Prerequs for the prerequs :-(

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Ok I know they do this for a reason... so you are prepared and have the background you need. But I am almost 34 years old and anxious to begin a nursing program. I have to take A&P1 and Chemistry before I can submit my applications. But now I just found out I have to take Biology as a prerequ to A&P, and Algebra as a Prerequ to Chemistry. Have others here had to go through this?

This is really going to push back my whole plan. I have no doubt that I can get into a program and do well. I am a good student - already have a Bachelor's with a 3.7 GPA. and I am caring and good with people. But these Prereques are killing me. Any suggestions? I was told that I could possibly test out of the Bio and Algebra if I study up on my own and get a passing grade on the CLEP exams. Has anyone done this and do you think it would be a realistic option?

Thanks!!

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I was in a similar situation. I was 34 when I started my classes last year and I had to take Bio so that I could take A&P and micro classes. At first, I was really irritated that it was going to put me a semester behind, but now that I am through my Bio class and onto the A&P classes, I am very happy that I took the biology class. My A&P teacher expected us to know all the information I learned in Bio and we did not spend time in any of those chapters in the A&P book, just a huge packet to complete on our own, and I am not sure that I could have studied it on my own and learned the information well enough to understand all the processes. Also, I know that what I learned in Bio will come back in nutrition as well and I know I will see the Krebs cycle again in microbiology. I know it is frustrating to add another class to the list, but my recommendation would be not to skip Bio and just take the class because it is the starting of your foundation to the rest of the classes.

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If you think you are good with math, then sure clep for algebra. You can do the same for Bio but I thought Bio was a useful pre-req for the pre-reqs. It got me exposure to the microscope which is needed especially in micro as well as reviving long forgotten knowledge of high school bio.

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I would check into getting a waiver for the courses if you don't want to take the CLEP tests.

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Oh I hated that! Pre-reqs for pre-reqs ughhh!

I didn't do it personally but I do have fellow students who tested (CLEP) out of General Bio and/or Math.

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I would spend a couple of weeks brushing up on your math and biology then CLEP out. It'll save you a ton of time and money! With your GPA you should have no problem.

I too had to do pre reqs for the pre reqs. I was going to CLEP some but needed credits for my financial aid so I took them on campus. I referred to them as my "bird classes" because I could fly right through them. They were easy As so it was nice to pair with other classes where I knew there would be a lot of time spent on research and writing papers.

Good luck! :)

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I CLEPed out of Algebra, which for me was a piece of cake - but I'm a math nerd. My advice, get a book on the Algebra & Biology CLEP and start studying. Would it hurt anything to take the test, even if you fail? I don't think it would count against you....

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I think Biology is really important. It's also very easy. You can try to take the CLEP and get out of it, if you like. I took it just because I figured it might be important for microbiology, and lo and behold, it was. :)

Many of the concepts learned in biology are applied to micro, such as certain aspects of metabolism. Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great(:

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Thanks for the advice everyone!! I don't want to miss out on these key foundation subjects but I'm also pressed for time. I picked up a decent textbook for each and I'm going to try to teach them to myself and then take the CLEPs in April or May. I think this is doable!

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We all have to take these prereqs. You definitely need strong algebra skills to do well in chemistry. How did you get a BA without taking Algebra?

Take the biology class. Do it in a fast track or intercession if you think it won't be a struggle. You'll struggle in physiology and micro without it. I'm in physiology now and would be in serious trouble if I hadn't taken biology, chemistry and anatomy. They build on each other.

Most nursing programs look at your overall GPA and your GPA in science and prereq classes. Check with your program and make sure there's no disadvantage to CLEPing out of them.

And I'm 38, with a prior BA and reasonably intelligent. I know you're ready to get on to nursing school, but these prereqs are there for a reason.

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Specializes in Med/ Surg/ Telemetry, Public Health.

I know what you mean, I was lucky to have not taken Bio 101, before 210. My school started requiring 101 as a perq for 210, at that time I was finishing micro. It sucks but there is nothing we can do as students because the schools set their own rquirements. I had to take math 155, 101,102 all before I could take college algebra, which is what was needed for my program. I haven't taken chemistry but everyone that I talk to say you do need algebra to really understand chemistry. It sucks, but what can we do? get through the class and move onto the classes you need. Good luck, just think positive and you will succeed.

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@ryanalice

I've taken A&P1,2 Micro and Chem and I think you would be able to manage the courses. Plus there is always office hours offered by professors and usually schools give out free tutoring for bio and chem during the week if you need it. What did you receive your bachelors in? That may be able to help out the pre-rec waiver request if you can prove you'll be able to handle it. There's usually a way to get around certain classes.

BTW, if you do plan to take the CLEP tests make sure you realize that it will probably take a few weeks to process and be added to your transcripts (at least mine took a long while). Make sure you know the priority registration date because A&P classes usually fill quick! Just be on top of everything and you should be fine

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