RN going for MD

[RNtoMD87]

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Hello there. I am a two year RN that is going for my MD. I am currently an ASN nurse (2 year) going for my 4 year degree and expect to graduate in December. After this i have 25 hours of prerequisites left (Organic and Inorganic, Physics, and Biochem). My BCPM GPA is approximately a 3.85 right now. I have not taken the MCAT yet, and med school is about 2 years away.

I would like some input as far as to how I would look as a candidate. I realize that this is hard without a complete GPA and MCAT score. I have always excelled at standardized tests, and plan to cut my nursing work back to about 2-4 days per month, and focus on studying for the MCAT after i complete my prereqs. Lets assume that I do "average" on the GPA and MCAT for the purposes of this. I will upload my resume (minus my personal information) for your review.

Thank you very much for your guidance.

 

[TheVFibKid]

Hello there. I am a two year RN that is going for my MD. I am currently an ASN nurse (2 year) going for my 4 year degree and expect to graduate in December. After this i have 25 hours of prerequisites left (Organic and Inorganic, Physics, and Biochem). My BCPM GPA is approximately a 3.85 right now. I have not taken the MCAT yet, and med school is about 2 years away.

I would like some input as far as to how I would look as a candidate. I realize that this is hard without a complete GPA and MCAT score. I have always excelled at standardized tests, and plan to cut my nursing work back to about 2-4 days per month, and focus on studying for the MCAT after i complete my prereqs. Lets assume that I do "average" on the GPA and MCAT for the purposes of this. I will upload my resume (minus my personal information) for your review.

Thank you very much for your guidance.

Being a veteran will help big time. You need a convincing reason for "why medicine" and, more specifically, "why do you want to change careers from nursing to medicine, since you are already in a helping profession that involves direct patient care/contact." I would start volunteering now, both clinically and non-clinically. Since you are a few years away you will only have to do a few hours per week to rack up hours, and having several years of the same activities under your belt will help because it shows longitudinal commitment. I hope by average, you mean average GPA and MCAT for a matriculating medical student, because the average MCAT score for all test takers is around 500, and that really is not going to help you. GPA wise, keep doing what you're doing and make sure it stays at 3.75+ for the rest of your sciences. Shoot for 510+ on the MCAT and you'll be in good shape. Oh, and shadow for at least 50 hours, preferably in primary care. You need it regardless of what your background is.

 

[RNtoMD87]

Being a veteran will help big time. You need a convincing reason for "why medicine" and, more specifically, "why do you want to change careers from nursing to medicine, since you are already in a helping profession that involves direct patient care/contact." I would start volunteering now, both clinically and non-clinically. Since you are a few years away you will only have to do a few hours per week to rack up hours, and having several years of the same activities under your belt will help because it shows longitudinal commitment. I hope by average, you mean average GPA and MCAT for a matriculating medical student, because the average MCAT score for all test takers is around 500, and that really is not going to help you. GPA wise, keep doing what you're doing and make sure it stays at 3.75+ for the rest of your sciences. Shoot for 510+ on the MCAT and you'll be in good shape. Oh, and shadow for at least 50 hours, preferably in primary care. You need it regardless of what your background is.

The reason I'm going from Nursing to Medical is that I'm unsatisfied with the level that I'm able to implement my knowledge. And I also want to lead care to a greater extent. Nurse practictioner does not work for me because I don't feel the education is equivalent to the level of responsibility.

I am currently volunteering as an autopsy technician while working full time as a Step down nurse and being a full time college student. I volunteer for about 6 hours a week, work about 39 hours a week, and take 12 hours per semester.

 

[TheVFibKid]

The reason I'm going from Nursing to Medical is that I'm unsatisfied with the level that I'm able to implement my knowledge. And I also want to lead care to a greater extent. Nurse practictioner does not work for me because I don't feel the education is equivalent to the level of responsibility.

I am currently volunteering as an autopsy technician while working full time as a Step down nurse and being a full time college student. I volunteer for about 6 hours a week, work about 39 hours a week, and take 12 hours per semester.

That is a unique experience, but be sure to get some volunteering in that deals with the living as well.

 

[RNtoMD87]

That is a unique experience, but be sure to get some volunteering in that deals with the living as well.

I wasn't sure if I needed that since my job is caring for the living. What kind of volunteer work would look good? I chose autopsies because I felt like that was some good solid A&P, as well as pathology. I was actually told by the medical school representative at LSUHSC that with my military experience, she wouldn't bother volunteering, but I really want to stack the odds in my favor, seeing as I'm 30 and don't have time to mess around.

 

[RNthenDoc]

Definitely get some volunteer type stuff. Doesn’t have to be medical! Do a soup kitchen or race for the cure or better yet, something that stands out better!

Your nursing will check the “clinical” checkbox but will only get you so far.

And in my experience it is VERY wise for RN to Physicians to apply D.O. as they have been much more appreciative of my work experience.

 

[gyngyn]

If you are the person in your avatar, may I suggest protecting your anonymity online?

 

[Austin38]

I’m in the same position as you RNtoMD87. I just have a few questions if you dont mind. Are you worried about med schools “looking down” on a degree from a nationally accredited school? And if not, what would you look for in an RN to BSN program for someone who would like to apply to a med school after?

 

[RNtoMD87]

If you are the person in your avatar, may I suggest protecting your anonymity online?

I figured it was way safer than facebook?

 

[Darth Doc]

with my military experience, she wouldn't bother volunteering, but I really want to stack the odds in my favor, seeing as I'm 30 and don't have time to mess around.

From experience, they don't count military as volunteer since you get paid. You'll still need volunteer hours. It can honestly be anything including working at an animal shelter.

I disagree with those who say you need to volunteer in a healthcare related setting. I worked full-time as a PA, and my volunteer hours were mostly related to my kids' sports teams. I also did absolutely zero shadowing. (but I do recommend double-checking with a medical school admissions committee that you plan on applying to before you take zero shadowing as your plan - it may be different from a nursing background)

 

[Darth Doc]

And in my experience it is VERY wise for RN to Physicians to apply D.O. as they have been much more appreciative of my work experience.

DO vs MD - On residency interviews this year I got weird questions from a school that had a non-trad RN as a resident about how I would adjust to taking instruction. The schools that had PAs as their non-trad residents were excited to interview me. It's important for non-traditional students to be open to instruction, when they don't they give large groups of us a bad reputation.

There are RNs on SDN who've been accepted to MD programs. Maybe it's the programs you applied to?

 

[RNthenDoc]

DO vs MD - On residency interviews this year I got weird questions from a school that had a non-trad RN as a resident about how I would adjust to taking instruction. The schools that had PAs as their non-trad residents were excited to interview me. It's important for non-traditional students to be open to instruction, when they don't they give large groups of us a bad reputation.

There are RNs on SDN who've been accepted to MD programs. Maybe it's the programs you applied to?

 

[RNthenDoc]

Didn’t say RNs couldn’t get into MD school. That’s a wayyyyyy different statement. D.O. adcoms can give their perspective on the differences in candidates D.O. schools have vs. typical Allos.

 

[RNtoMD87]

Definitely get some volunteer type stuff. Doesn’t have to be medical! Do a soup kitchen or race for the cure or better yet, something that stands out better!

Your nursing will check the “clinical” checkbox but will only get you so far.

And in my experience it is VERY wise for RN to Physicians to apply D.O. as they have been much more appreciative of my work experience.

So they don't care if you were a nurse or a CNA? I mean being a critical care RN gives you a much better idea of patient care on a practice level than other "clinical" jobs.

I'm not against doing DO, but if I can get the mcat scores and GPA MD is definitely my first choice. There aren't any DO schools near me, and I'd rather do Allopathic anyway. DO is a last but viable resort.

 

[RNtoMD87]

So they don't care if you were a nurse or a CNA? I mean being a critical care RN gives you a much better idea of patient care on a practice level than other "clinical" jobs.

I'm not against doing DO, but if I can get the mcat scores and GPA MD is definitely my first choice. There aren't any DO schools near me, and I'd rather do Allopathic anyway. DO is a last but viable resort.

Also is my reasoning for going from Nursing to medical school a "good one"? I like being a nurse but I want to advance. And nursing education is a JOKE. Little basis on real science. It's opinion, and some times the wrong answer is "right". And they even tell you that in school. "This isn't what you'd really do but it's the test correct answer." NP is totally out of the question for me.

 

[Nedsson]

There's a few of us on sdn, but I'm another CCRN who decided to go to medical school. (I promised @Goro I'd try to help on these threads) I think in general its a helpful experience, and probably most adcoms view it positively. I think people have given you good advice on this thread already, but here is my 2c. If you have time to volunteer, then do...something non-clinical in which you are really interested. For me, an even bigger EC was taking the time to do some bench research, which I think makes your application more balanced. I think this is more important than shadowing given your (and indeed mine) clinical background. Dominate your remaining prerequisites and consider adding a couple upper division sciences beyond them (some schools require this). As to the DO vs MD debate...it boils down to stats (it always does). If your stats aren't competitive for MD schools, the RN isn't going to get you any interviews by itself. It may at DO schools, if your numbers are more in line with their typical matriculants. I've interviewed (and been accepted to) both types of programs so let me know if you have any specific questions.

P.S. I tagged Goro in this post. Once you have a more solidified sGPA and an MCAT score, hit Goro up for suggestions on where you should apply...his suggestions are typically even more valuable than the MSAR (Also a great resource)

 

[Nedsson]

I’m in the same position as you RNtoMD87. I just have a few questions if you dont mind. Are you worried about med schools “looking down” on a degree from a nationally accredited school? And if not, what would you look for in an RN to BSN program for someone who would like to apply to a med school after?

Out of curiosity, if you already know you want to pursue medicine...why would you do an RN to BSN? (Think about this answer carefully...then write it down. If you are fortunate enough to get IIs, you may see it again)

 

[RNtoMD87]

Out of curiosity, if you already know you want to pursue medicine...why would you do an RN to BSN? (Think about this answer carefully...then write it down. If you are fortunate enough to get IIs, you may see it again)

Before I started, I was told when I called the school a Bachelors was necessary. I started my BSN because it was my closest degree. Later, someone else told me I only needed 90 college credit hours and I have over 130. I figured dropping out at that point would indicate poor commitment

Also I'm tied into a contract at my job for another year, the bachelors will only take me until December, and med school doesn't accept online classes. Plus it's free, actually giving me extra money. I figured why not.

 

[RNtoMD87]

I’m in the same position as you RNtoMD87. I just have a few questions if you dont mind. Are you worried about med schools “looking down” on a degree from a nationally accredited school? And if not, what would you look for in an RN to BSN program for someone who would like to apply to a med school after?

I'm not sure I understand your question.

 

[Nedsson]

Before I started, I was told when I called the school a Bachelors was necessary. I started my BSN because it was my closest degree. Later, someone else told me I only needed 90 college credit hours and I have over 130. I figured dropping out at that point would indicate poor commitment

Also I'm tied into a contract at my job for another year, the bachelors will only take me until December, and med school doesn't accept online classes. Plus it's free, actually giving me extra money. I figured why not.

Fair enough. I'd say that if your work gave you a scholarship to finish your BSN that's a good reason (I might avoid expressing the thought "because it was the quickest thing I could finish") .

As an aside to another one of your questions, I think that your why medicine isn't bad. For us though (I'm lumping you in with me) be aware that this question has two parts; 1. Why healthcare in the first place? And 2. What prompted you to switch from nursing to medicine? That will pretty much be a story that's unique to you (and the key to a great personal statement someday).

Good luck!

 

[RNtoMD87]

Fair enough. I'd say that if your work gave you a scholarship to finish your BSN that's a good reason (I might avoid expressing the thought "because it was the quickest thing I could finish") .

As an aside to another one of your questions, I think that your why medicine isn't bad. For us though (I'm lumping you in with me) be aware that this question has two parts; 1. Why healthcare in the first place? And 2. What prompted you to switch from nursing to medicine? That will pretty much be a story that's unique to you (and the key to a great personal statement someday).

Good luck!

First, I want to say thank everyone here for guiding me through the thinking process of the admissions counselors.

Well the scholarship is a scholarship for being a combat veteran. Basically I receive 5,000$ a semester for life as long as available funds are present, and i maintain a 3.0 with full time hours.

Ive always been a people person and have been drawn to fields helping them. I first chose law enforcement, but really disliked the environment. Most cops i served in the army alongside just liked being bullies, and ive seen that on the civilian side aswell. Also, I've always been a "nerd" and policework did not satisfy that for me.

I never thought i had a chance of med school because as supportive as my father was, he always told me "You have to know someone to be a doctor, and you need near perfect grades". I honestly didnt even think i had a chance at being a nurse when i ETSed from the army. My mom suggested it after my father passed, and I looked into schools. At this point i also needed to make a living, and it was a 2 year program, which was free thanks to GI Bill. I looked forward to nursing school, but really hated the coursework. It never went "deep" enough. Always skimming the surface and focusing on "feelings" and such. It was a GREAT experience, and like i said before, I love my job because of the ability to help people. I really know at the end of the day, I made a difference.

Just as knowing nursing skills perfectly doesn't make you an excellent nurse, I believe the same is true of medicine. The main complaint i see of residents and some attendings is their lack of social/people skills. Patients feel like they don't care because theyll talk to them while texting, having their hands in their pockets, or staring at the floor. The few that dont do this, stand out to the patients, and I feel THAT is extremely important. I feel my nursing and military background will allow me to be a superior physician because I will be rounded with the medical knowledge and authority, coupled with compassion and people skills, as well as understanding "the other side of medicine". I feel my experiences in life have been well rounded, from living in a foreign country for a year as a machine gunner, protecting the people in my convoy, to serving the people on Fort Polk, to being a Nurse. I don't see these as failures or mistakes at all. Honestly, without sounding arrogant, I partly feel sorry for people who go straight into medicine, after highschool and college because they have not had the opportunity to see life from different perspectives. I wish everyone had their own varied life experiences that suit them.

And I would like to add, I didnt choose it over another degree because I'm into shortcutting. But I will be 31 this year, and am still a couple years from even applying, and I am supporting my family. This is difficult enough as it is, but I couldn't imagine sitting out of school for an extra year or three. Theres no way I could make ends meet. Time is extremely sensitive. Also, I have a limited time left to use my GI Bill which will pay for 3/4 of my med school. This is critical to me.

 

[Nedsson]

I feel my nursing and military background will allow me to be a superior physician

Um, no. It will mean you can be a competent physician...one with different strengths and weaknesses from those who took more traditional paths to becoming an attending. As an illustration, I was once at an MD interview next to a candidate who was more withdrawn than me, with very little clinical experience by comparison. She was also one of the smartest people I've ever met...with impressive stats and research for the NIH. I think we will both be excellent physicians. Morever, there will be moments over the years when each of us can learn something from the other. Your experience may help a great deal in some areas, but do not make the mistake of thinking it will make you "superior" (especially given how early it is for you in this process). If there is one thing PDs, faculty, and attendings want to see it is someone who wants to learn and can stay humble about their accomplishments. I realize that you may not have meant the statement to reflect any hubris...but best let modesty be your best friend until you've finished walking this path.

 

[TheVFibKid]

Um, no. It will mean you can be a competent physician...one with different strengths and weaknesses from those who took more traditional paths to becoming an attending. As an illustration, I was once at an MD interview next to a candidate who was more withdrawn than me, with very little clinical experience by comparison. She was also one of the smartest people I've ever met...with impressive stats and research for the NIH. I think we will both be excellent physicians. Morever, there will be moments over the years when each of us can learn something from the other. Your experience may help a great deal in some areas, but do not make the mistake of thinking it will make you "superior" (especially given how early it is for you in this process). If there is one thing PDs, faculty, and attendings want to see it is someone who wants to learn and can stay humble about their accomplishments. I realize that you may not have meant the statement to reflect any hubris...but best let modesty be your best friend until you've finished walking this path.

I think it will make him a more competitive medical school candidate though, especially in a state like Louisiana. However, he will need to be able to articulate how his background will contribute to the diversity of the class and enrich the learning environment without sounding arrogant. Instead of "it will make me a superior physician" maybe he should approach it from the "unique perspective" angle?

 

[Nedsson]

I think it will make him a more competitive medical school candidate though, especially in a state like Louisiana. However, he will need to be able to articulate how his background will contribute to the diversity of the class and enrich the learning environment without sounding arrogant. Instead of "it will make me a superior physician" maybe he should approach it from the "unique perspective" angle?

Totally agree! It's ok to highlight how your experiences bring diverse skills or different perspectives to the practice of medicine. But be very careful about thinking (especially before one has even had the majority of difficult premed courses) that those experiences make you BETTER than others. That is the kind of thought, if expressed in front of adcom members (especially where students serve on the committee) that could easily come back to haunt you.

 

[RNtoMD87]

Totally agree! It's ok to highlight how your experiences bring diverse skills or different perspectives to the practice of medicine. But be very careful about thinking (especially before one has even had the majority of difficult premed courses) that those experiences make you BETTER than others. That is the kind of thought, if expressed in front of adcom members (especially where students serve on the committee) that could easily come back to haunt you.

I understand what you mean and I appreciate the bluntness. I do not mean this to be that I am "better" than anyone, but I do see that it could be taken the wrong way. Thanks for helping me see this.

How else can I best represent myself? If I had to sum up why I think that I am a suitable candidate, I think being in seemly hopeless circumstances, on little sleep, having to push through and focus on the goal has tempered my will. Growing up I was always the "smart" one, but I learned that being smart alone doesn't count for much. It's much a battle of attrition, not always the smartest, but the most dedicated who succeed.


And may I ask what you mean by "A state like Louisiana"? What is special about states like us?

 

[Darth Doc]

Well the scholarship is a scholarship for being a combat veteran. Basically I receive 5,000$ a semester for life as long as available funds are present, and i maintain a 3.0 with full time hours.

You may want to consider saving this to help pay for medical school, which is much more expensive than undergraduate programs. You can use the yellow ribbon program to help pay for undergrad.

 

[Darth Doc]

The main complaint i see of residents and some attendings is their lack of social/people skills. Patients feel like they don't care because theyll talk to them while texting, having their hands in their pockets, or staring at the floor. The few that dont do this, stand out to the patients, and I feel THAT is extremely important. I feel my nursing and military background will allow me to be a superior physician because I will be rounded with the medical knowledge and authority, coupled with compassion and people skills, as well as understanding "the other side of medicine". I feel my experiences in life have been well rounded, from living in a foreign country for a year as a machine gunner, protecting the people in my convoy, to serving the people on Fort Polk, to being a Nurse. I don't see these as failures or mistakes at all. Honestly, without sounding arrogant, I partly feel sorry for people who go straight into medicine, after highschool and college because they have not had the opportunity to see life from different perspectives. I wish everyone had their own varied life experiences that suit them.

And I would like to add, I didnt choose it over another degree because I'm into shortcutting. But I will be 31 this year, and am still a couple years from even applying, and I am supporting my family. This is difficult enough as it is, but I couldn't imagine sitting out of school for an extra year or three.

- A BSN will not give you all of the prerequisites for medical school. Make sure you get those done too.

- As a PA going back to school, I got similar questions to what nurses get. My answer during medical school (and residency interviews - because the question is one people keep asking) was similar to one I'd read and liked that I'd heard someone else give. If I were in your shoes, I might explain it as follows...

At my current level of knowledge my understanding of medicine is only this wide and this deep. [gesturing with hands] If I got a NP degree it would be this much wider and deeper, but if I get a MD then my knowledge will be much wider and deeper than any of the other options. This will enable me to be able to not only contribute my life experiences but the most knowledge I possibly can to each of my patients.

 

[Darth Doc]

Didn’t say RNs couldn’t get into MD school. That’s a wayyyyyy different statement. D.O. adcoms can give their perspective on the differences in candidates D.O. schools have vs. typical Allos.

I understand that more non-trads go into DO schools than MD. Assumed it was because with lower test scores they had trouble meeting the minimums for allopathic schools and DO programs are more willing to believe in non-trad students because given non-trads to fresh-out-of-college with similar scores the non-trads often do better.

With the difficulties (even now with the merger) for DOs to get into the same residencies as MDs, why, given the option of both, would you go DO? (Nothing against people who go to DO programs, but being honest, it is more of a challenge... I have DO friends trying for EM with similar scores to mine who had a much harder time getting residency interviews.)

 

[RNthenDoc]

I understand that more non-trads go into DO schools than MD. Assumed it was because with lower test scores they had trouble meeting the minimums for allopathic schools and DO programs are more willing to believe in non-trad students because given non-trads to fresh-out-of-college with similar scores the non-trads often do better.

With the difficulties (even now with the merger) for DOs to get into the same residencies as MDs, why, given the option of both, would you go DO? (Nothing against people who go to DO programs, but being honest, it is more of a challenge... I have DO friends trying for EM with similar scores to mine who had a much harder time getting residency interviews.)

There’s tons of threads about choosing schools to apply to that explain why a D.O. school can be a great choice much more eloquently than I can. 🙂

 

[RNtoMD87]

- A BSN will not give you all of the prerequisites for medical school. Make sure you get those done too.

- As a PA going back to school, I got similar questions to what nurses get. My answer during medical school (and residency interviews - because the question is one people keep asking) was similar to one I'd read and liked that I'd heard someone else give. If I were in your shoes, I might explain it as follows...

At my current level of knowledge my understanding of medicine is only this wide and this deep. [gesturing with hands] If I got a NP degree it would be this much wider and deeper, but if I get a MD then my knowledge will be much wider and deeper than any of the other options. This will enable me to be able to not only contribute my life experiences but the most knowledge I possibly can to each of my patients.

i have GI bill that pays 100% of tuition, covers books, and pays me 2200 a month for board and 350 a month for food that im saving for med school. I have 3 years of this left and will have to pay for the last year. I am using the scholarship now, since it's basically unlimited duration as long as I keep my grades up. Then I have enough money saved up to cover the last year of medical school. If I have debt it should be under 30,000 worst case. None of my college has ever cost me a dime, and I save pretty much everything I earn, minus living expenses and had to recently buy a new truck.

Also yeah I know I'll have a few classes left. I have organic, inorganic, physics and biochem. I think it was 25-30 hours somewhere in there.

 

[Darth Doc]

There’s tons of threads about choosing schools to apply to that explain why a D.O. school can be a great choice much more eloquently than I can. 🙂

I've seen them. NP vs PA often say similar things - trained in "more holistic" path vs trained in "medical model", but all good practitioners have the goal of doing both and I've seen the results 10 years out. So, I didn't see how a holistic DO educational approach vs a more medical MD educational approach would change me, since I really believe all great medicine practitioners want to know as much medicine as possible and know that the spiritual aspect of who we are is as important as the chemistry of who we are. Which school I went to wouldn't change my ability to be both, so I picked the one that gave me the most possibilities for my future career.

I really wanted to know your personal reason for choosing DO.

 

[Nedsson]

i have GI bill that pays 100% of tuition, covers books, and pays me 2200 a month for board and 350 a month for food that im saving for med school. I have 3 years of this left and will have to pay for the last year. I am using the scholarship now, since it's basically unlimited duration as long as I keep my grades up. Then I have enough money saved up to cover the last year of medical school. If I have debt it should be under 30,000 worst case. None of my college has ever cost me a dime, and I save pretty much everything I earn, minus living expenses and had to recently buy a new truck.

Also yeah I know I'll have a few classes left. I have organic, inorganic, physics and biochem. I think it was 25-30 hours somewhere in there.

That's awesome. I mean, the cost for paying for that last year as well as any living expenses could also be more than 30k depending on where you get in (most private schools tuition>50k/yr), but it's definitely awesome to have the majority paid for.

 

[Nedsson]

I've seen them. NP vs PA often say similar things - trained in "more holistic" path vs trained in "medical model", but all good practitioners have the goal of doing both and I've seen the results 10 years out. So, I didn't see how a holistic DO educational approach vs a more medical MD educational approach would change me, since I really believe all great medicine practitioners want to know as much medicine as possible and know that the spiritual aspect of who we are is as important as the chemistry of who we are. Which school I went to wouldn't change my ability to be both, so I picked the one that gave me the most possibilities for my future career.

I really wanted to know your personal reason for choosing DO.

+1. There are definitely still many PDs that won't take DOs. So, I feel like MD just gives you more opportunities to do what you want, especially if you are considering a more competitive specialty. That isn't saying a DO can't find their way into those fields, or is in any way a less capable doctor...just that it's statistically easier for MDs.

 

[RNtoMD87]

Oh yeah I know, especially in New Orleans but I have close to six figures saved up from Army savings so I think I'll be okay in that aspect.

My main concern is acing these classes. I was always really strong in biology but my chem and physics is weak. Since the army, I've taken roughly 75 university hours and made all As and 1 B in communications (damned arbitrary grading system), my bcpm is 3.85 because I failed algebra in 2006, and then withdrew from it in the same year next semester. I was really weak at math. Since I took up homebrewing and ammunition handloading, I've naturally gotten much better at math and aced it when I retook it post Army.

I've been watching hours of khan academy and YouTube videos per week and working problems to ease my college transition

That's awesome. I mean, the cost for paying for that last year as well as any living expenses could also be more than 30k depending on where you get in (most private schools tuition>50k/yr), but it's definitely awesome to have the majority paid for.

 

[RNthenDoc]

I've seen them. NP vs PA often say similar things - trained in "more holistic" path vs trained in "medical model", but all good practitioners have the goal of doing both and I've seen the results 10 years out. So, I didn't see how a holistic DO educational approach vs a more medical MD educational approach would change me, since I really believe all great medicine practitioners want to know as much medicine as possible and know that the spiritual aspect of who we are is as important as the chemistry of who we are. Which school I went to wouldn't change my ability to be both, so I picked the one that gave me the most possibilities for my future career.

I really wanted to know your personal reason for choosing DO.

I will choose to attend the medical school that offers me the best educational opportunities for the best price.

Medical school is a product, and as consumers we have to weigh each product out, as there are pluses and minuses to everything.

I didn’t “choose D.O.,” I choose to attend the best medical school that I am accepted to. If that school is a D.O. school and I don’t have a more attractive allopathic option, why wouldn’t I attend?

 

[RNtoMD87]

What makes some schools worth paying double for?
Where I live you can go to LSU for 25,000 per semester or Tulane for 50,000 a semester. I have MD friends they went to each and unanimously they say go to LSU- Tulane is just a name and not worth the money.

 

[RNthenDoc]

What makes some schools worth paying double for?
Where I live you can go to LSU for 25,000 per semester or Tulane for 50,000 a semester. I have MD friends they went to each and unanimously they say go to LSU- Tulane is just a name and not worth the money.

You have to weigh it out. Harvard Med is ~56k/year, but the name matters. I’d pay another 100K for that education because if the doors it could open.

If it’s between public school A vs. public school B, and you are accepted at both, you have to weigh specifics very carefully, and tuition then becomes more important (to me).

Having a free place to live for 4 years is a HUGE benefit, so a lot of people will pick a school where they have family.

 

[RNtoMD87]

You have to weigh it out. Harvard Med is ~56k/year, but the name matters. I’d pay another 100K for that education because if the doors it could open.

If it’s between public school A vs. public school B, and you are accepted at both, you have to weigh specifics very carefully, and tuition then becomes more important (to me).

Having a free place to live for 4 years is a HUGE benefit, so a lot of people will pick a school where they have family.

Well yeah i could definitely see it it's an Ivy League. I mean short of that though, and assuming all of my family lives right here, and I'm not close to them anyway

 

[RNthenDoc]

Well yeah i could definitely see it it's an Ivy League. I mean short of that though, and assuming all of my family lives right here, and I'm not close to them anyway

Then you start looking at things like culture fit/research/school mission etc.

BUT, we are talking about choosing between multiple acceptances. That is a situation that you are VERY lucky to be in if it happens. Mostly, you apply broadly and treasure any acceptances earned.

 

[TheVFibKid]

What makes some schools worth paying double for?
Where I live you can go to LSU for 25,000 per semester or Tulane for 50,000 a semester. I have MD friends they went to each and unanimously they say go to LSU- Tulane is just a name and not worth the money.

Since you are in Louisiana, there really is no good reason to go anywhere else besides LSU, unless you get into a Harvard/Stanford/Hopkins class school. LSU vs Tulane? LSU wins that fight 10 times out of 10.

 

[RNtoMD87]

Since you are in Louisiana, there really is no good reason to go anywhere else besides LSU, unless you get into a Harvard/Stanford/Hopkins class school. LSU vs Tulane? LSU wins that fight 10 times out of 10.

Yeah I always thought Tulane was more prestigious but I guess it sounds like it isn't really any better. I tried to use the school comparison tool and it isn't working for me

 

[Nedsson]

multiple acceptances. That is a situation that you are VERY lucky to be in if it happens. Mostly, you apply broadly and treasure any acceptances earned.

Truth Bomb! Spend zero time plotting out costs, thinking you'll go to school X over Y, any of that stuff. Focus on where you will apply (use MSAR and Goro for this), and you may need to apply more broadly than you think. If and only if you end up in this situation, you can evaluate this then. (As an aside, you might fall in love with a school at your interview that had been lower down your list...its been known to happen, lol)

 

[Nedsson]

What makes some schools worth paying double for?
Where I live you can go to LSU for 25,000 per semester or Tulane for 50,000 a semester. I have MD friends they went to each and unanimously they say go to LSU- Tulane is just a name and not worth the money.

Out of curiosity, where are you getting those numbers...the MSAR lists totally different annual values for the two schools. LSU-NO= 32k, LSU-Shreveport=29k, Tulane=60k

 

[RNtoMD87]

Out of curiosity, where are you getting those numbers...the MSAR lists totally different annual values for the two schools. LSU-NO= 32k, LSU-Shreveport=29k, Tulane=60k

It may have been outdated info. I'm seeing the same as you now.

 

[theSmurfette]

I’m in the same position as you RNtoMD87. I just have a few questions if you dont mind. Are you worried about med schools “looking down” on a degree from a nationally accredited school? And if not, what would you look for in an RN to BSN program for someone who would like to apply to a med school after?

You say that your degree is from a nationally accredited school. National accreditation is NOT equivalent to regional accreditation and most (if not all) medical schools require your credits to come from regionally accredited schools. LSU-NO states "appropriate accrediting agency" and LSU-Shreveport specifically states regional accreditation. Furthermore, NOLA doesn't accept any online courses and most nationally-accredited schools are online. I do not know if that extends to the 90 hours of coursework required to be eligible for admission or just prerequisites.

I used to work (long before medical school) for a satellite campus of a university on an AF base. I can't tell you how many people took classes from a school that had national accreditation and made its students believe that was superior to regional. We were the ones that got the pleasure of telling them they're worthless.

 

[RNtoMD87]

You say that your degree is from a nationally accredited school. National accreditation is NOT equivalent to regional accreditation and most (if not all) medical schools require your credits to come from regionally accredited schools. LSU-NO states "appropriate accrediting agency" and LSU-Shreveport specifically states regional accreditation. Furthermore, NOLA doesn't accept any online courses and most nationally-accredited schools are online. I do not know if that extends to the 90 hours of coursework required to be eligible for admission or just prerequisites.

I used to work (long before medical school) for a satellite campus of a university on an AF base. I can't tell you how many people took classes from a school that had national accreditation and made its students believe that was superior to regional. We were the ones that got the pleasure of telling them they're worthless.

Admissions at LSU-NO told me they accept no online courses period