Why Are Gen Eds Required for My Degree and How Can I Save Time and Money Completing Them?

If you’ve never been to college, you may ask yourself that question. Most people would much rather focus on courses that relate specifically to their chosen field of study and their career choice. The reality is that colleges and universities require from 30% to 50% of coursework to be general electives (gen eds). I know when I was younger and began my degree in engineering, I was anxious to start my core classes, but I soon learned that those courses would begin in the fourth or fifth semester. Many students may question whether gen eds are a waste of time, but is that true? First of all, all university programs require gen ed courses, so you are working your way toward your final goal. Secondly, you will learn new subjects, and you may develop a new passion. Elective courses also allow you to explore topics that interest you.

Colleges and universities want “well-rounded” graduates, and gen eds provide a comprehensive education. They promote critical thinking across multiple subjects. General education is more than what it is often perceived to be. Fundamentally, the purpose of education is not to train a student for a specific job but equips them with the skills they need to live life (Walters & Bockorn, 2018).

Once I started my gen ed curriculum, it began to make sense. I was experiencing high-level learning and then saw the value of these courses. For those of you who may not have any experience with post-secondary education, and those with limited knowledge of this subject, here are some examples of general education courses by category:

English Language and Literature:

College Composition, Oral Communication

Arts and Humanities:                                   

Arts, Music, Philosophy, Religion, Ethics, History

Social Sciences:                                    

Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics

Natural Science:                                            

Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology

Mathematics:                                                

Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics

So, we understand that gen eds are required and why, but how can we expedite the completion of these courses and save money? I’ve found that most colleges and universities nationwide provide access to and accept virtually the same courses to satisfy this requirement. One very good and very affordable option for completing these courses in the shortest time possible and for the lowest cost is through Distance Learning Systems.

Here are some of the benefits of utilizing Distance Learning Systems to satisfy this requirement.

  1. Distance Learning Systems provide a wide assortment of general education courses that satisfy most, if not all, general education requirements.
  2. All courses provided by Distance Learning Systems are ACE (American Council on Education) recommended.
  3. Distance Learning Systems has partnership agreements with over 30 of the nation’s finest universities. This guarantees the transferability of all courses completed with Distance Learning Systems into the degree-granting institution.
  4. All courses are delivered 100% online 24/7.
  5. Distance Learning Systems provide an accelerated path to over 450 online degree programs.
  6. The cost of these courses is about 56% less expensive than the average cost of university tuition.
  7. You have options when beginning a new program or returning to complete your degree. I absolutely see and appreciate the value of these general education courses, but my position has always been and will always be to maximize value and minimize time. Good luck!

 

Written By: Dave Christy

RN Class Admission Requirements

RNRN classes have specific requirements to complete to become a registered nurse. Registered nurses have a very challenging career with good compensation and opportunity for career growth. They usually work in hospitals, sometimes in clinics, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. Their main responsibility is to offer care to patients, administer treatments and medications and work with the physician regarding the status of the patient. If you are interested to become a registered nurse, you are required some education as well as trainings and of course passing the NCLEX.

The first prerequisite needed to become an RN is to earn a high school diploma with an average grade of 2.0. You must also have finished subjects in health science, anatomy biology, and first aid. Communication is integral in nursing since you have to communicate to patients, physicians and other health worker from time to time, so you need to have a good grade in English or any related subjects. There are some nursing schools that require student applicants their standardized test scores in SAT or ACT.

Nursing education programs usually combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice. Nursing students are required to have some experience in the field so they may be ready to deal with actual scenarios, even during the RN classes. There are different courses that students are required to complete. These are the anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, physiology and psychology. Nursing students may be required to get some actual experience in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and public health department.

After students completed the program and passed the necessary requirements, they must take and pass the national licensing examination called the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for them to obtain a nursing license and for them to be allowed to work on different healthcare institutions.

Fundamentals of Nursing and Other Common Classes in Nursing Schools

Are you new to the nursing field? Ever wonder what nursing school will be like? Find out the answer to the question that may be on your mind: what classes do you actually take in nursing school?

1. Fundamentals of Nursing – Most nursing schools will start learners out in Fundamentals of Nursing. Names for this course can vary. Typically, in this course, you will finish your guideline nursing abilities and your important responsibilities that are required for skilled, safe and effective patient care. You may also finish certification skills, review of medical rules, and communication.

fundamentals_of_nursing

2. Human Anatomy & Physiology – Get ready to crack down and concentrate as you will enter your anatomy classes. You will understand a detailed study of the body system, how it is structured and how it works.

3. Psychology, Sociology and/or Mental Health – A lot of nursing schools will require learners to take some programs that relate to patient psychology, sociology or mental health. You will understand psychological needs, social background scenes and mental processes of sufferers. These may be entry programs to advanced psychological nursing programs.

4. Pharmacology and Dosage Computations – Do you really like math? Well, if not, be prepared to build up mental faculties to take part in a lot of it. Pharmacology is highly important in nursing and contains your biggest detailed research of medicines. It also contains computation procedures relevant to preparing and providing medicines to sufferers.

5. Nutrition & Diet Therapy – Generally, this is a small course that may be completed online or in a class room. Subjects covered here are individual dietary needs, food science and chemistry and nutritional focus points.

6. Microbiology & Pathology – Taught together or independently, these programs prepare learners for the understanding of harmful bacteria and pathogenic agents that can have an effect on our systems and the nursing care of the sufferers.

7. Medical Surgical Nursing – Learning the various illnesses and their procedures as well as how they take effect on our systems is another important part of nursing. The course provides all of the information you need to know on those specific topics and much more.