Which courses are better between Microbiology, physiology and anatomy?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

I'm assuming you're talking about nursing prerequisites.

Standard science prereqs include:

• Anatomy and physiology: Often includes labs. Sometimes anatomy and physiology are combined, and sometimes they are sequenced.
• Microbiology: Focuses on microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and parasites and often includes labs
• Chemistry: Organic or non-organic or a combination are usually sufficient
• Math: A statistics course and some college algebra are common
• Communication: Written communication is a standard prerequisite
• Psychology: A common prerequisite

Other common prerequisites include biology, lifespan growth and development, and nutrition. 

What to do

You need to check with the admissions nursing school program you plan to attend because the exact prerequisites for nursing school vary by program. It is possible to take a chemistry class, for example, not required by your nursing school. My niece did that-she chose a chemistry class without labs, which her state BON does not accept.

Some schools may require minimum SAT or ACT scores, a GPA range, or nursing entrance exams.

Get yourself a school catalog, check the onsite course requirements, and check with Admissions to find out which academic counselor to speak with.

It is advisable to take only one "hard" science class per semester. By hard, I mean a lab class, which is usually five units, as opposed to an English class, which is usually three units. 

In addition, some science classes are sequenced. 

One last tip: Once you get into class, make contact with other pre-nursing students at your college. Information from students on the journey can be just as valuable as that from guidance counselors.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth