Doing RT to get into Med school

[JPMo]

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So i was thinking about things while studying for my Ochem test tomorrow and i came up with this idea...what if i went and did respiratory therapy instead of finishing my bio degree? Im currently a sophomore and my gpa IS NOT where it should be. I figured doing RT would give me a stable platform and some experience that would help me get into med school or if not then definitely for PA. What do you guys think about this idea? Im sure you can think of obstacles i would face better then i could.

 

[illegallysmooth]

You realize you will still need to do the prereqs and get a bachelor's even with the RT?

 

[JPMo]

yes i do, my logic is that the BS in RT at least gives you a profession to fall back on while the bio degree does not give you much.

 

[illegallysmooth]

I'm confused as to why you would get a bachelor's in RT instead of an associate's. If you want the ability to work as an RT, you don't need a bachelor's. Are you planning to take pre-reqs concurrently with the RT degree?

 

[JPMo]

well i figured i've already done 2 yrs of my bio degree and that i could just transfer into Ga state University's BS in RT program since i've already taken most of the courses required for that degree up to the 2nd year (minus the lower division RT courses) oh and i understand that i would still have to do the med school pre-reqs and take the MCAT. Like i said the RT is just as a back up plan if i dont get into a med school.

 

[illegallysmooth]

well i figured i've already done 2 yrs of my bio degree and that i could just transfer into Ga state University's BS in RT program since i've already taken most of the courses required for that degree up to the 2nd year (minus the lower division RT courses) I hope this cleared it up for you

OK, that makes more sense. Sure. But here's the way I feel about it the larger picture: if you want to be a doctor, bust your ass in the prereqs. Then study hard and smoke the MCAT. Don't keep telling yourself you might not make it and should have back-ups lined up. Don't study like someone who might not make it because you can always fall back on RT or PA. Study like someone who will make it. Sure, transfer into the RT program, it can't hurt. You can work for a year after graduating, before applying. Good clinical experience. But, if you want to be a doctor, bust your ass and be a doctor. Good luck 🙂

 

[JPMo]

OK, that makes more sense. Sure. But here's the way I feel about it the larger picture: if you want to be a doctor, bust your ass in the prereqs. Then study hard and smoke the MCAT. Don't keep telling yourself you might not make it and should have back-ups lined up. Don't study like someone who might not make it because you can always fall back on RT or PA. Study like someone who will make it. Sure, transfer into the RT program, it can't hurt. You can work for a year after graduating, before applying. Good clinical experience. But, if you want to be a doctor, bust your ass and be a doctor. Good luck 🙂

Thank you so much! im glad you took the time to answer my thread! 👍 And i know for sure that im going to bust my ass even if it kills me! but the RT thing was my moms idea actually, and honestly i cant really find any flaws with going that route, except maybe the extra work needed to get a decent MCAT score and the loss of prestige as a bio student . And the experience gained would be better then almost anyone else applying!

 

[Morsetlis]

Faults with RT plan:

-Allied Health classes, especially at the Bachelor's level, are hard.
-They won't count for science GPA.
-Unless you're on a scholarship, you'll spend more money for them.
-You will be trying to study for the MCAT, retain materials from sophomore year in chem/ochem/phys/bio and also trying to complete the RT at the same time.

Pros:
-RT is a nice job that will give you a LOT of clinical exposure, even from internships while still in school.

 

[Mackey]

So i was thinking about things while studying for my Ochem test tomorrow and i came up with this idea...what if i went and did respiratory therapy instead of finishing my bio degree? Im currently a sophomore and my gpa IS NOT where it should be. I figured doing RT would give me a stable platform and some experience that would help me get into med school or if not then definitely for PA. What do you guys think about this idea? Im sure you can think of obstacles i would face better then i could.

I'm going to be the jerk and say this MIGHT be because you're spending your time studying for an ochem test TOMORROW by thinking up "fall-back" plans.

Stick your head in your notes and think about this later.

In other news, I would say this is not the worst idea in the world.

 

[morning]

Personally I think it's a bad idea. In the end pretty much any scientific degree can be used as a backup plan - either into some other type of grad school or into a career with no more schooling required. Biology, chemistry, exercise science - they can all take you places on their own. At the very least, you could teach. They don't come ready made with jobs like a typical professional degree, but they're not useless either.

 

[JPMo]

Faults with RT plan:

-Allied Health classes, especially at the Bachelor's level, are hard.
-They won't count for science GPA.
-Unless you're on a scholarship, you'll spend more money for them.
-You will be trying to study for the MCAT, retain materials from sophomore year in chem/ochem/phys/bio and also trying to complete the RT at the same time.

Pros:
-RT is a nice job that will give you a LOT of clinical exposure, even from internships while still in school.

Well if i did RT i think i would wait a year before applying to med school to just work and get experience, do post-bacc courses and study for the mcat. But the courses not affecting the science GPA is a big problem! and as far as money goes....Ga has the hope scholarship which pays 100% of your tuition if you have a 3.0 so im covered lol once i get back to a 3.0 (I really shouldnt be laughing...)

 

[RogueUnicorn]

Well if i did RT i think i would wait a year before applying to med school to just work and get experience, do post-bacc courses and study for the mcat. But the courses not affecting the science GPA is a big problem! and as far as money goes....Ga has the hope scholarship which pays 100% of your tuition if you have a 3.0 so im covered lol once i get back to a 3.0 (I really shouldnt be laughing...)

yup.

 

[buckeyeRT]

Currently a practicing RT with a BS and struggling between either MD or PA route, but I've known plenty of people who have prepared/matriculated/completed med school after RT programs. Doing a BS RT program while taking pre-med classes and preparing for the MCAT was very challenging for them, especially managing time during many weeks of straight "full-time" clinical rotations. At my school, RT classes weren't excruciatingly difficult, but they were definitely made to challenge us. Most of them also had to do 5 years to get their degree, not sure if this was due to scheduling issues, late decision to want to go MD, or both. But, those who are in or have completed med school all thought that the background as an RT was excellent clinical and patient experience and a great motivator for specialization (IM to fellowships in Crit Care or Pulm [RT background is excellent for Crit Care, btw], Anesthesiology, etc.).

On the other hand, becoming an RT is expensive and requires a lot of testing. We have a total of 3 exams... one is the entry-level CRT that costs about $200, and two parts (written and clinical situation simulation) for the advanced-level RRT that costs almost $350 I believe. Plus, in order to practice, you usually need to get your licensure which varies state-to-state (for me, it was another $100). $650 from my senior year of college to be able to work as an RRT. There are some discounts, but still expect a lot of moolah.

Basically, it won't hurt if you can still do your pre-req courses while doing the RT program. It is very, very doable! A bonus is that with BS programs you may become certified then registered and start working before you even get the actual degree which makes up for all that you spent to actually become an RT.

 

[Morsetlis]

Well if i did RT i think i would wait a year before applying to med school to just work and get experience, do post-bacc courses and study for the mcat. But the courses not affecting the science GPA is a big problem! and as far as money goes....Ga has the hope scholarship which pays 100% of your tuition if you have a 3.0 so im covered lol once i get back to a 3.0 (I really shouldnt be laughing...)

B students get 100% tuition covered?

😡

 

[JJMrK]

Sounds like the RT route is going to take longer overall, but if it's something you are interested in there's no reason not to do it. Getting a job as an RT is going to look great on your med school app.

 

[JPMo]

B students get 100% tuition covered?

😡

Yeah! 😀 its great but...its only for state schools and it doesnt cover fees or on-campus living. For the private ones like emory and mercer, you only get like $5000 a year! Which is nothing when your paying $20k and up on tuition alone.

But as for the RT goes...it would be a lot of work! I think im just gonna stick with Bio give it my all and go for it!! I love all things medical but RT isnt something that im super interested in. thanks for all the help guys!

 

[7starmantis]

Personally I think it's a bad idea. In the end pretty much any scientific degree can be used as a backup plan - either into some other type of grad school or into a career with no more schooling required. Biology, chemistry, exercise science - they can all take you places on their own. At the very least, you could teach. They don't come ready made with jobs like a typical professional degree, but they're not useless either.

I understand your saying other degrees can be used just as well as the RT, but why is it a bad idea exactly?

 

[morning]

I understand your saying other degrees can be used just as well as the RT, but why is it a bad idea exactly?

Because allied health degrees generally take up a LOT of time that could be spent either studying for the MCAT, interviewing at schools or relaxing before the craziness of med school starts. And if all he wants is a backup, there are backups that are just as good with less commitment. This is especially true if his GPA is "not where it should be"...he should be studying to get it where it should be, not making the load even harder on himself.

 

[Morsetlis]

Reality check: You make about 50-65k/year as a research assistant/lab manager with a B.S. in Bio/Chem.

In healthcare, the possibilities of working overtime are ENDLESS.

Plus, that Bio/Chem degree is NOT going to be very helpful in getting you clinical experience. (Likewise, that RT degree is NOT going to be very helpful in getting you a high MCAT score.)

You have to be honest with yourself: Are you a hard worker? If not, allied health isn't for you. I am the laziest mother****er at UCSD and I got a 36T on my MCAT.

 

[GoodmanBrown]

B students get 100% tuition covered?

😡

So do A students.

This isn't really that novel. Florida does the same thing, and I'm sure at least one or two other states do.

 

[LizzyM]

Your gpa isn't where it should be and 50% of all med school applicants don't get admitted to any allopathic school in the US. Mom is being practical; if you like the health care environment and like working with sick people, RT may be a good fit and it doesn't close the door to med school if somewhere down the road your situation is such that the odds of being admitted to medical school are good to excellent.

With a biology degree you will not have the training and credentials to work with sick people. With the RT you will be able to do that. I can see Mom's point of view.

 

[Morsetlis]

Everybody can see points of view. What they can't do is predict the future ;p

 

[GoodmanBrown]

Reality check: You make about 50-65k/year as a research assistant/lab manager with a B.S. in Bio/Chem.

In healthcare, the possibilities of working overtime are ENDLESS.

Plus, that Bio/Chem degree is NOT going to be very helpful in getting you clinical experience. (Likewise, that RT degree is NOT going to be very helpful in getting you a high MCAT score.)

Where in the world did you get your salary figures for a research assistant? Coming right out of college, you'll be lucky to get half that.

Also, if the OP is struggling to work back to a 3.0, I think back-up plans are probably in order. A sub-3.0 isn't going to get you into much in the way of medical school.

Becoming an RT seems like a really good idea to me.

You have to be honest with yourself: Are you a hard worker? If not, allied health isn't for you. I am the laziest mother****er at UCSD and I got a 36T on my MCAT.

I'm not following you here. Are you saying it's easier to become a doctor than become an RT? That's kinda insane. You getting a 36T on your MCAT really only signifies that you're smart and you take tests well. That's in the 97th percentile, which pretty clearly shows not any ol' person can get a 36.

 

[Morsetlis]

I'm saying that life science degrees are less work than allied health -.-

The only test I failed in college was an EMT quiz.

 

[GoodmanBrown]

I'm saying that life science degrees are less work than allied health -.-

The only test I failed in college was an EMT quiz.

Fair enough, and I probably agree. But, I think it's also a matter of will. I can easily see someone doing badly in Cell Bio because they hate it, then busting hump and doing well in an applicable RT class. It's largely about what you're motivated to put time into.

However, the OP said that (s)he didn't really find RT that interesting and was only doing it as a back-up, so perhaps you're right that the OP would not do well in RT classes.

I guess I'm just kinda worried for the OP. The hinted-at GPA is really bad for any US MD or DO school. So, (s)he's probably looking at carrib which is a whole bag of worms. So, if (s)he's not doing well enough for med school, probably not well enough for PA school, and isn't interested in RT school, what's (s)he left with? Getting an RA job at $25K-$30K a year after college?