Pre-Requisite Courses at BMCC?

Published

Hello!

I've been lurking around on this site for a while now, and this site has been a fantastic source of information for me as I work t through the many steps to applying to a GEPN program. I am still unsure as to what area of nursing I would like to specialize in, but I'm leaning towards women's health and/or forensic nursing. I currently volunteer in NYC hospitals as a sexual assault and domestic violence patient advocate. I LOVE volunteering, and from my experience of working with patients and their providers in the hospital, I am more determined than ever to pursue my dream to become a nurse.

I'm hoping someone can offer some insight on the registration process for BMCC. I have taken two of my pre-requisite courses online through Empire State College as a non-matriculated student, and am currently studying for the GRE (ugh). Things have finally calmed down enough at work (I work in the financial industry right now) for me to begin taking some night/weekend courses. I was planning on taking A&P 1 & 2, and microbiology as a non-matriculated student at BMCC. I know a nurse midwife who had taken her pre-reqs at BMCC as a non-matriculated student a few years ago, and recommended that I do the same. I am getting quite nervous, as it is only July and I see there are NO spaces left in A&P1. I know that non-matriculated students have to register last, and try to get in the class via a waiting list. I'm very concerned that I won't be able to take a class at all this semester. I haven't had any luck getting in touch with the Registrar's office at BMCC, but does anyone have any experience taking classes their as a non-matriculated student? I am also debating on applying to the pre-nursing program to at least be able to register for classes earlier come next spring. Night/weekend courses are really the only option for me right now, as I cannot afford to quit/change careers at the moment thanks to my loans from my first degree.

If anyone can share any insight/advice it would be much appreciated!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was a matriculated student at BMCC and graduated last year.You still have time to register for your classes.Check everyday to see if a student hasn't dropped a course that you'd like to take.Why don't you go as matriculated and apply to their program next spring? That way,you could fill out the over tally sheet and request to get into a class even though it's closed.The head of the dept. should approve if you're matriculated and need the class for your major. Then you could transfer to a BSN program afterwards? You'd be saving alot of money.The program is tough to get into but it's a great program;very convenient too.Im not sure about now, but when I applied,the lowest gpa to get in was a 3.78.I had a 3.55 at the time and didn't make it.Good luck!! Let me know if you have more questions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you! Yes, I wish I had thought of trying to register for the fall sooner. The only reason I'm thinking of taking a class as a non-matriculated student is to just get started on the pre-reqs. I hate to think about waiting another semester to start, but we shall see! Patience patience patience :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I applied back in 2003, and I think matriculated, it says pre-nursing on my information. I'm taking microbiology in the fall and I see there are a lot of sections still open. I would show up there one of these days and see what the deal is. Maybe you can sign up in person for the first time.

Anyway, I think it is a great place to take pre-reqs, the teacher I have had have been very good. I've taken Chemistry, A&P 1 and 2.

I was friends with a person that is now a midwife, but not a nurse midwife. Is her name Michelle (long shot I know)?

:)

Stacy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you, Stacy! I'm going to try for next Spring. In the meantime, I signed up for an online A&P1 class through SUNY's online learning network. I was a bit nervous about not getting into a class that works with my current work schedule, so I figured this was the best solution until I can register as a matriculated student.

And re: my friend, no sorry we must know different people! My friend's name is Amy. I think she took classes probably about 7 years ago at BMCC.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey what SUNY's online learning network are you referring to? Can you sign up at any time or only during the begining of semesters?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello! Here is the link: http://sln.suny.edu/index.html

I'm taking A&P 1 online through Cayuga Community College. Cayuga classes start on Monday the 31st, but there might be other schools that start later. Usually, you need to register prior to the class start date.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi futurenurse1983,

I have a question for you about Cayuga CCC. Are there any concerns about being locked out of registration because of courses filling up quickly? I was going to try to do all my prereqs at Queensborough CC, but since I have my BA already, I must enroll as a non-degree student and have last priority in registration. Others at allnurses.com have said I may not get into the important prereqs at all (micro, A&P) so I thought it might be safer to do SLN. CCCC looks like a great place for me because it offers all 5 of the prereqs I want to take, but now I'm wondering if those courses fill up fast too?

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello! I actually registered quite late (I think probably 5 days before classes began), and there were still a number of open spaces in the class. I just took a look at the online course catalog, and it appears that 5 A&P1 classes were offered in fall 2009, and there are 4 A&P 1/2 and 3 microbiology classes scheduled for Spring 2010. I think you might have a good chance of finding a spot! In any case, I would contact the Registrar's office. I found them to be really helpful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much!

Can you mention a few things about the quality of the classes you are taking? Are you happy with the online option?

Were you at all concerned about them being online in terms of acceptance to schools? I think the consensus from other forums is that it should be OK, but for example, NYU says that they advise against it. I can see why they would say that, as nursing is so hands on, but I've already got a background in the sciences and worked in a research laboratory...so I don't feel like I'd be going in at a disadvantage. I also don't need to go to NYU, but that's another discussion. ;)

Thanks!

wendi

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To my knowledge (although I can't say for certain since I haven't received a transcript yet), there is no distinction between online/in person classes when you get a transcript. And I completely agree re: NYU! ;) That being said, I believe it is a bit difficult taking A&P online just because you are teaching yourself the material (so much to learn!) and time management is definitely key. The interaction with the professor has been limited, which is different from other classes I've taken online (nutrition & development psychology). I feel like I am learning a lot, but I wonder if I would benefit more from being in a classroom just to get back into true classroom mode.The problem I find with the course is that there is so many different resources you can use to study, that it almost becomes overwhelming in terms of which study guide you should focus on. I am actually undecided as to whether to try to get into a A&P 2 course at BMCC next semester, or to continue with the online course at Cayuga. I'm more and more tempted to see if I can get into BMCC some way, just for the interaction with my classmates/professor.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion