RN to MD/DO

[NRRE]

Hey all.

I am a nurse, a little over a year out of school and working in an emergency department ever since. Even before I'd finished school, I knew I wanted to be a physician but was already so far along with nursing it wouldn't have made sense to switch at that point. I love working in the hospital and working in the medical field, but working as a nurse has only confirmed my desire to be a physician - not that I have any beef with nursing, its just not what I want to do and I feel being a physician is better aligned with my goals, interests, and personality.

Unfortunately, where I did my BSN has science pre reqs for nursing that don't really correlate to pre-med, so in many regards I have to start from scratch. I did okay in my BSN (cGPA 3.53, sGPA 3.33), with an upward trend on my transcript. My plan is to continue working while doing a DIY post bacc to get the pre reqs I need, as well as doing upper level courses to show I am strong academically/can handle med school. In that time I also plan to do volunteering, shadowing, hopefully get involved in research, and obviously take the mcat. I am hoping to do all this within three years.

I am posting to see if there are any other nurses out there who have made the switch successfully, or are in progress, and I would love to hear any advice you may have. Anything anyone would add, or nuances specifically for nurses trying to go the doc route?

thanks

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[medicalproxy]

Hey! I'm also in the same boat. ED RN 3.5 years, CVSICU 1 year, some LTACH experience. I'm planning to start next Spring.

 

[gramnegative]

I'm applying this year, so I can let you know how it goes. The one thing I would focus on, with your GPA, is to make sure you ace all science classes from now on, and to make sure you take the MCAT seriously, which may mean adjusting your schedule.

 

[RN2physician]

I am applying next year as well. RN in neuro ICU for 2 years, PCU for a year, med surg a year. Been doing a DIY post bach the last year with only organic chemistry 2 and biochemistry left. As stated above, do everything you can to get A's in those science classes and prepare for the MCAT.

 

[PikminOC]

We had a crna in my med school class who became a primary care physician

 

[pharmacist.throwaway]

We had a crna in my med school class who became a primary care physician

Wow! A pcp who can put you under or put in airway!

 

[Thephrenicnerve35]

I am in the transition stage right now. Got accepted to a DO school and will start Med school in fall next year. I am an ICU nurse. Message me if you have questions.

 

[gramnegative]

Also just got accepted and am open to answer any questions through pm.

 

[deleted1082375]

There's plenty of nurses in my class and they tend to do well. Just focus on school so you can get a decent MCAT score.

 

[FutureMD_89]

This thread is very helpful and inspiring. I’m an LPN starting RN classes in the fall. I’m eventually planning to go to Med school after finishing my BSN. It’s nice to see other nurses be encouraging instead of trying to discourage you. Thank you all.

 

[deleted1082375]

This thread is very helpful and inspiring. I’m an LPN starting RN classes in the fall. I’m eventually planning to go to Med school after finishing my BSN. It’s nice to see other nurses be encouraging instead of trying to discourage you. Thank you all.

gotta be careful to make sure you're getting the proper classes in. good luck. 🙂