DiprivanDaddy
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- May 7, 2023
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Hey everyone, this is my first post on these forums. This isn't something I would normally do, but a friend recommended I read through the site and potentially discuss my situation.
I am currently a 29-year old male practicing as a registered nurse in a level 2 trauma center in Florida. I work in a neuro/trauma ICU more specifically so my background is caring for some of the most critical patient populations.
I entered nursing as a second-degree seeker after realizing I had no further desire to pursue my original field of study (law). I graduated with a BS in Criminology from Florida State University w/ a 2.87 GPA at the age of 23. The low GPA was admittingly due to my lack of interest in the topics I was studying (or not studying to be honest) and the fun I was having while not taking school so seriously. I discovered the healthcare professions my senior year of this degree and began pursuit of a career in nursing immediately after graduating while working as a server/bartender. This process took me a total of 4 years because I had to continue to work (the ASN degree usually takes 3 years). At the age of 27, I graduated nursing school at a state college summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA. This included all of my prerequisites for nursing (Bio, A&P 1 and 2, Micro, etc.) and my nursing coursework. I gave the valedictorian speech at my graduation and began work as a nurse within a few short months of graduating. I am now a BSN candidate at the University of Florida where I continue to get straight As and maintain the 4.0 nursing GPA. I am slated to graduate in summer of 2024.
I unfortunately have a significant dilemma and need the advice of other non-traditional students who have been accepted, graduated, and became physicians as well as those currently sitting as admissions counselors.
When I entered nursing, it was because I believed it was the greatest profession on earth and I genuinely wanted to practice nursing. By the time I graduated nursing school, I had the intention of furthering my education as a CRNA or NP. After being in the healthcare field for a couple years now, my beliefs have changed somewhat. I now think that nursing is the second greatest profession, taking a backseat to medicine. The obvious choice for someone in my position who doesn't desire to go against the grain is to pursue a CRNA or NP program, but I have unfortunately became completely and utterly disillusioned by the NP profession and enthralled by the medical profession. NP programs possess no uniformity or standards unlike the PA profession which is a structured and rigorous 2-year program. These 3-year DNP degrees possess more research and theory components than actual clinical sciences and clinical experience. The absurdity that these subpar degrees produce independent providers while PAs practice under the license of a physician blows my mind. The CRNA profession is a rigorous and standardized program (much like that of PAs) but only allows practice in the field of anesthesia and I am not sure that is something I desire. Medicine has completely caught my attention and curiosity and I am contemplating attempting an application cycle or two before I fall back on my backup plan of just going to CRNA school.
As it currently stands, my cGPA is 3.27. I anticipate continuing to maintain straight As during the remainder of my BSN giving me a 3.35 cumulative GPA. I need a total of 8 courses at 4 credits each to complete my premed prerequisites. If I accomplish straight As in these courses, my cGPA will be a 3.43.
My science GPA (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) is a 3.64 currently just accounting for my biology courses for nursing school and the non-science major survey of life science and physical science courses I took during my first-degree program. Assuming the same scenario above, straight As in my remaining premed courses (namely the chemistry and physics), I will attain a 3.84 for my science GPA.
I do lack volunteering experience and have very limited research experience. I was a research assistant at FSU for a semester. It was in the form of a DIS course where we researched examples of financial fraud in history. I also have a semester of TA experience teaching a white-collar crime course. I do intend on gaining some volunteering hours (probably at a free clinic as a nurse) and have extensive clinical hours as a registered nurse. I don’t foresee myself having any opportunities for research experience beyond the semester I mentioned.
In nursing school, I was admitted to the president's list every semester for the 2 years of the program. I was also admitted to the Phi Theta Kappa honor society during the program.
As far as the MCAT goes, I haven't attempted it nor do I intend to until I complete most if not all of my premed coursework. From my understanding, orgo and biochem are significant components of the exam and I have no experience with them. I am a strong testtaker though and could foresee myself easily passing the 500 mark at least.
I am just looking for some advice on whether I have a chance of becoming a physician the US MD/DO route and what I can do to bolster my resume when applying. I have even contemplated applying to SGU and Ross as a backup. Any input is appreciated and I thank you in advance for taking the time to read this long post and give me feedback.
I am currently a 29-year old male practicing as a registered nurse in a level 2 trauma center in Florida. I work in a neuro/trauma ICU more specifically so my background is caring for some of the most critical patient populations.
I entered nursing as a second-degree seeker after realizing I had no further desire to pursue my original field of study (law). I graduated with a BS in Criminology from Florida State University w/ a 2.87 GPA at the age of 23. The low GPA was admittingly due to my lack of interest in the topics I was studying (or not studying to be honest) and the fun I was having while not taking school so seriously. I discovered the healthcare professions my senior year of this degree and began pursuit of a career in nursing immediately after graduating while working as a server/bartender. This process took me a total of 4 years because I had to continue to work (the ASN degree usually takes 3 years). At the age of 27, I graduated nursing school at a state college summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA. This included all of my prerequisites for nursing (Bio, A&P 1 and 2, Micro, etc.) and my nursing coursework. I gave the valedictorian speech at my graduation and began work as a nurse within a few short months of graduating. I am now a BSN candidate at the University of Florida where I continue to get straight As and maintain the 4.0 nursing GPA. I am slated to graduate in summer of 2024.
I unfortunately have a significant dilemma and need the advice of other non-traditional students who have been accepted, graduated, and became physicians as well as those currently sitting as admissions counselors.
When I entered nursing, it was because I believed it was the greatest profession on earth and I genuinely wanted to practice nursing. By the time I graduated nursing school, I had the intention of furthering my education as a CRNA or NP. After being in the healthcare field for a couple years now, my beliefs have changed somewhat. I now think that nursing is the second greatest profession, taking a backseat to medicine. The obvious choice for someone in my position who doesn't desire to go against the grain is to pursue a CRNA or NP program, but I have unfortunately became completely and utterly disillusioned by the NP profession and enthralled by the medical profession. NP programs possess no uniformity or standards unlike the PA profession which is a structured and rigorous 2-year program. These 3-year DNP degrees possess more research and theory components than actual clinical sciences and clinical experience. The absurdity that these subpar degrees produce independent providers while PAs practice under the license of a physician blows my mind. The CRNA profession is a rigorous and standardized program (much like that of PAs) but only allows practice in the field of anesthesia and I am not sure that is something I desire. Medicine has completely caught my attention and curiosity and I am contemplating attempting an application cycle or two before I fall back on my backup plan of just going to CRNA school.
As it currently stands, my cGPA is 3.27. I anticipate continuing to maintain straight As during the remainder of my BSN giving me a 3.35 cumulative GPA. I need a total of 8 courses at 4 credits each to complete my premed prerequisites. If I accomplish straight As in these courses, my cGPA will be a 3.43.
My science GPA (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) is a 3.64 currently just accounting for my biology courses for nursing school and the non-science major survey of life science and physical science courses I took during my first-degree program. Assuming the same scenario above, straight As in my remaining premed courses (namely the chemistry and physics), I will attain a 3.84 for my science GPA.
I do lack volunteering experience and have very limited research experience. I was a research assistant at FSU for a semester. It was in the form of a DIS course where we researched examples of financial fraud in history. I also have a semester of TA experience teaching a white-collar crime course. I do intend on gaining some volunteering hours (probably at a free clinic as a nurse) and have extensive clinical hours as a registered nurse. I don’t foresee myself having any opportunities for research experience beyond the semester I mentioned.
In nursing school, I was admitted to the president's list every semester for the 2 years of the program. I was also admitted to the Phi Theta Kappa honor society during the program.
As far as the MCAT goes, I haven't attempted it nor do I intend to until I complete most if not all of my premed coursework. From my understanding, orgo and biochem are significant components of the exam and I have no experience with them. I am a strong testtaker though and could foresee myself easily passing the 500 mark at least.
I am just looking for some advice on whether I have a chance of becoming a physician the US MD/DO route and what I can do to bolster my resume when applying. I have even contemplated applying to SGU and Ross as a backup. Any input is appreciated and I thank you in advance for taking the time to read this long post and give me feedback.
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