cnarnmd
Full Member
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2018
- Messages
- 11
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- 11
Hello!
I've been browsing this site for awhile now, but this is my first post. I've read many, many opinions on the PA vs MD debate, but wanted to get some opinions on my situation. I'm 23 years old, have a BSN, and have been working as a nurse for 2 years. I am at the point in my career where I want to continue my education, which logically should be NP/CRNA, but I want to practice medicine and I'm not too interested in anesthesia. Unfortunately nursing hasn't been academically challenging or as scientifically focused as I thought it would be. I have a 4.0 and have taken some extra science classes that weren't required for nursing.
I originally wanted to be an MD, but my family thought that as a young female, it would disrupt having a family. For med school, I would still need a year of O Chem, a year of Physics, Biochem, and the MCAT. It would take about two years to get the that done while still working as a nurse. I've looked into some post-bacc programs but they are super expensive. I would probably start med school when I'm 26, MD at 30, and finish residency at 34-35. With a fellowship, I'd most likely be 36. It's a huge time and financial investment, although I currently have no debt and have a good amount of savings.
This leads me to being a PA. I like that PAs are able to change specialties if they want throughout their career (I have certainly done this as a nurse), more flexible schedule, and fewer loans. I only need to take O Chem and the GRE before I would apply. I would still get a good education, but it wouldn't be med school + residency quality. By 26-27, I could be working as a PA in a great specialty making a good salary. But I wonder if after a few years, will I want the higher level of autonomy and knowledge and end up going to medical school? I'm afraid that will always regret not going for it!!
Thanks for reading, and if you have any advice/tips I would appreciate it!
I've been browsing this site for awhile now, but this is my first post. I've read many, many opinions on the PA vs MD debate, but wanted to get some opinions on my situation. I'm 23 years old, have a BSN, and have been working as a nurse for 2 years. I am at the point in my career where I want to continue my education, which logically should be NP/CRNA, but I want to practice medicine and I'm not too interested in anesthesia. Unfortunately nursing hasn't been academically challenging or as scientifically focused as I thought it would be. I have a 4.0 and have taken some extra science classes that weren't required for nursing.
I originally wanted to be an MD, but my family thought that as a young female, it would disrupt having a family. For med school, I would still need a year of O Chem, a year of Physics, Biochem, and the MCAT. It would take about two years to get the that done while still working as a nurse. I've looked into some post-bacc programs but they are super expensive. I would probably start med school when I'm 26, MD at 30, and finish residency at 34-35. With a fellowship, I'd most likely be 36. It's a huge time and financial investment, although I currently have no debt and have a good amount of savings.
This leads me to being a PA. I like that PAs are able to change specialties if they want throughout their career (I have certainly done this as a nurse), more flexible schedule, and fewer loans. I only need to take O Chem and the GRE before I would apply. I would still get a good education, but it wouldn't be med school + residency quality. By 26-27, I could be working as a PA in a great specialty making a good salary. But I wonder if after a few years, will I want the higher level of autonomy and knowledge and end up going to medical school? I'm afraid that will always regret not going for it!!
Thanks for reading, and if you have any advice/tips I would appreciate it!