Ridiculous Prereqs!

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Specializes in Adult Stem Cell/Oncology.

I have a problem: I'm applying to Masters Entry Level programs, and the problem is they all have different prerequisites! I understand Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry. I even understand introductory Psychology and Sociology, but written communication? Bioethics? EIGHT units of chemistry??? What in the world am I supposed to do, take tons of random classes just in case I happen to get into that particular school? Is anyone else in the same boat?

I should also mention that I refuse to apply to community colleges because all they look at is three core science classes and your TEAS test score.... and I refuse to take that test. Sorry, but I don't remember Geometry and Algebra, and am not planning on retaking those classes too! I've taken Statistics and Pre-Calculus, and the Pre-Calculus was three years ago, so I don't remember any of it!!! Grrr......I'm so frustrated!!! :banghead:

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Masters programs can be very tricky to get into from what I have seen... Its almost like you have to just pick one and make sure you get the classes for that one because all the others will have different prereq's... I would definitely reconsider the community college route though since you can just go to a tutor on the math portion of it and probably makes of 80% of the nursing programs around my area

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Specializes in Triage, Trauma, Ambulatory Care.

The thing about the algebra is that it is used a lot in chemistry. If you aren't comfortable with the subject it will come back to haunt you in that class. I totally understand you not wanting to take the math classes but they provide a foundation for the other classes you will be taking. Like the poster above me mentioned going to the tutor center might be enough to jog your memory on these math classes you have taken in the past. Then you would probably do fine on the Teas.

I feel your pain about different schools requiring different pre-reqs. Even the community colleges in my area have vastly different class requirements for the ADN program. It is very frustrating.

Good luck with whatever decision you make. :)

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

It can be very frustrating to figure out the pre-reqs and each school seems to place emphasis on different things. It may help to focus on the courses that are common to many of the schools (if you haven't already finished them) and then put priority on the courses that go with the schools you are most interested in.

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Specializes in SRNA.

I can feel your pain, as I was in the same situation while applying for programs over the past two years. The most painful was paying $800 (plus a parking permit fee) to take a graduate level Epidemiology course at CSUF that UCLA required as a pre-req to their MECN program. I only saw Bioethics required at Mount St. Mary's, but fortunately I'm not going there so I avoided that one :p

I understand it can be quite frustrating, but its a reality if you would like to increase your chances of acceptance by applying to as many quality programs as you can. I've realized an upside, in that I've enjoyed many of the courses I've taken to satisfy these unique requirements, and I realize that the content and exposure may be beneficial in the long term.

I would definitely also note that it is crucial to focus on the core science pre-reqs that each school/program requires. Don't sacrifice an A or B in Physio, Micro, Anatomy or Chem for the extra class, in my opinion.

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I would just pick the top program that you want and concentrate on those prereqs. If you don't get in, then take the prereqs for a different school. Otherwise you will go crazy.

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Specializes in Adult Stem Cell/Oncology.

Asherah, what do you mean "fortunately" you're not going to Mt. St. Mary'S? I think I'll be applying there, so I'm curious on your take on that school. My top choice is UCLA but I'll also apply to Mt. St. Mary's, Azuza Pacific, and a couple of others.....

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Specializes in SRNA.
Asherah, what do you mean "fortunately" you're not going to Mt. St. Mary'S? I think I'll be applying there, so I'm curious on your take on that school. My top choice is UCLA but I'll also apply to Mt. St. Mary's, Azuza Pacific, and a couple of others.....

Sorry, should have said, fortunately I don't have to take Bioethics as I'm not going there. I've heard nothing but great things about MSMC and there are several current students and alumni who will likely tell you the same around here, good luck! :up:

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Specializes in Adult Stem Cell/Oncology.

Ok, good :nuke: I've heard great things about Mt. St. Mary's too! I just talked to someone there and found out that the upper-division Medical Ethics class that I took my freshman year in college (back in 2001) would count for Bioethics, and that my AP English score would count for the written communication class, which is just English 101... and I thought I'd have to take a communications class! Huge sigh of relief....!

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Specializes in SRNA.
Ok, good :nuke: I've heard great things about Mt. St. Mary's too! I just talked to someone there and found out that the upper-division Medical Ethics class that I took my freshman year in college (back in 2001) would count for Bioethics, and that my AP English score would count for the written communication class, which is just English 101... and I thought I'd have to take a communications class! Huge sigh of relief....!

Do you still need Oral Communication (Public Speaking)? I took that, but that was a pre-req for a few programs I applied to. I totally forgot about the Religious Studies courses I took for the MSMC application, I took two courses that only they required, so add those to my list of unique pre-reqs. I don't regret it though, all of those courses just boosted my GPA, so that's one way to frame it :rolleyes:

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Specializes in Adult Stem Cell/Oncology.

Public Speaking was a GE requirement at Chapman University, where I went, so I have that. I majored in English Lit. and Philosophy with a Religious Studies Emphasis, so I have the Religion, Philosophy, and Speech class covered....thank goodness!!!

I do need to take a "research class" for Azuza Pacific, what that entails, I'm not sure...so I have to e-mail them. Oh well, one extra class isn't going to kill me!!!

And I'm pleasantly surprised that Johns Hopkins doesn't have a mile-long list of prerequisites... at least that's one less thing to worry about!!!

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I do need to take a "research class" for Azuza Pacific, what that entails, I'm not sure...

That usually refers to Research Methods, an upper-level course in research, analysis, and, of course, writing the paper.

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