RN to MD

[Missbrutus]

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Hello everyone I am a 30 year old RN who started my career as a licensed practical nurse and went on to obtain my associates degree in nursing followed by my bachelors of science in nursing. I did this because I got pregnant with my son at 19 and “needed a quick fix”, so to speak. I have had many obstacles throughout my academic career as I’m sure most of us have but I have always wanted more for myself as I have a love of learning and am highly self motivated. I want to eventually become a doctor and have enrolled in biology courses for the summer (bio I and bio II). I have looked over the general medical school requirements and would like your opinions on whether or not you think I should attend a post baccalaureate program to fulfill the prerequisite requirements, or continue taking my required sciences, (bio, physics and chemistry) in order to be able to eventually sit for the MCAT. I understand I am no spring chicken and I am okay with that as I will get older regardless and would like to be aging while doing what I love. My current GPA is 3.89 and I welcome any feedback and would like to know if you think being a super non-traditional candidate would hurt my chances of matriculating into a DO or MD school. Thank you all in advance.

 

[curbsideconsult]

It's really up to you. If you think you can DIY it and don't need a structured program then by all means go for it. If you need a structured program then do that. There's no real wrong way to do this.

Assuming you stay "on track" you'll be applying when you're about 33? That won't hurt your chances at either MD or DO schools. Just do your best, try to get a strong sGPA and MCAT, and apply.

Since you have a ton of clinical work as an RN, don't worry about doing more outside of work or even shadowing (though other SDNers might say you still need shadowing). You need volunteering hours and since you have your RN already there are so many opportunities for you to volunteer to directly help those in need. Start racking those up now.

 

[Missbrutus]

Thank you for the feedback. Yes I will be about 33 I have about a year left of sciences to take but I do not want to tack on too much at once so as to maintain my GPA. I actually would like to volunteer at the hospital I am working at due to the convenience but I also do wish to remain private about it due to negative feedback from my coworkers and peers when I mentioned the switch from nursing to MD (specifically from other nurses).

 

[sunyplatt]

I am also 30 and based on what you wrote I think you should go for MD if that is what you want to do and it works for your life situation. It helps that you are a nurse already and you have been exposed to this type of work. If you love what you do now then you should also love being a doctor I would imagine.

 

[RNtoMD87]

I am in the same boat. 30, will be 32-33 when I matriculate. RN with a diploma degree, working on my BSN.

 

[RNtoMD87]

Thank you for the feedback. Yes I will be about 33 I have about a year left of sciences to take but I do not want to tack on too much at once so as to maintain my GPA. I actually would like to volunteer at the hospital I am working at due to the convenience but I also do wish to remain private about it due to negative feedback from my coworkers and peers when I mentioned the switch from nursing to MD (specifically from other nurses).

I think other nurses just tend to get jealous. Ive experienced this but not as overtly.

 

[Missbrutus]

Thank you all and wishing everyone much success in future endeavors! I am truly excited to be on this journey and cannot wait until I have accomplished my dream!