Should I take Patho if it's optional?

[CDMZG]

I am hoping to get some advice and opinions on whether or not I should take a Patho class that is not mandatory. I will be starting my nursing school soon through a Community College for my associates degree and upon completion, plan on transferring to a University for a BSN bridge program. The Community College program has Patho integrated into the program, and therefore, it is not mandatory we take a separate class for Patho. On one hand, I feel I should take Patho because I am sure it could help me better understand things when I actually start nursing school. But on the other hand, wonder if I NEED an entire separate class if it's already "included" with my nursing classes.

So I guess I am looking for opinions to see what others think or what others have done that have the same options.

[Pneumothorax, BSN, RN]

i had to take patho, but i highly reccommend it.I learned alot from it, and when you are reading doctors notes, h&ps and crap like that and some weird word jumps out at you ,like "hirschprungs disease" you'll already know what it is :) if you are able to, then do!!! :)

i took a med term class that wasnt required but OMG it has helped SO much you wouldnt believe.

[Despareux]

Yes, take it! Even though patho is involved in all aspects of our nursing education, it is not as in-depth as a class based on just pathophysiology.

[nrsshrk]

I would take it if you plan to progress to BSN, and if you do not have to pay alot of money for it.

[WillowNMe]

I would absolutely take it. The more you see stuff, the more you will understand and pick up a little bit. Patho is a lot to remember, so give yourself a head start.

[Meredith09]

Definitely take it! I had two semesters of rather intense patho before I started my bridge program (not mandatory) and I promise you it gave me a great advantage over my classmates who did not have a similar class... plus, this is tough material that takes a while to master, and the more exposure you have to it, the more likely you are to understand and retain it. just my

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

In a word; yes.