Starting college... need some advice on classes

[ElizK]

I am 41, and I am scheduled to start college classes in a couple of weeks. I'm trying to get into the Radiology Technician program, and I'm doing the prerequisites.

I am currently registered for 12 hrs of classes. The two clases that I need advice on are the Medical Terminology class and Anatomy/Physiology. I know the A&P class is going to be really tough. Should I not try to take these two classes at the same time? I can easily replace one of them with another of the prerequisites, I would think.

A little more background... I am married with two teenage daughters (17 - graduting high school in June, and 14), and I work part-time 20 hours a week. Also, this is my first time going to college.

I'm really agonizing over this. I MUST have an A in both of these classes to be considered for the program. Am I trying to bite off too much?

 

[RitaZ.]

There is a lab class that accompanies A&P. Are you taking it? I took A&P (I&II) with their respective labs. The lab is a class onto itself. There was lots of studying for the lecture and the lab. Considering your schedule, I would do A&P by itself.

 

[ElizK]

Yes, it does have a lab. Sigh.

 

[RitaZ.]

Yes, it does have a lab. Sigh.

Don't despair. I was surprised by the amount of work that the lab required, especially for A&P I. I'm sure you're eager to get the pre-requisites completed. You're just starting now, give yourself some time to get used to being back in school.

If your school has a science lab for students, which I'm assuming they do, you can go during lab hours to study almost everything you learn in class. The lab is very popular before the practical exams. One thing that I did when we dissected organs was to take pictures during class and label them. Also,there are a lot of great web sites that can help with learning the structures.

The good news is that it's a great class with very interesting material. I learned so much in both classes. You'll be fine.

 

[wvjules]

If I were you I wouldn't take both of those classes at the same time. See if you can take another in place of one of them.

You may only have 1 chance at getting an A in those classes so I would only do 1 of them at a time. If you don't get an A then what?

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

Hello, I am a student also 48 yo. I have graduated in chemistry, but back in for Biomedical. I do have a med background. what I would do, and I happened to do by accident is take Med term first. I found it really helped me with A&P!! So I would take the Medical Terminology FIRST then do all the other med classes.
I found that a lot of the terms used in class, helped me to pick up the A & p much quicker then everyone else. I love A & P, sick but true!
I would not do them all at once.
I myself have 3 lab classes set for this semester and know it will be hard to do!

 

[Crankyshank]

I would probably wait to do A&P.

I work full time and am a full time student, and the best advice I can give when you're questioning workload is to try and get a copy of the syllabus ahead of time. Often the professor will email it to you without a problem, or you can ask the admin office if they retain a copy of past syllabi.

 

[ElizK]

Ok. I guess I'll drop A&P. A bit of a relief, actually. But I already feel like I've lost momentum... like I've already given up, if that makes sense.

 

[RitaZ.]

Ok. I guess I'll drop A&P. A bit of a relief, actually. But I already feel like I've lost momentum... like I've already given up, if that makes sense.

Don't think of it that way. Remember the fact that this is your first time in college. You have a lot more responsibilities than the traditional college student. I'm sure you want to get "things" done quickly, we all do, but you also want to do well in your classes.

 

[ElizK]

Thank you. I really do appreciate the advice and the encouragement. I have officially dropped A&P, and am taking Intro to Psycology! It's another prereq, and the class time is the same as the A&P. And there is no lab! I've still got a full time class schedule, so it won't affect my financial aid. This'll work!

Ok, I might be excited again.

 

[RitaZ.]

Thank you. I really do appreciate the advice and the encouragement. I have officially dropped A&P, and am taking Intro to Psycology! It's another prereq, and the class time is the same as the A&P. And there is no lab! I've still got a full time class schedule, so it won't affect my financial aid. This'll work!

Ok, I might be excited again.

Sounds good!

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

Intro to Psycology was one of my favorite classes. Its a good class to take (and not as hard as AP)

 

[LMC]

I returned to school last May after not being in school for about 20 yrs so I can sympathize with you. I took Psychology 200, Eng 102, Medical Terminology, A&P 201, and a humanities course that semester and managed A's in all of them so it is possible!!! The only thing is my kids lost their summer as I was studying ALL the time! It was 19 or 20 course hours so I was very busy. Last semester I took 20 hrs and this semester will only be 16 hrs; I should breeze right thru it. Good Luck to you, it is very satisfying to do well and complete the semesters.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I have no idea about those particular classes, but wanted to say that this stranger is very proud of you. I've been to college before, but am wanting to go back and am very nervous about it. You're an inspiration.

 

[mickeymedic]

I think you made a good choice. Taking Medical Terminology first will make A&P easier later. Intro to Psyc was a great class. I think you'll have a good first semester. Good luck!

 

[ElizK]

I returned to school last May after not being in school for about 20 yrs so I can sympathize with you. I took Psychology 200, Eng 102, Medical Terminology, A&P 201, and a humanities course that semester and managed A's in all of them so it is possible!!! The only thing is my kids lost their summer as I was studying ALL the time! It was 19 or 20 course hours so I was very busy. Last semester I took 20 hrs and this semester will only be 16 hrs; I should breeze right thru it. Good Luck to you, it is very satisfying to do well and complete the semesters.

Holy moly!!! Now I feel like a slacker!

 

[ElizK]

I have no idea about those particular classes, but wanted to say that this stranger is very proud of you. I've been to college before, but am wanting to go back and am very nervous about it. You're an inspiration.

Thank you! that made my day!

I think you made a good choice. Taking Medical Terminology first will make A&P easier later. Intro to Psyc was a great class. I think you'll have a good first semester. Good luck!

Thanks! I received that advice here on the Dis.

 

[LMC]

Holy moly!!! Now I feel like a slacker!

Don't! It certainly wasn't my choice to take that many courses at once but in order to get into the program I wanted to start in the fall for a Aug 2010 graduation I had no choice. I am very motivated to complete this degree and get back into the job market.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

OP I feel you. I am going through pre-requisites for HIGHLY competitive nursing program as in, no straight As for every course (min 45 credits) then you're basically screwed. I envy you though, only having to take 2 classes

I agree with others, take your time and make sure you get the grades. I have been told that quality of grade is much better than how fast you get through pre-req time.

 

[ElizK]

OP I feel you. I am going through pre-requisites for HIGHLY competitive nursing program as in, no straight As for every course (min 45 credits) then you're basically screwed. I envy you though, only having to take 2 classes

I agree with others, take your time and make sure you get the grades. I have been told that quality of grade is much better than how fast you get through pre-req time.

I'm taking a total of 4 classes / 12 credit hours (was 13 before I dropped A&P). I'm not particularly worried about getting a good grade in my English Comp I class or my BCIS (business communications... computer class). I'd be surprised if I struggled in either, plus I don't so much have to have an A in those to get into the program I want. It's those science classes that matter so much.