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?
Pre-reqs suck especially for those of us with prior degrees. Bio wasn't a pre-req for A&P at the CC I went to so you might check if you have any other options. I'm surprised you got a BA without algebra, too. Either way, you can't really make them go any faster so buckle in and enjoy the ride. It will be over soon enough.
Oh they bring up a good point. If you took a higher level math, you don't need to take Algebra. I'm guessing you took a year of Calculus for your Bio degree? I took a year of Calculus as part of my BS and I simply ignore the math requirements listed on courses due to that.
I go to a school with an ADN program that doesn't have pre-reqs for pre-reqs. My first semester back I took a&p 1 and got a C in it. I just applied to a BSN program last month and I'm terrified that one C will cost me my shot at the program. Incidentally, after that first semester I decided to go BSN and had to take those other pre-reqs anyway. I have a very strong foundation in math, so I didn't have to take algebra before statistics, and could get through Chem 1 just fine (don't ask about chem 2 though lol). I think the pre-reqs are a good idea and worth the time invested. You can be the best people person on the planet, but you have to have the brains to be a nurse. Pre-reqs help you struggle a lot less to get those brains. I don't plan on being done with school until I'm 37 or 38. I do understand the "rush", but feel taking your time is best, so that you can do it right. You'll be competing with people who will have straight As and perfect entrance exam scores.
Thanks for all the advice. I bought a college level Biology book and took out an Algebra book from the library. I made up a schedule for myself and am studying them on my own. I want to actually learn the material to have a good foundation - not looking for a shortcut. I'm taking my time with it in order to really understand it. The Biology book I bought has a companion website too with extensive support- games you can play, quizzes and tests you can take etc. I plan to take the CLEP exams in March/April. I took these subjects in high school so some of it is a review.
I am in the same boat, almost exactly! I'm the same age, with a bachelors, and having to take a bunch of classes so I can take the actual pre-reqs. I am finding that I'm glad to have them taken fresh so I will score well in my pre-reqs!! No words of wisdom, just know you're not alone!
I'm going through the same except I'm 36 years old (have bachelor/master). I'm taking biology 1 and chem 1 right now while working full time.
If you took algebra in college, just register for chemistry. If you do it at a community college they probably won't even check your pre-requisite for math. I wouldn't test out of biology though. I'd rather build a good foundation in it before heading into micro and A&P.
It's really tough...all the pre-reqs to go through and even they don't guarantee a spot. I'm extremely eager to switch to nursing myself. But just have to focus on my classes right now...take small steps.
But you can do it! We all can! We'll just need patience. :)
I am going to have to do this as well, take Biology before I can A&P and A&P before I can take Microbiology. I would say go ahead and do the CLEP and if you do well move forward if not go ahead and take those courses. In my school you cant test out of the Biology courses but you can test out of the math courses. I have been out of school for over 8 years and have to complete two basic math classes before I could even take College Algebra. Which is okay with me since I am not very good when it comes to math.
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!!
I don't know how many community colleges are around your area, but check to see if they all require pre-req's for the pre-req's. If you can find any that don't require them, then check with the nursing programs you are applying to to make sure they will accept those classes.
I got out of taking 2 different biology classes and 2 math classes this way. There are about 8-10 different CC's within a hour or two of my house, and I checked all of their requirements. I took anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry without any ore-requisites. Sure, I eneded up having to drive an hour each way to class for those classes, but I saved so much time! I made sure to sign up for the classes that were only once a week (instead of twice a week) to cut down on driving. I took me long enough to take all of my per-requisites, I cant imagine how much worse it would have been with pre-pre requisites!
I was not able to find a physiology class with out prerequisites, but I was able to talk the professor into signing a paper saying she would wave the prerequisites for me. I got "A"s in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, and ended up with a "C" in chemistry (math is my worst subject).
Have you spoken with an admissions advisor? I have a BA in Business and I am going to be applying to the PT 2013 RN program at QC. I am positive that you do not need to take Biology before taking A&P 1(the prereq's for applying to the program are Chem with lab and A&P 1 with lab OR Biology with lab.
As for the math prereq for Intro. to Chem, I showed the admissions office a copy of my college transcript because I had taken a college level math class. I believe almost every college requires some type of math class in order to graduate.
So I suggest that you speak with an advisore (if you have not already).
♑ Capricorn ♑
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Get them waived. Schools are greedy.