Hi, I’m entering college this fall. I’m majoring in Nursing and I want to transfer to the University of Penn. in a couple of years. I’ll also apply to a couple of other schools just in case I don’t get into Penn.
For my first semester of college I’m taking Intro. to Statistics, which is required if I want to transfer to Penn. as a nursing major.
I took Honors Calc. in high school and got an A, but since I didn’t take Trig. or pre-calc in H.S. I can’t take Calculus this semester. Instead, I’d have to take College Algebra this semester and then Applied Calculus next semester. Is it worth it to do that, or should I just stick with Stats? Because I heard Calculus isn’t necessary for nurses.
I’m planning to major in nursing as well (I’ll be a senior in high school this year though). You’re right, Calculus is not necessary for nurses. I would definitely stick with Statistics. My guidance counselor told me that for a nursing major, Statistics is way more important (and beneficial) than Calculus. I have heard that Calculus is just a waste of time, because the topics that you learn in Calculus aren’t really used in day-to-day nursing work, unlike the topics in Statistics. If you want to take Calculus, by all means, take it! It’s just that Statistics will really help you for Nursing, especially if/when you get your Master’s. I’d stress taking Statistics over Calculus. Statistics is absolutely required for Nursing. I’d only take Calculus if it is something you’re interested in. Hope this helps!
Wow! Thank you @LionKing2398 for your answer, it was very helpful!
I wonder what the recommended math sequence is for nursing majors? After I’m done with Stats, that is, haha.
@xbtaylorx13 You’re welcome! I’ve wondered this too! I’m not sure if it varies from college to college, but for the college that I am planning on going to has a “road map” for the requirements Nursing students need to graduate with a BSN. According to the plan, I only see statistics classes. The majority of the classes on the plan are sciences (psychology, biology, chemistry, etc.), not math. I’m sure that there are math electives that you may take to fill the general breadth requirement classes (if your college does this). Sorry I can’t answer specifically! Good luck in Nursing school!
Statistics are especially helpful for research, and a good understanding is required for grad school. Many of the research oriented nursing programs use undergrads too, if your are interested. Pay special attention to the underlying assumptions, and try to go beyond the mechanics of statistics to the underlying meaning to avoid problems.