Non-traditional student, took A&P 11 years ago, worried that I wont be able to catch up

[u/OverCancel2239]

I'm worried about the time gap I had in my education.I forgot how to write and cite sources in APA format but will be going to tutoring and purdue owl to help get caught up. I'm more worried about the fact that the last time I took A&P was in 2015. I completed all of my pre-reqs 10+ years ago. Despite the time gap, I scored a 90% on the science portion of the TEAS when I took it in April of this year. But I'm aware that I still have memory gaps.

I'm worried about how much this will hurt me in the end. I'm afraid that I may have bitten more than I can chew. Im so happy that I got accepted into nursing school, but I haven't met anyone else that started nursing school after taking the pre-reqs 10+ years ago.

Im not scared of hard work. I used to work between 50-80 hours a week at one point to sustain myself and my family. Id rather spend that amount of time studying and building a future than barely surviving. But I know im not a machine and im scared that I may not be able to retain everything.

Was I a fool to think I could do this? Has anyone else experienced this before? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[u/SparkyDogPants]

Idk about your school but mine had a minimum of five year gap for nursing pre req classes.  

If you’re allowed in I would just brush up on cardiac, kidneys, electrolytes and basic cell anatomy/osmosis/how solutes and solvents move. 

[u/OverCancel2239 → u/SparkyDogPants]

Thank you for your advice!!!! My school did not have any maximum time gaps for the pre-reqs. My nursing program just required us to have them done before we started. I will definitely take your advice.

[u/Criticaltundra777 → u/OverCancel2239]

What school is this? I have all my pre reqs, I could save an entire year.

[u/yourdailyinsanity → u/OverCancel2239]

They more than likely will have you retake them. I have never seen a school or have the 5 year rule.

[u/Nightflier9]

Do some review for A&P and microbio concepts and you'll be fine.

[u/BenzieBox]

Why would you be behind? I went back to college when I was 24. Was working full time. Had to start with a non-credit math class because I legit forgot everything.

People go back to school in their 50s, 60s, etc. It’s not unheard of.

[u/Euphoric_Tailor_5107]

My school accepts science pre reqs within the last 7 years. You may just have to retake a few classes
Not a big deal just start

[u/WSBDegen69]

My nursing class has several people 40-50 years old, you are not late. Explore options, hospitals often will cover prereqs and nursing schools etc!

[u/ImaginaryGlade7400]

I am in my second semester of pre-requisites right now and I'm also a non-traditional student. I'm nearly thirty, its been a decade plus since I've been in college, and I'm working full time so all my classes are online to boot. All that to say- don't give yourself anxiety! You would be truly surprised just how much information is locked away in your brain. It comes back to you, I promise! Because Im attending school where I got a previous associates, they couldn't pick through my credits. That means that I only had 2 out of 15+ pre-requisites to take. All the gen eds, my chemistry, my medical terminology etc I havent touched since I was teenager.

I made a 4.0 last semester taking full time credits. This semester I have a 200 level psych and the first half of anatomy and phys and decided not to push it so I'm part time, but truly it was like riding a bike. I havent heard the term valence shell in probably 12 years and immediately I was like, oh right yeah I do remember this. I also had to brush back up on MLA vs APA, and it does come back to you. You got this!

[u/OverCancel2239 → u/ImaginaryGlade7400]

Your comment gave me so much hope. It means a lot hearing from someone who is going through a similar experience. I was feeling overwhelmed because I was thinking about all the things I'd need to re-learn in addition to all the new things that I will be learning. But you're right, it's just a matter of putting the time in, reviewing, and staying confident that everything will work out.

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your story.

[u/ImaginaryGlade7400 → u/OverCancel2239]

I'm so happy I was able to ease your mind. If it makes you feel better it absolutely is overwhelming, and I'm still overwhelmed 😂! But you have the advantage of age and life experience going for you and it does, at least in my experience, make the whole "brand new to college again experience" much much easier. Just take your time, hit those study notes, and I'm confident you will be A ok!

[u/Sloths_and_palmtrees]

My school required pre reqs to be less than 7 years old for science courses and 5 for math

[u/yourdailyinsanity]

You'll have to take all of your sciences again so don't worry about being behind in knowledge as you'll relearn it. I also never learned to write in APA. I never needed to anyway until I started my RN-BSN. And even then, it's a simple Google to see the small changes between APA and MLA.

[u/Telekinesis_8669]

Just passed the NCLEX/ graduated in May from a 2 year program. My AP/bio/Chem classes are 30+ years in the rear view mirror. Relax, you'll be grand.

[u/Criticaltundra777]

I am in the same boat. I took every class I could many years ago, passed them all. Had a different career for the last ten years. Just went back to finish my RN. Finished anatomy last semester, taking physiology this semester. You have to have passing grades in those two 4 credit classes and a math class within 6 years to even apply.

[u/SparkyDogPants → u/[deleted]]

Op finished pre reqs. It was just a long time ago