Taking Pre-requisites Newbie

[jemin]

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Hi, I have a question particularly for those who have experience fulfilling pre-requisites for MOT. I know that community colleges and city schools are the cheapest route to go with but I've also heard that the these classes tend to fill up quickly resulting in no space. Is there any other ways to go about for fulfilling pre-reqs? Thank you!

 

[PNWgirl]

There are some schools that offer a combined bachelors/masters program. I am not sure what pre-reqs are for those, but I am sure they are considerably less than just the masters or doctoral programs. If you already have your bachelors I would just say talk to the professors of the classes. I had a hard time getting into AP 1, but so many people drop it that I was able to sign up and then the rest of the series is easy to get into to because so many people don't pass the first class.

 

[jemin]

Thank you for sharing PNWgirl! 🙂

 

[jewel11786]

It depends on where you are in your education. Do you have a degree? Are you currently enrolled somewhere? I would have taken the pre-reqs at community college if I already wasn't enrolled in a university. But the problem of competing to get into the pre-req classes like A&P are the same everywhere. I would try to get into the pre-reqs at a local community college if you're not enrolled somewhere else.

 

[jemin]

Thanks, I appreciate your input jewel11786! 🙂 I already have a degree in a completely unrelated field and am not enrolled currently. That was my initial plan but then heard it was fairly difficult to get registered for them at the local CCs and city/state schools as a non degree student. I'd also need to take out a loan for pre-reqs as it will take about a year to fulfill them so was thinking about going the post bacc/second degree route.

 

[pdxOThopeful]

It could be less competitive to get into classes if you took the classes on an "off" track... Meaning instead of taking [for example] A&P 1 Fall term, A&P 2 Winter term, etc -- take A&P 1 winter term, and A&P 2 spring term. Does that make sense? It seems like most people try to start sequence courses at the beginning of a new school year in the fall, and fewer try to start that sequence in the middle, or even during a summer term. It was easier for me to get into a winter term A&P 1, than it was to get into the same class during fall term. I think it was also because new freshmen hop into those prereqs right out of high school, starting fall semester.

 

[jemin]

Ah that makes sense, thanks pdxOThopeful! 🙂 But do a lot of colleges (especially state/city and CC colleges) offer courses like A&P in the winter? Maybe I didn't search well enough but I have yet to find any being offered for the winter term. 🙁 I'm planning to give them all a call tomorrow to make sure if they're being offered or not.

 

[jewel11786]

Yes many programs offer them during the Spring semester (depending the colleges in your area run in semesters or quarters). I would also recommend looking to take A&P I in the Spring and maybe A&P II in the fall, since most students look to get into A&P I in the fall and II in the Spring. But also keep in mind that there are usually less sections of A&P I or II during the "off" semesters.

 

[spiralgalaxy]

Having gone through the need to take prereqs after already obtaining a degree, I get what you must be going through! In some cases, I had to make the sacrifice of taking a few classes at my alma mater through extended education (but you can do this at any university). The downside is the cost, but for me personally, it was my only option at one point. Keep that in mind if you get stuck; I know you have to take out loans so that's not your ideal situation! If you do end up doing that, make sure to pick a state school or the least expensive in your area.

 

[jemin]

Thank you Jewel for the helpful tips! I think I might need to take a semester of bio before taking A&P (I believe some schools require bio as a prerequisite to A&P).

Spiralgalaxy, thank you for sharing feedback on your experience! By extended education, you mean post baccalaureate or just taking classes separately as a non-matriculated/degree student? My situation definitely isn't the most ideal and since I don't really make enough money with the job I have right now, I'll have to take out loans (even while still paying the previous ones off...*sob*). Not going to lie, I'm a bit terrified of my future loans debt but I really want to learn and become an OT.

I'm really grateful for everyone's advice! Thank you so much again! *bows*

 

[spiralgalaxy]

I just mean taking classes separately as a non-matriculated student, but I understand it's not exactly the cheapest option! Loans can definitely be scary but for a lot of us, it's really the only way we're able to continue our education. I'm certain it will all pay off in the end. 🙂

 

[jemin]

I really hope so! As difficult as things may seem, I just can't wait to get started!