Questions about A&P for pre-nursing or nursing students?

[beebalmmama]

I'm not going into nursing but I'm doing some prereqs that are pretty similar to nursing prereqs. I'm going towards a masters in Occupational Therapy and so anatomy and physiology are on the forefront this coming year. It will actually be my first time back to school in 8 years and with kids in tow.

So I plan on attending part time and taking A&P both semesters with an additional online course each semester (psychology courses). This would put me at 6-7 credit hours per semeser. So I know that this class is going to probably kick my butt and require a lot of studying. I've looked up past threads here on MDC about A&P.

So here's my question. Am I crazy to be considering applying for a part time job too, (part time as in 32 hrs a week). There is a position with the school district for a para professional in a special education class. I think this would be an awesome opportunity and would give me some valuable experience that will also boost my future masters application. (so far I don't have any health care related experience). I feel like I really need both of these things to get started now, in order to gear up for applying to graduate school. But I'm wondering if it will be too much. Personally I'd love to find a para pro job at 1/2 time, more like 4 hr days. Another position might open up, the district is just starting to post openings for next year and I know they haven't finalized the budget yet. I just don't want to pass this opportunity up if they don't have another special education position.

Another consideration is that we desperately need the money. We've been eeking by since ds 2 was born and I've been keeping a child part time but it's really not enough. Plus I'd have the additional expense of finding care for ds for when I need to study.

[BeautyforAshes]

I worked full-time while I did my prerequisites for PT school, but I didn't have children at the time. Like you said, the job sounds like a great opportunity, and if you really need the money, then it sounds like turning it down might not be the best move.   Is there any chance you could cut down on your course load if it's all too much?  Do you have anyone who could help at home or with the kids, etc.?

[beebalmmama]

Well it would be indeed tough to consider turning it down if  I actually get an interview and an offer. Which is why I'm thinking this through before I even get the application in this week. I didn't want it to snow ball before I thought it out.

I COULD cut back to just A&P if necessary. But the one problem with that is that it takes me below half time for financial aid. Although my financial aid application is still being reviewed at the moment. But then the job could help cover the cost of tuition too.....hmmm. I'm also hesitant to cut back too much because I only have a 12 month window for financial aid for prereqs. I also have it planned out to be able to apply to grad school by fall of 2012, but could push it back to the second application window of January if needed (or apply during both periods).

Dh is around during the evening and is cutting back his own push for additional credits since he's jumping a salary grade this coming year. He's a teacher. It would be tight for all of us, time wise. But then financially it would give us some breathing room. Because currently dh and I are not so nice to eachother from the money stress.

Right now the only class I could get into is a weekend class, which may not be so bad (Fri even and Sat morning). Although I'll be putting myself on the wait list for the T Th eve class.

[Drummer's Wife]

I think it's doable.  I am also in school and considering OT.  I've taken A&P I, but not II or the required Stats and psych courses for my program.  Anyhow, I think if you could work closer to 20 hours a week, that would probably be more ideal, but I bet you could find a way to make it work.  I have four kids, though they are all in school now (youngest goes half-day).  I do plan on working part time eventually as a CNA and volunteering (and shadowing if I do decide to go for OT) and while I will be busy, it will be worth it.  Getting that experience and being able to put it on your grad school app plus your resume in the future will be a positive thing, so I would at least go for it and know you could step down or drop your course load if it's too high.  I would keep half-time status, personally, b/c I rely on fin aid to go to school right now.  Though, if your program is super competitive as many OT school are becoming, it might be worth it to take A&P each on their own to increase your chances of a high GPA.  But really, I've taken a psych course online and found it to be pretty easy - though it wasn't one of the harder ones - so you can always enroll and then withdrawal before the deadline if need be. 

Best of luck!

[pinksprklybarefoot]

How are you at memorization?

I am in my last couple of weeks of A & P 2. The first semester was much harder than the second. WAY more difficult memorization (bones, muscles - they all look the same). Second semester is more interesting.

I am at the top of my class, but I am really good at memorization. I had to put in about twice as much effort first semester compared to second. Also, to do well, you probably will have to spend some time outside of class in the lab with the models. It is hard to do well without that.

There are a lot of ways to fit extra studying into busy life (flash adds that go everywhere, apps on smartphones). Bottom line, you have to put in the study time.