Deciding between nursing and medical schools

[almostgraduate92]

When I was younger I really wanted to be a doctor. I loved science and wanted to help the sick any way I could, but in high school I had a few bad science teachers and struggled with depression and decided it wasn't something I could pursue.

Now I am 21 and will be graduating with two non-science related degrees in December. I would really like to work towards a career in medicine again but worry that I will not be able to complete the prerequisites for medical school or get a competitive score on the MCAT. I know that I can spend a year at community college then a year at a state school and be a working RN, but I worry that will not be as fulfilling as being an MD.

How do I decide? I know they are very different careers and will affect the next few years of my life greatly. If I decide on medical school, how do I get the prerequisites completed before applying? How long would it take until I could start applying to programs? Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated.

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[Lost in Translation]

We can't answer this question for you. It all comes down to what you want out of life.

 

[thatwouldbeanarchy]

Only you can make this decision! But it might be helpful to do some shadowing. Spending some time shadowing doctors and nurses in different specialties might give you a better sense of what the differences are between the two careers and which one is a better fit for you.

If I decide on medical school, how do I get the prerequisites completed before applying?

You can enroll in any accredited college as a non-degree student and just take the necessary prereqs. 4-year universities are preferable to community colleges but there are some schools that will accept CC credits.

How long would it take until I could start applying to programs?

This depends on how many (if any) prereqs you've taken already and whether you would take any missing classes full-time or part-time. But just as a reference, I didn't take any science classes in college. It took me about 2 years to complete my prereqs, taking 2 classes per semester most of the time.

 

[LabMonster]

It may also help to get that RN/BSN and just work. The nurses I work with are absolutely critical to patient outcomes and sometimes I wish I had the healthcare intimacy they have. I work with quite a few nurses who are progressing to get their NP's, and without a doubt, this is a very financially viable, satisfying job prospect.

Teachers are one thing, depression is another. There is little we can't accomplish when we decide it's within our grasp.

 

[osckey]

Why not become a midlevel?