Schools Not Requiring Chemistry

[mitch8lem]

Wondering if anybody is enrolled in or knows of schools that don't require chemistry as a pre-req. I have taken a chemistry for healthcare(Life Science Chem), but I realize that most schools are looking for Organic or Bio. Thanks for the help.

[dfk, RN, CRNA]

Go to www.aana.com and do your own research.

:yeahthat:

[dfk, RN, CRNA]

I go to a school that does not REQUIRE o-chem/chem for admission, but let's look at my current course load for chem knowledge and depth-

Pathology- some chem here

Chemistry for anesthesia- yep, science level/o-chem here

Biochem-Oh yeah, chem all over the place here

Physiology- umm, Yep chem

Immunology- Some chem here too

Pharmacology- chem rules supreme here (can anyone say pKa? :))

Principles of anesthesia- lets see..... um chem here

Physics- not much, but chem examples for real world apps.

Gross Anatomy- chem knowlege definitely helping for written exams.

I have to ask, is this a CRNA program or med school? Looking at your courses I am trying to figure out what CRNA program requires gross anatomy? Physics? Immunology? Wow, that's one tough curriculum.:trout:

i guess i don't understand. what CRNA program doesn't integrate gross anatomy? or physics? that would be a disservice, no?

[willti1]

If you have a BSN-- you should have taken chemistry-- isn't that part of the requirements? I don't see any advantage to a school saying you don't have to have chemistry. As a matter of fact-- I took post-bac chemistry courses and feel this helped me get into school. Chemistry plays a huge part in our educations so it doesn't make sense for a school to not have it as a requirement.

To get the answer you are seeking -- you might want to explain why you are even asking in the first place-- as evidenced by all the previous posts- it's an important part

[wayunderpaid]

Just to clarify some of the misunderstandings re the chemistry requirement.

Some seem to think that chemistry is a nursing prerequisite for all nursing programs. This is not true. Many ADN programs require Biology, A&P, Micro, etc., not chemistry. Many of the RN-BSN programs do not require Chemistry either.

In addition, some BSN programs do not require chemistry at all during their curriculum. In fact, a lot of the new accelerated programs fall into this category.

So, it is somewhat possible that many RNs, even those who hold a BSN, have never taken a formal college chemistry course.

Regardless, many anesthesia programs require chemistry as a prereq. Some want general chemistry while others want organic or biochemistry and others yet want both! Some don't require it at all.

I agree that the writer should specifically look at the aana site as there isn't a comprehensive list out there.

Whether chemistry is or isn't required for a school, it may not hurt to take it, even schools which do not require it for admission might look favorably on an applicant who has taken chem in preparation for anesthesia school.

I faintly remember reading that there is an online class offered through Kansas State (do not remember if this is accurate). Some people on this particular thread seem to think that unless a formal college chemistry is taken, one will be lost in anesthesia school. I personally take issue with that. Some self learners could do just fine by opening a textbook and reading chapter by chapter, some need the structured environment and some could use an online refresher.

I hope this is helpful information