Should I ??????

EmilyCCRN · Apr 2, 2006

I took the class for my B.S. and it does come in handy now that I'm in nursing school. I don't think it's absolutely necessary, but if you have the time/money/motivation, take the class or do some self-study. Good luck!

Daye · Apr 2, 2006

Yes it will be well worth it! I can't imagine the nursing courses w/o it.

Good Luck to you.

ibmaryann · Apr 2, 2006

I am taking Terminology right now online. I didn't have to have it for nursing but I felt it would be helpful. My friend told me I was crazy for taking it and not having to, even my counselor said if you don't have to have it why take such a hard class. It has required LOTS of time, but I know that when I get into nursing that I will have a better understanding of things. When you have a little knowledge about something before hand it helps your understanding greatly while it is being taught. I have had to work expecially on SPELLING, that is a killer. I don't regret it any. Ask me again after my final and it brings my GPA down and I may be singing a different story!!!

God Bless,

Mary Ann

Angels' · Apr 3, 2006

chill65

:) Welcome to allnurses.com :)

A pre-nursing student,

Angels’ :)

Drysolong · Apr 28, 2006

In my LPN course, Medical Termininology was a required course. It helped me a lot, but if it isn't required, I would say a book and studying independently is all that's necessary.

JaxiaKiley · Apr 28, 2006

Does your program require it? If so, and you will get credit for that class, why not take it and get it out of the way?

Otherwise, if it were me I'd just self study and/or wait for the class in my program.

Krither · Apr 28, 2006

Wow, I'm so glad I ran into this thread because when I went to visit the nursing school I plan on applying to when I have completed my prerequisites, I remember them saying that the students who came straight from the university were just in shock as if a foreign language were being spoken to them instead of English. But they said the ones that came from one of the ADN programs at the community college fair a lot better as far as knowing the terminology. I guess since those ADN students had already taken nursing courses, they had already gone through some sort of preparation in learning the terminology as opposed to the students fresh from finishing their prereqs who probably had know idea they'd need to know it before starting their upper-division nursing program.

Here I was thinking that all the terminology I needed to know was what ICU, NICU, and so on meant.

Can someone, give an example of a term that one would need to know for nursing school?

Drysolong · May 2, 2006

Wow, I'm so glad I ran into this thread because when I went to visit the nursing school I plan on applying to when I have completed my prerequisites,
Here I was thinking that all the terminology I needed to know was what ICU, NICU, and so on meant.
Can someone, give an example of a term that one would need to know for nursing school?

I think it's not so much terms, but the breakdown of terms. (i.e., ology= study of; ectomy=cutting out; cardio=heart; nephr=kidney, etc.)

moonischasingme1 · May 2, 2006

I wanted to do the same thing, but I can't afford it! Can anyone recommend a book that I could teach myself from? Thanks!

Reno1978, BSN, RN · May 4, 2006

I wanted to do the same thing, but I can't afford it! Can anyone recommend a book that I could teach myself from? Thanks!

Exploring Medical Language: A Student-Directed Approach

ISBN: 0-323-02805-5

It's around $52 on Amazon. One of the prereq's for my nursing program is an online clinical math/medical terminology course and I must say that this book is very helpful. The book itself does a great job breaking down words into their individual parts: prefixes, word roots, suffixes, etc. I think it would be a good choice if you're determined to do this solo. It also includes a CD-ROM with helpful games and exercises to help you remember.

Oh, and it also comes with lots of flashcards, so you can recruit your friends to enjoy in the fun!

Travellpro · May 4, 2006

I recommend taking it in the classroom. I took an online course and not having the verbal teaching made it hard for me to memorize all of those words. It is a lot and it would have helped having a teacher explain things and other student's. I just remember a lot more when I am in a classroom. I can't believe they let students take A&P online. It boggles my mind! If you think you can self study, I'd do the Barns and Nobles deal. If you are afraid of being self motivated, definitely do that classroom. The class will help you a lot.