I'm new to these boards. So glad I found this place!!!
I'm going to be returning to school after having to put my career on hold for the last 18 years. I have my Associates Degree in Microbiology and I was STUNNED to learn that because it's been longer than 8 years since I've taken classes, I'll have to re-take Microbiology I. I had 4 semesters of Microbiology when I went to college back in the early 90s. It just flabbergasts me that they're going to make me re-take the class!!!
Also, I took AP Anatomy & Physiology in high school, but since that was back in the 80s, that doesn't count either. So now it looks like I'm going to have to take a total of 7 courses before I can even apply next March. AARRGGHH! I was hoping with my science background, I would have everything satisfied.
I've asked if I can speak to the Nursing Advisor to see if they can make an exception, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.
The good thing is that I had excellent grades when I got my Associate and my last math class was Calculus, so I've got some good points coming in the ranking system they use for admissions.
So far it looks like my plan is:
Summer 2012
Anatomy*
Healthy Lifestyles
Human Growth & Development
Fall 2012
Microbiology*
Microbiolgy Lab*
Physiology*
Pharmacology
I guess the silver lining in all of this is that I've already passed the classes I marked with an asterisk with A's, so it won't be like starting over from scratch. However, I had hoped to get all the pre-reqs done in one semester. Nothing like jumping in with both feet!!!
Anyone else here in the same boat? Going back to school after putting your career hopes on hold and meeting lots of frustration at just getting in?
I know how you feel. I had a MPH before applying and they made me take stats even though I had an A in grad level biostats because the title didn't say stats and instead it said Biostats....ok....and they made me take all my sciences over because they were over 5 years old. Micro, AP 1/2, Chem...Biochem..you name it. I even had to take intro to computers! I was more upset over the tuition and time than making an easy A...which we all know the teacher can make or break that despite what you know if they want to.
I'm new to these boards. So glad I found this place!!!
I'm going to be returning to school after having to put my career on hold for the last 18 years. I have my Associates Degree in Microbiology and I was STUNNED to learn that because it's been longer than 8 years since I've taken classes, I'll have to re-take Microbiology I. I had 4 semesters of Microbiology when I went to college back in the early 90s. It just flabbergasts me that they're going to make me re-take the class!!!
Also, I took AP Anatomy & Physiology in high school, but since that was back in the 80s, that doesn't count either. So now it looks like I'm going to have to take a total of 7 courses before I can even apply next March. AARRGGHH! I was hoping with my science background, I would have everything satisfied.
I've asked if I can speak to the Nursing Advisor to see if they can make an exception, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.
The good thing is that I had excellent grades when I got my Associate and my last math class was Calculus, so I've got some good points coming in the ranking system they use for admissions.
So far it looks like my plan is:
Summer 2012
Anatomy*
Healthy Lifestyles
Human Growth & Development
Fall 2012
Microbiology*
Microbiolgy Lab*
Physiology*
Pharmacology
I guess the silver lining in all of this is that I've already passed the classes I marked with an asterisk with A's, so it won't be like starting over from scratch. However, I had hoped to get all the pre-reqs done in one semester. Nothing like jumping in with both feet!!!
Anyone else here in the same boat? Going back to school after putting your career hopes on hold and meeting lots of frustration at just getting in?
good for you. Dont be discourage. but you should check with your school. I just finished my ADN program, if i knew what I know now I will do BSN program, cuz most hospital looking for BSN, and I'm 45. good luck
I know retaking courses can seem silly, but I actually felt like I got a lot out of retaking the pre-requisites. I had a lab tech associate's degree and a BA in Biology, so already had A*P and Microbiology (twice!) But, my courses were over 5 years old, so I had to retake them. Since I worked in science for years, I found the repeated courses pretty easy, but I had a chance to get a better understanding of how things worked. I could focus on the small interesting stuff since I already had all the 'basics' down. And, microbiology has changed a bit in the last 10 years, if for no other reasons than microscopy and genetics (pcr, etc).
Another 'benefit' you can get in the course is if you study with some of the younger students that are taking it for the first time. You may be able to help them understand it better, strengthen your understanding - and get practice from doing it all over again in nursing school!
Some schools have a 10 year rule re old classes. Seeing that you work in the field I would bypass the advisor and seek an appointment with the Dean or the Nursing Program manager to get a waiver. If your degree is in the actualy subject I'm not sure why you would need to retake other than more $$ for the college.
I have a BS in Mgnt info systems and I remember one nursing program wanted me to take an entry level basic computer class. i shut that down in a minute by showing that my degree included that and higher level programming classes. Sometimes the advisor is just repeating stuff and upoin appeal to a higher authority, sometimes, not all the times, exceptions can be made.
it's worth a shot. I would probably go ahead and take the AP because imo, it's needed more than the micro in nursing and you do get some overlap in AP.
Thank you all for your kind replies. I have a meeting on March 16th with the Nursing Advisor to go over my transcripts and get a definitive answer on what they will and will not accept. They are looking into waiving the Microbiology (yay!), but right now, it looks like I may have to retake Anatomy & Physiology. I bought a few A&P books to brush up on my knowledge, since it was 25 years ago when I took it! I was surprised at how much I remembered when I took the practice test. Got an 85% I love online resources!
Hopefully, I'll have some good news to post after my meeting!
.thumb.jpg.e59a161e7d6dbf7895a0b2c15cddf5b2.jpg){kind=small}
I love online resources!
holli_80_73
26 Posts
I know how you feel. I had a MPH before applying and they made me take stats even though I had an A in grad level biostats because the title didn't say stats and instead it said Biostats....ok....and they made me take all my sciences over because they were over 5 years old. Micro, AP 1/2, Chem...Biochem..you name it. I even had to take intro to computers! I was more upset over the tuition and time than making an easy A...which we all know the teacher can make or break that despite what you know if they want to.