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I know I did a similar thread a while ago that was based more on pre-planning/getting ideas on returning to study. I found the advice I was given to be particularly helpful back then, so now that I'm formulating/getting a more concrete plan into place with regards to returning to study (obviously with the ultimate goal of doing medicine post grad) I thought I might ask for another round of opinions, thoughts, criticisms, whatever I need to hear/be aware of/be prepared for, etc etc, from whoever is willing to share their knowledge and advice. I may cross post this to the Non Trad forum as well, but I wanted to ask for feedback from this forum first seeing as I think, or at least I hope after 5+ years most of you guys have gotten to know me reasonably well and can give an honest appraisal.
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*For reference: RTS = Return To Study. This plan also assumes clarity on current political issues surrounding tertiary education fees in Australia.
RTS Phase 1 (2016-2017)
a) Self directed study in foundation mathematics, including a basic prepatory maths course undertaken through Open Universities Australia.
b) Enrollment in specific Pre-Psychology preparation courses (including Foundations of Statistics, plus Psychology 100/101).
c) Upon satisfactory completion of A and B, application for enrollment in Undergraduate Degree for Bachelor of Behavioural Studies (Psychology) through the aforementioned Open Universities Australia.
Advantages of this pathway:
Aside from the preparatory courses there is no prior academic score requirements in order to access enrollment for this degree.
The degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
The degree is also recognised as fulfilling the requirements for an undergraduate degree prior to post graduate application to studies in medicine.
Returning to Behavioural Studies/Psychology may give me an advantage when applying for medicine post grad, as opposed to my previous plan of going down the route of an undergrad in Archaeology.
If I'm not successful in my application to study medicine post grad then continuing on with the study requirements for registration as a Psychologist would at least allow me to (hopefully) work within the field of mental health care.
The Open Universities system allows for distance education, which means, apart from local area travel for required exams, being able to complete the vast majority of the degree from home (and at your own individually set time table). This is a major advantage to me as I believe it will allow me the time and space to prepare for a return to a more traditional study format (if I'm accepted into medicine post grad), and also provide me with the personal space and opportunity to continue working within a long term therapy framework, as well as restabilising a certain currently recurrent problem in the more immediate term as well (long story short, I may have kinda, sorta, ever so slightly relapsed with regards to a chronic presentation of A.N -- totally nothing to sound the alarm over just yet, but at the same time definitely something I need to get under more consistent control/remission before I even consider attempting med school.)
RTS Phase 2 (2017-2021) ~ *Ideal scenario
Successful completion of Psychology undergrad degree with required GPA scores.
Application to Post Graduate studies in Medicine
Successful completion of GAMSAT
Invitation to interview
Offer of placement.
Potential roadblocks for Phase 2:
Prerequisite requirements of physical dexterity and fine motor control (may be an issue in regards to my having Peripheral Neuropathy).
Chronic/recurrent mental health issues. Stress of medical school precipitating relapses of particular conditions.
Age in comparison to students who have taken a more 'traditional' pathway.
Uncertainty surrounding future availability of internships needed to complete requirements for registration as a medical practitioner (questioning fairness of comparative age versus viable career length).
~~~~~~~~~
Okay, I think that's about it. Have at it (for those who wish to). Any and all advice/opinions/constructive criticisms, et cetera, more than welcome.
~~~~~~~~~
*For reference: RTS = Return To Study. This plan also assumes clarity on current political issues surrounding tertiary education fees in Australia.
RTS Phase 1 (2016-2017)
a) Self directed study in foundation mathematics, including a basic prepatory maths course undertaken through Open Universities Australia.
b) Enrollment in specific Pre-Psychology preparation courses (including Foundations of Statistics, plus Psychology 100/101).
c) Upon satisfactory completion of A and B, application for enrollment in Undergraduate Degree for Bachelor of Behavioural Studies (Psychology) through the aforementioned Open Universities Australia.
Advantages of this pathway:
Aside from the preparatory courses there is no prior academic score requirements in order to access enrollment for this degree.
The degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
The degree is also recognised as fulfilling the requirements for an undergraduate degree prior to post graduate application to studies in medicine.
Returning to Behavioural Studies/Psychology may give me an advantage when applying for medicine post grad, as opposed to my previous plan of going down the route of an undergrad in Archaeology.
If I'm not successful in my application to study medicine post grad then continuing on with the study requirements for registration as a Psychologist would at least allow me to (hopefully) work within the field of mental health care.
The Open Universities system allows for distance education, which means, apart from local area travel for required exams, being able to complete the vast majority of the degree from home (and at your own individually set time table). This is a major advantage to me as I believe it will allow me the time and space to prepare for a return to a more traditional study format (if I'm accepted into medicine post grad), and also provide me with the personal space and opportunity to continue working within a long term therapy framework, as well as restabilising a certain currently recurrent problem in the more immediate term as well (long story short, I may have kinda, sorta, ever so slightly relapsed with regards to a chronic presentation of A.N -- totally nothing to sound the alarm over just yet, but at the same time definitely something I need to get under more consistent control/remission before I even consider attempting med school.)
RTS Phase 2 (2017-2021) ~ *Ideal scenario
Successful completion of Psychology undergrad degree with required GPA scores.
Application to Post Graduate studies in Medicine
Successful completion of GAMSAT
Invitation to interview
Offer of placement.
Potential roadblocks for Phase 2:
Prerequisite requirements of physical dexterity and fine motor control (may be an issue in regards to my having Peripheral Neuropathy).
Chronic/recurrent mental health issues. Stress of medical school precipitating relapses of particular conditions.
Age in comparison to students who have taken a more 'traditional' pathway.
Uncertainty surrounding future availability of internships needed to complete requirements for registration as a medical practitioner (questioning fairness of comparative age versus viable career length).
~~~~~~~~~
Okay, I think that's about it. Have at it (for those who wish to). Any and all advice/opinions/constructive criticisms, et cetera, more than welcome.
