Taking Anatomy and Chem at the same time.

Nursing Students General Students

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Current situation: I work 40 hours per week, commute an additional 5 hours per week and have a newborn. I have an extremely strong work ethic and have done fine off little sleep during most of my prerequisites. However, I haven't taken any hard courses since High School. I'm realistic in my ability and doubt I will be a quick learner in either of these subjects so I am going to have to rely on my work ethic. My GPA was a 3.6 in college but my major was very easy, Criminal Justice. With my busy schedule, is it foolish to take these two courses at the same time? Any feedback is appreciated.

When I took anatomy and chemistry together I was working full time. Unfortunately, chemistry was very hard and I ended up having to repeat it but I did get an A in anatomy. It's not foolish if you can handle the content of both classes but be aware that a low grade can really mess up your GPA, it did to mine. You can always try to take both and if you are struggling, drop the class before it stays on your record.

Specializes in med-surg.

I worked full time while taking A&P 2 online and lab at the school then took chem at another school an hour away. Made an A in both with a lot of discipline but my gpa couldn't afford anything less. From what you're telling us I think you'll do fine.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to give me some feedback. This will definitely help in making my decision.

That's what I'm concerned about is getting a low grade then having to repeat it. As you mentioned, Nursing Programs are so competitive now I can't afford any low grades. Thank you.

Specializes in Critical Care.

I tried doing a self-review of chem while taking A&P online (but under a deadline) and it didn't work very well. I also work 40 hours per week and am a single parent. I ended up dropping the chem review to focus on the A&P and pulled good grades for that. I'm doing the chemistry by itself now and am much happier (well, as happy as anyone taking chemistry can be :cheeky: )

I can't tell you how many times I have heard that I was smart to take Chem and Anatomy separate. I am a mother of a two year old. So therefore I have other commitments outside of school. Alot of people who take those classes together are just students or only working part time. My view point is why risk it, the goal is to get into nursing school. You have a much better chance of getting the grade you want if you take them separate. In the end nobody can tell you what is best, you have to look within.

There is one woman in my class who has several children, maintains a full-time job, and maintains a farm, and she gets As on all of her nursing tests! She flew through her prereqs. She is very dedicated and on top of things. If you keep yourself on top of things, you should be fine. I took Anatomy and Chemistry together and was fine--granted I don't have kids. But I think you've got this.

That's what I'm concerned about is getting a low grade then having to repeat it. As you mentioned, Nursing Programs are so competitive now I can't afford any low grades. Thank you.

There is no shame in taking longer during your prereqs if that's what you need, by the way. I mentioned the example of my classmate, but really, if you're not in a rush to get your nursing license, there's no problem with taking your time.

I took Chem and Microbiology at the same time while working, and had the best grades that semester since i had to stay on top of things

I would say it depends on your responsibility in regards to your newborn. It is very difficult to go to school with children, especially an infant. If you are able to spend time on school work and work primarily then I think it's possible. I did it when my kids were 6 months and 2.5 years but I didn't work full time. I agree with @purple_rose, if you aren't in a rush then take your time. That baby is only a baby once! Good luck!

And I did get A's in Chem and Anat, but I didn't sleep much [emoji6]

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