Rio Salado, is it really that bad?

Southern Magnolia · Mar 31, 2011

I am taking pathophysiology right now from RS online. I wouldn't say it is difficult as far as getting a good grade . . . My quizzes are open book and can be retaken as much as you want. There is a cumulative final and I'm assuming it is open book too since there is no mention of having it proctored.

It is difficult in the sense that I really want to learn this stuff and not just get an A and there isn't much time. My class is only eight weeks so I need to cover 200 + pages every five days or so. Not too bad except it is basically independent study. We have assigned chapters to read, a quiz on each unit and the two part final. The only support is the text book publishers web site. There is a prof available via email but there is no lecture or outline or anything. I don't know if all the classes are like this or not. I'm fine with it b/c I despise busy work and will learn what is presented in the text.

ajhill00 · Mar 31, 2011

It's not impossible, but my concern is you are taking the 8 week versions. There's too much stuff to possibly do in 8 weeks to get a good grade.

mom2a1c2 · Mar 31, 2011

It depends on what else is going on in your life. Are you working? Do you have children? Also, how well do you learn on your own, versus being in an environment where you share ideas with others and discuss what you have learned?

I did Psych 101 on line, I thought it was very easy, mostly reading and writing papers.

I did Bio 201 at EMCC and then did Bio 202 online at Rio and there was a huge difference. I did the 8 week class, so you are basically covering 1-2 systems per week, which is a TON of information. I have two little kids and I work, so I did not have as much time as I would have liked to study. I would study appx 3 hours a nite 7 days a week and I received a B. There was so much info, that I was not able to do the reading, I would just go through the assignments and just do the reading that pertained to answering the questions, and then write out A LOT of flashcards. There is also a lot of writing in this class. You are given several essay questions each week. Even though you don't have to turn them all in, this is where the essay questions on the midterm and final come from, so you do have to answer them for yourself, as well as do the critical application portion for each one. Unless you know someone else in the class, you are basically on your own, other than emailing the instructor. Unlike the Psych class I took, you do not have any interaction with anyone in the class.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

lmhanna · May 24, 2011

I've taken all of my pre and co-requisite nursing classes on-line through Rio Salado. I found the science classes to be very difficult, especially if taken as an 8 week class. I'm a teacher and have the summers off, so I did all of my 4 credit science classes during the summers. I would spend approximately 20-30 hours a week on these science courses; and was only able to pull off B's. There is so much reading and you can't fudge on the reading because you have to know and understand it for the mid-term and final exams. I wouldn't suggest you take the science courses in the 8 week blocks unless you've got all the time in the world. Good Luck

JenWork · May 28, 2011

how are the courses over all? because i have never taken a course through rio! any feedback would be great :)

throughCHRISTalone · May 31, 2011

Hi!

I'm currently taking BIO 205 as an 8-week class through RS. Yes, the 8-week science classes require unreal amounts of study time and consume a lot of your time, but it is very achievable (especially if you are strong in science.) I think you can do it! As for Rio Salado classes in general, they are great if you do not mind taking an online course. I've taken MANY classes through RS and all of them have worked out fine and have been perfect for someone like me who has a hectic schedule. Personally, I enjoy and learn much better in a classroom environment, however, having to go to a class is not always convenient for me. Online classes do require good organizational skills and time management, and sometimes the instructors aren't always the greatest. I've had it all, from the instructors who NEVER respond to anything to the instructors who are awesome and go above and beyond in order to help you through the course. Taking a class through RS is dependant on you and how you learn and unfortunately can also depend on your instuctor. Well, best of luck to everyone and their future courses, hope it all works out!!!!

mom2a1c2 · May 31, 2011

how are the courses over all? because i have never taken a course through rio! any feedback would be great :)

Everyone learns differently. I would suggest starting with one class to see if it's for you. And then go from there.

Good luck!

azmtnbkr1 · Jun 1, 2011

Are we specifically speaking about the 8 hour science classes?

Just curious, getting ready to embark on the 16 week chemistry...

SayNoTo DNC · Jun 5, 2011

Nothing wrong with Rio. The prob for some people is they aren't disciplined enough to make it through online coursework. Rio courses are a lot of work, but well worth it in the long run. You'll find you get a better education & it will pay off in your nursing courses. :up:

As with anything, you get out of it what you put into it!

mom2a1c2 · Jun 5, 2011

I'm starting Bio 205 16 week class tonite. The only reason I'm doing the 16 week version is because I was able to stretch the cost of the class out with the payment plan, which is a huge help. I am also starting the weekend program at GCC in July, so I'll be doing both for the last 8 weeks of the class.

RGLB · Jun 22, 2014

Does anyone know anything about a Western Civilization Class at Rio Salado? I am curious to see how much time you get to take a quiz or a test. I heard that you get 30 seconds per question for their science classes! You can't even read a question in 30 seconds if it is science (other than labeling).

Cheers!

Rhina