Summer courses

GoingtobeRN · Apr 18, 2020

17 hours ago, Amberd1201 said:
Hi you guys. So I'm trying to finish my pre-reqs this Summer so I can apply to the ADN program in September. They're all 5 week Summer courses. So I need A&P I and II (plus labs), Human Growth & Lifespan Development, and Microbiology (and lab). So for the first 5 weeks I was wanting to do A&P I and lab and Human Growth & Lifespan Development. Then for the second 5 weeks I wanted to do Microbiology plus lab and A&P II plus lab. I don't work right now so thats not a problem. I do have a 2 year old, but I will have help while I'm busy with classwork. This is the only way I can get these classes done in time for the application deadline. It's a really competitive program and I'll also have to take the HESI sometime before September too. Let me know if I'm crazy and I should just take some more time and apply to a later program or if I should try it. ?

Hi Amberd1201,

I do not think you are crazy for wanting to get these pre-reqs out of the way and apply to your program. It is exciting and you want to get started right away. I am in a similar situation, I need 6 classes to apply for my program, and I want to get it done by January. I could take 3 classes in Summer and 3 in Fall, but I have to be realistic. I have never taken any of the science courses required for nursing, I am not sure what to expect in terms of difficulty and homework, plus I have to work full-time. I know I am capable of organizing my time for school, and getting things finished, I just want to make sure that I get the best grade possible in order to apply and have a decent chance of getting in. Not taking more classes to get these done is something I struggle with daily, but I only want to take these courses once. You know yourself and what you are able to accomplish and if you can get the grades you need/want to apply for the program in the fall then I say go for it, but there is nothing wrong with taking time and not overwhelming yourself to get it all done right away, the program is always going to be there, but the opportunity to get the grades you need may not. Thank you for posting this, you helped me! ?

203bravo, MSN, APRN · Apr 18, 2020

Honestly, I could see doing any of these courses in 5 weeks by being able to buckle down and getting it done.

I would think that A&P I +lab along with Human growth and development could be done together during a 5 week term.

BUT I just wouldn't want to tackle A&P II + lab AND Microbiology + lab together in a 5 week term. I believe this is a set up for disaster. Both are very demanding courses that many students struggle with during a full 16 week term.

RN24, CNA · Apr 18, 2020

With a 9 year old, working night shift at a hospital as a CNA I took API in Summer 1 and Microbio in Summer II and got A's. I just got accepted into an ADN program and am starting in the Summer.

Are you allowed to take APII and microbio at the same time? For me you had to finish one to move on to the next. If you do do it that way, I'd say use alott of Youtube videos to help you understand the work. However, becareful that you dont let time make you do poorly on your grades. I had a BA with a 2.5 so I knew I had to get all A s in order to be considered anywhere. I got As in all my prereqs, volunteered, worked at a hospital and got cna, phlebotomy, ekg and pct certificates. Point is, it may be worth it to postpone those classes so you can do better and have better chances of getting in.

I also wanted to apply for school last fall, but things just were too rushed and I decided to wait for the next application period. It was just a few months. It wouldnt hurt to wait a semester.

Amberd1201 · Apr 18, 2020

Thanks you guys. I think for the 1st 5 weeks I'm going to do A&P I + lab and Human Growth & Development. For the second 5 weeks I'm going to focus on A&P II + lab. I'll do Microbiology during the fall. Microbiology isn't a pre-req for the program I want in, but it is apart of the course work and you get extra points towards your application with it already done. But I want to make sure I make my best grades possible so I know my GPA will go up (which will also help me get in greatly). They'll also see my Microbiology is in progress and know it will be done before the program starts in January 2021. So maybe it will still help me out. Thanks again for the help and encouragement you guys! I'm excited for the journey ?