when working FT- how many credit hours should I take?

bluechick112, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 27, 2009

Hello! :) That's great you have such a wonderful family. I worked part-time (about 25-30 hours a week) and took my prerequisite courses and probably took about 15 units/semester. Here in CA the classes are done by semester units, so I'm not sure what that adds up to wherever you are, but it came out to around 3-4 or 4-5 classes/semester, depending on how many units each class was.

turtlesrus · Jul 28, 2009

I am registered as of right now for A & P I and Math4(Alg. 2) for the fall semester. It will take me two years of taking 2 courses each semester, fall and spring (summer included) to get the pre-reqs completed in two years. I know I have the support and the ability to do this but I will not have any extra time for fun! But sacrifices are necessary at this point.

Cyn

bluechick112, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 28, 2009

That's perfect. 2 years is about how long everyone takes to get their prereqs done, and most work full-time jobs! Atleast you know it's doable. Your current schedule (A&P1 and Algebra2) combined with work sounds like an excellent plan. Best of luck :)

GretchenT · Jul 28, 2009

I am just starting my pre-requisites this fall. I will still be working full time as a teacher while I take all of my pre-reqs, and I'm also planning on two years to get them all in...but I'm fine with that!

I'm only taking 5 credits this fall...one four-credit course, and one one-credit course.

I'm actually pretty lucky in that many of my pre-reqs and even some of the general ed courses will be waived because of my bachelors degree, but I have a lot of biology to make up.

rholman · Jul 28, 2009

I am also working full time and doing 2 classes a semester. Credit hours vary depending on the classes combined, however, I will be done spring 2010 and that will complete 2 years of taking pre-reqs.

It's very doable and I had to do cooking, cleaning, yard work, laundry and tending to my daughter inbetween studying. You're very lucky to have someone to support you emotionally and with home chores, sounds like a great plan. Good luck!

Katie1971 · Jul 28, 2009

I have been taking between 8 and 10 credit hours so that works out to about 3 classes per semester... this fall coming up is A&PI, History 102 and CPR (which is only a 1 credit course). I also work full time, but I work at home. Like you I have an 18 year old, a 17 year old and a 15 year old and a very supportive husband!! Good luck.

Kyla.ann · Jul 28, 2009

I work FT, have two young daughters, and I am taking two classes a semester as well. This fall I am taking A&P I and Lifespan Psych. Depending on how that goes I might add in another course in the spring for a total of three courses (with two being online).

I would suggest taking it slow at first to see how you can handle it and how it will work schedule wise, and if you find that it is pretty easy to handle, add in another course.

Good Luck!!

MINNY31 · Jul 28, 2009

since you are working full-time take a least 6 credit hours so you can get some type of financial aid

mariposabella · Jul 28, 2009

Awwwww...you have a great husband!! I have known people that worked full time that also went to school full time and they got great grades. I really think it depends how stressful your job is and how difficult your classes are. I say at least take 2 classes if you have been out of school for a while just to get to use school again. Then if that isnt difficult then the next semester maybe you can take 3 or 4. Pre-reqs can take 1.5 to 2 years to complete. Good luck!

nkara, CNA · Jul 29, 2009

That is wonderful you have such a support system. I think it all depends on your working hours and which classes. I myself and taking intro to health and dosage and calc starting in September. I work full time nights so we'll see how it goes. I plan on doing one class once I get into the sciences so I can concentrate and memorize as much as possible.

Congratulations and good luck !!!

kristi1111 · Jul 30, 2009

I too work full-time and am blessed to have a supportive husband (although he is working and going through an apprenticeship program so that probably helps) We have to split the household obligations due to the fact we are both working and going to school but that is only fair.) We do not have any kids so that is not an issue for us.

I work 40 hours a week as well as pick up an occasional Saturday at another job to earn a bit more money. Because of this, I have only been taking one class at a time because since I already have a Bachelor's degree, I mainly have science classes left to take (A&P I and II plus labs) have to be taken prior to applying to the BSN program and Micro and Nutrition are optional to take before starting nursing classes and have to have a high GPA in these classes.

I think the amount of credits you can handle depends on how busy your job is (I know some people who are working full-time as well as going to school full-time but have down-time so they can study on the job) and some who are working full-time and only taking 1-2 classes. It just depends on what you can handle. I think if you have been out of school for awhile, I would suggest easing yourself back into it but only you really know what you can handle. Good luck!!!