Questions about starting nusing,& Prerequisites... Please HELP!!

LynneMarie02 · Jun 21, 2011

Hello Mary,

So many questions you have...A lot of your answers depends on the type of school you will be attending. It also depends what kind of nursing you want to go into, LPN, RN, bachelors degree, associates degree.

Community colleges and universities are harder to get into than technical and private schools. I know at my community college you have to finish pre-reqs first which I believe is a total of 6 or 8 classes, which is covered in about two semesters. (That is if you have already taken math, english and whatnot) If you have not completed any of those classes you could be looking at over a year before you even APPLY to get into nursing school, and with that their GPAs are VERY competitive (they are usually looking for something above a 3.4 maybe 3.5 to even consider you)

The Teas test is an entrance exam that some schools use. I took one for Erwin which is a technical college, the teas test is basically an SAT. I did horrible on it, I have not taken a math or english class since high school and that was 8 years ago. If you HAVE to take the test your school will recommend books to study for it.

You seem very confused and have a lot of questions, the thing that you need to do right now is check out the schools that you may want to go to. Just make an advising meeting and check out different schools and apply to different ones as well. I checked out two different schools because I wanted to start right away, and didnt want to spend the time waiting to get into a community college. So now I am waiting to hear back from Galen school of nursing, I'm very excited and hopefully I'll be accepted. Good luck!!!

Ike Arumba · Jun 21, 2011

Hello Mary,
So many questions you have...A lot of your answers depends on the type of school you will be attending. It also depends what kind of nursing you want to go into, LPN, RN, bachelors degree, associates degree.
Community colleges and universities are harder to get into than technical and private schools. I know at my community college you have to finish pre-reqs first which I believe is a total of 6 or 8 classes, which is covered in about two semesters. (That is if you have already taken math, english and whatnot) If you have not completed any of those classes you could be looking at over a year before you even APPLY to get into nursing school, and with that their GPAs are VERY competitive (they are usually looking for something above a 3.4 maybe 3.5 to even consider you)
The Teas test is an entrance exam that some schools use. I took one for Erwin which is a technical college, the teas test is basically an SAT. I did horrible on it, I have not taken a math or english class since high school and that was 8 years ago. If you HAVE to take the test your school will recommend books to study for it.
You seem very confused and have a lot of questions, the thing that you need to do right now is check out the schools that you may want to go to. Just make an advising meeting and check out different schools and apply to different ones as well. I checked out two different schools because I wanted to start right away, and didnt want to spend the time waiting to get into a community college. So now I am waiting to hear back from Galen school of nursing, I'm very excited and hopefully I'll be accepted. Good luck!!!

^ This. Excellent Advice.

The only thing that I would add is that since the Science pre-reqs can be difficult depending on your study habits and outside of school obligations, you want to be careful to not overload yourself with classes and your grades suffer. Some schools don't care if you repeat the sciences for better grades, but some do and will count it against you. It just depends on the particular school you want to go to.

Mary92026 · Jun 21, 2011

OMG Thank you both, this helps a lot really, I was going crazy not having anyone to ask about this prereqs and all... Question: Can I pick the amount of classes I take per semester? Also NO I have not taken any College classes at all I will be starting from scratch so I'm afraid it will be well over a year before I can think of applying to any nursing schools... I'm a bit nervous about the TEAS but with studying I'm sure I will be fine... Any studying tips you can recommend? it has been 8 years since I have done any schooling.... I get nervous just knowing I'm gonna learn new things but that life... I'm afraid of the work load as well as the level of difficulty in the work. and all those big Words scare me! I am prepared to have a dictionary at hand 25/8 LOL. I am going to a few colleges this week to see where I'm gonna start. Also, do you know how much the prerequisite classes cost? Ball park? I know that's aside from Nursing school...

The whole GPA thing scares the bejesus out of me!

Good luck to both of you on your Journey!!

LynneMarie: **FINGERS CROSSED FOR YOU** :nurse:

Ike Arumba · Jun 21, 2011

OMG Thank you both, this helps a lot really, I was going crazy not having anyone to ask about this prereqs and all... Question: Can I pick the amount of classes I take per semester? Also NO I have not taken any College classes at all I will be starting from scratch so I'm afraid it will be well over a year before I can think of applying to any nursing schools... I'm a bit nervous about the TEAS but with studying I'm sure I will be fine... Any studying tips you can recommend? it has been 8 years since I have done any schooling.... I get nervous just knowing I'm gonna learn new things but that life... I'm afraid of the work load as well as the level of difficulty in the work. and all those big Words scare me! I am prepared to have a dictionary at hand 25/8 LOL. I am going to a few colleges this week to see where I'm gonna start. Also, do you know how much the prerequisite classes cost? Ball park? I know that's aside from Nursing school...
The whole GPA thing scares the bejesus out of me!
Good luck to both of you on your Journey!!
LynneMarie: **FINGERS CROSSED FOR YOU**

Yes, you can pick the number of classes you take per semester. How much they cost will depend on the college you take them from.

The best study tip I can give you is to get a planner and keep all of your assignments and stuff in it that way you can see it all at once and know how to plan your time accordingly. With the science classes, review EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. more if you aren't understanding.

You'll be fine if you work hard and study, your GPA will reflect that.

Mary92026 · Jun 21, 2011

Yes, you can pick the number of classes you take per semester. How much they cost will depend on the college you take them from.
The best study tip I can give you is to get a planner and keep all of your assignments and stuff in it that way you can see it all at once and know how to plan your time accordingly. With the science classes, review EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. more if you aren't understanding.
You'll be fine if you work hard and study, your GPA will reflect that.

Thank you very much for clearing that up for me... What would you recommend would be a good amount of classes to take per semester... I am a wuick/slow learner depends on the subject my biggest down fall is understanding what I'm reading like BIG words... LOL what classes would you say would be good to start with ? I have not started any classes so Math and English would be good?

Please Advise..

Thanks!!

Mary

Ike Arumba · Jun 21, 2011

I would definitely start with a Math and English class. Those are more than likely going to be required by any Nursing School you want to apply to. I would also take a medical terminology course whether or not it is required by your NS. I did this and it helped TREMENDOUSLY in A&P. Also, take General Biology before trying A&P. It will definitely help.

As for how many hours to take, the only thing I can say is take a look at what your other obligations are outside of school. Do you work full time? Do you have kids, hubby, other family obligations that soak up your time? Take this into consideration. 12 credit hours is considered a full-time student. I would suggest starting off with less than that for the first couple of semesters until you figure out your groove.

darriz1 · Aug 30, 2011

Hi Mary92026,

I'm in your same boat! I'm just started the Fall semester ('11) to get underway with my prereqs. I'm in SoCal, so the community college route is best for me as I need to maintain my FT job. I decided to take the easier pre-reqs to ramp up and get back into the swing of college. So, I'm taking Child Dev and Psych this semester, along with an 8-week CNA course (which is a pre-nursing requirement for my nursing program). Spring 2012, I'll take Intro to A&P (OR) Biology/Lab (and) Sociology....I am trying to balance my course load because we need to allow sufficient time for studying, etc. What did you end up deciding to do?

j621d · Aug 31, 2011

I would suggest getting tested for a learning disability. (Don't be embarrassed, there are many well-known people with a learning disability). I would also suggest going to your local community college (less intimidating) and work with a counselor to map out your educational goals. Discuss what classes might be a good first experience for you.

Congratulations on attaining your GED and having the gumption to improve yourself!

fisher.denise9 · Feb 23, 2013

Wow, your questions seems similar to mine. Its been 9yrs since i leave HS. I want to pursue my career in Nursing ADN, but ive been pushed into many different direction after doing my research online. From HHA, CNA, PCTand LPN. But im determined to just go for ADN. As for prerequisites, after researching i still havent decide on a school to do them near NW Miami Gardens, Fl yet. Any recommended school? Thanks i greatly appreciate it.