1.4: Planning a College Course Load

Strategies for Success in Nursing School From Start to Finish · LibreTexts

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    RaeAnna Jeffers

    Learning Objectives

    At the end of this section, the learner will:

    • Calculate the number of hours needed for work, class, and study.
    • Identify the number of remaining hours in a schedule for other activities.
    • Begin the enrollment process.

    Planning a College Course Load

    Now that you are aware of your use of time, you can begin to build a college course load that makes sense for your personal goals. You will need to spend 3 hours of study and homework time per each 1 credit hour. If you do the math, a 3 credit-hour course will require 9 hours of time for completion of assignments and study time (3 credit hrs. x 3 hrs. study and homework = 9 total hrs. per 3 credit-hour course).

    The table below shows a recommended time allotment for class hours and study time per hour of work at your place of employment.

    Figure 2.4.1 Recommended Weekly Time Allotment Per Hours Worked

    # of Work Hours

    # Class hours Recommended

    Estimated Maximum Study Time Needed

    Total Hours Needed Per Week

    Remaining Hours per Week for Other Activities

    40

    6

    18

    64

    104

    30

    9

    27

    66

    102

    20

    12

    36

    68

    100

     

     

     

     

     

    Now would be a good time to review your one-week time audit from 2.1. Once you decide how many course hours you can handle, you are ready to enroll in classes. Enrolling as early as possible will improve your chances of getting the desired courses and schedule. Look at the course schedules to see when classes meet, any required pre-requisites for the courses, and any other key dates like holidays, drop days, etc. Make sure you have completed any advising appointments, orientations, or additional requirements prior to starting your enrollment process.

    Activity 2.4: Planning a Course Load

    Planning a Course Load

    Complete the following activity to calculate your hours for work, class, and study time. The remaining weekly balance of time will be used to plan all other activities.

    An interactive H5P element has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view it online here:
    https://uta.pressbooks.pub/nursingschoolsuccess/?p=1757#h5p-3

    Refer back to these calculations later when completing your semester schedule in 2.5.

     

     

    This page titled 1.4: Planning a College Course Load was last modified on Sun, 16 Mar 2025 21:51:39 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Leslie Jennings, RaeAnna Jeffers, Laura Haygood, and Craig Keaton via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.