TMCC Drug Calculation Test

MikeyJ, RN · May 5, 2007

Hello all. I am planning on applying for TMCCs fast-track nursing program soon. However, I have been hearing rumors about the drug-calculation test required of students. I have been told that you are given the test once per semster and you have to get 100% or they kick you out of the program. Any truth to this rumor? I have tried getting information from the nursing department, but they always tell me someone will call me regarding my question. This is getting very frustrating. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!

I am not familiar with TMCC -- isn't that Truckee Meadows CC? I go to UNLV in Las Vegas, NV and start the nursing program in about a week. However, most nursing schools required a med calculation quiz every semester, and students need to pass it with 100%. However, as far as I understand, most schools allow you to use a calculator during these quizzes (because you will always have a calculator on-hand while in the hospital). And most schools give you 2 chances to pass the quiz. I would ask your school specifically though, because it differs from school to school.

And on a side note -- it is understandable as to why schools implement this policy. A med error in the hospital could lead to the death of a patient, and schools need to make sure you understand how to calculate med dosages before putting you in charge of another life.

suzanne4, RN · May 5, 2007

All nursing schools have med calculation exams. And you usually get three chances to pass it, if not, you are out of the program.

And please be aware that not all exams permit you to use a calculator. You need to be able to do the questions without having a calculator, they are not always availabe when you need them at work as a nurse. You should be able to do the math with a pencil and paper. And you will find that you will get tested this way as well.

Best of luck to you with your studies.:balloons:

Reno1978, BSN, RN · May 5, 2007

Hey there, I don't go to TMCC...I'm going to UNR, but I've had the chance to talk to some TMCC students who are currently in their nursing program.

Yes, there are med exams at TMCC, but like Suzanne said, I was told they have 3 chances to pass it. One student I talked to mentioned that she has only ever seen 2 students be held back a semester because they used inappropriate unit abbreviations and didn't necessarily get the math wrong. For example, answering 10U instead of 10 units.

At UNR we don't have med exams per se. We do have one prereq course that is 8 weeks of med calculations and 8 weeks of medical terminology. If you don't pass, you don't get into the program. Since I've been in the program, I've had two med calc quizzes in clinical and they've been fine.

If TMCC doesn't require it, there are drug calculation books available if you'd like to practice. The one I used is called Math for Clinical Practice (ISBN: 0-323-02582-X) and I thought it was helpful. It teaches you how to do the calculations and gives lots of sample questions in the book and more on a CD-ROM.

Good luck getting into the nursing program!

MikeyJ, RN · May 5, 2007

Another good calculation book is "Calculation of Drug Dosages" by Ogden. They have a new 8th edition out which is pretty expensive (like $80 or $90), but I purchased a used 7th edition from Amazon for like $15. Its an awesome book!

jeremyRN · May 14, 2007

When I went to UNLV, we had to take a math exam each semester and pass with a 90%. I think that we had at least two attempts at the test though. From what I here, this is pretty much the norm for most nursing programs.

Don't stress about it though, nobody was dropped from the program because of the math exams. Everyone eventually passed them when I was in school. Good luck.

gabby27 · Nov 11, 2010

Hey there, I don't go to TMCC...I'm going to UNR, but I've had the chance to talk to some TMCC students who are currently in their nursing program.
Yes, there are med exams at TMCC, but like Suzanne said, I was told they have 3 chances to pass it. One student I talked to mentioned that she has only ever seen 2 students be held back a semester because they used inappropriate unit abbreviations and didn't necessarily get the math wrong. For example, answering 10U instead of 10 units.
At UNR we don't have med exams per se. We do have one prereq course that is 8 weeks of med calculations and 8 weeks of medical terminology. If you don't pass, you don't get into the program. Since I've been in the program, I've had two med calc quizzes in clinical and they've been fine.
If TMCC doesn't require it, there are drug calculation books available if you'd like to practice. The one I used is called Math for Clinical Practice (ISBN: 0-323-02582-X) and I thought it was helpful. It teaches you how to do the calculations and gives lots of sample questions in the book and more on a CD-ROM.
Good luck getting into the nursing program!

Reno1978,

would you rate this NURS 300 class relatively easy, difficult, or inbetween ? It fills up so quickly at UNR, its crazy. Do you know of anyone who has substituted another class which is similar for this one (just incase one doesnt get a spot in time) ?

Reno1978, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2010

Reno1978,
would you rate this NURS 300 class relatively easy, difficult, or inbetween ? It fills up so quickly at UNR, its crazy. Do you know of anyone who has substituted another class which is similar for this one (just incase one doesnt get a spot in time) ?

I found the class to be pretty easy, but I'm good at math, and a lot of the medical terminology has its basis in anatomical terms, which you learn throughout A&P, so it was refresher.

I don't know about substitutions accepted for that class. I'm pretty sure it's one of the required classes to take as a prerequisite for their nursing program. Keep checking, people drop or get dropped for non-payment...there's usually two sections that can accommodate many students.