead:

Ike Arumba · Sep 19, 2008

well, i went back and was looking at the information i requested from my first choice school and i found that i had skipped over the part about them having an application deadline to start in the spring. when i went there before, they only started new programs in the fall. so this is good news, because now no matter if i take the extra classes or not, i can still apply whenever my last semester is done, and not have to worry about waiting a semester to even apply. i know that doesn't guarantee i'll get in the first time and i won't have to wait, but hey i can dream, right?? :plsebeg:

txnursingqt · Sep 19, 2008

well, i went back and was looking at the information i requested from my first choice school and i found that i had skipped over the part about them having an application deadline to start in the spring. when i went there before, they only started new programs in the fall. so this is good news, because now no matter if i take the extra classes or not, i can still apply whenever my last semester is done, and not have to worry about waiting a semester to even apply. i know that doesn't guarantee i'll get in the first time and i won't have to wait, but hey i can dream, right?? :plsebeg:

that is awesome. i know just recently my college added a spring class too. i was shocked when i read that they had added a spring start. good luck. i will pray for both of us! :nurse:

Ike Arumba · Sep 20, 2008

That is awesome. I know just recently my college added a spring class too. I was shocked when I read that they had added a spring start. Good luck. I will pray for both of us!

I noticed your location is Sherman. Are you talking about Grayson? That's the one I was looking at closest because I live in Bonham.

txnursingqt · Sep 20, 2008

I noticed your location is Sherman. Are you talking about Grayson? That's the one I was looking at closest because I live in Bonham.

Yes!!! Wow what a small world. I go to Grayson now. I couldn't believe it when they started a spring class. So, are you taking anything this semester?