What Ugrad degree?

[mconnell]

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OK, here is my situation. I am a 28 y/o male nurse (LVN in CA) who is looking seriously into med school. I have not completed a bachelors degree as of yet. I am looking into what degree to pursue. Most of my schooling right now is in criminal justice (I used to be a police officer before I became a nurse). I have considered finishing my criminal justice degree and doing my science pre-reqs for med school/MCAT. I have also looked into a biology degree as this will cover all of my pre-reqs, but what would I do with a biology degree if med school does not work out? The other option is to finish a nursing degree and then pursue science pre-reqs, then I would have nursing to fall back on if I don't get in/go to med school. What is everyone's opinion on this situation?

 

[vtucci]

OK, here is my situation. I am a 28 y/o male nurse (LVN in CA) who is looking seriously into med school. I have not completed a bachelors degree as of yet. I am looking into what degree to pursue. Most of my schooling right now is in criminal justice (I used to be a police officer before I became a nurse). I have considered finishing my criminal justice degree and doing my science pre-reqs for med school/MCAT. I have also looked into a biology degree as this will cover all of my pre-reqs, but what would I do with a biology degree if med school does not work out? The other option is to finish a nursing degree and then pursue science pre-reqs, then I would have nursing to fall back on if I don't get in/go to med school. What is everyone's opinion on this situation?

Biology degrees are a dime a dozen. The criminal justice background can set you apart and if you almost have a degree in that-- that could be a good option. You can also combine an MD with criminal justice-- pathology, forensic science. Nursing is a good fallback option but finishing up your degree and doing the required pre-med requirements is just fine too.

Make sure you have the ECs, LORs and PS.

 

[DrBowtie]

I would finish whatever degree would take the least time while taking the pre-reqs.

 

[bbas]

I would finish whatever degree would take the least time while taking the pre-reqs.

Agreed. If you already have a nursing degree, then I would just take the prereq courses. Don't nursing degress require one to take bio and chemistry anyway?

 

[DrBowtie]

Agreed. If you already have a nursing degree, then I would just take the prereq courses. Don't nursing degress require one to take bio and chemistry anyway?

I don't think the nursing degree is a 4 year degree. Also atleast at my school the nursing students don't take the pre-med level sciences.

 

[Touchdown]

Get a bachlors in anything that you want to, it doesnt matter so long as you take the prereqs. If you are near to a criminal justice degree finish that and take chem/calc/bio/orgo/physics.

 

[velo]

Also research the schools you're thinking about applying to and see if they require a BS/BA. Not all medical schools technically require a college degree, if the schools you're looking into don't then you could just take the pre-reqs. good luck.


Oh, and just cause no one's done it yet....

You're a male nurse Focker?

 

[dr.z]

Get a bachlors in anything that you want to, it doesnt matter so long as you take the prereqs. If you are near to a criminal justice degree finish that and take chem/calc/bio/orgo/physics.

Major in whatever you enjoy studying as long as you complete your pre-reqs.

 

[mconnell]

OK, I've narrowed it down to getting either my criminal justice or my nursing bachelors degree. I like the idea that the criminal justice degree will set me apart from other applicants yet at the same time I like what a nursing degree could do for me in regards to jobs. I don't really have a desire to remain in law enforcement or pursue it any further, other than possibly finishing the degree. I guess I will just have to sit down and speak with advisors about the needed requirements to fulfill either degree and decide based on the quickest and easiest route.

I think I've babbled enough now, thanks for you help in this!

 

[OSUdoc08]

I don't think the nursing degree is a 4 year degree. Also atleast at my school the nursing students don't take the pre-med level sciences.

Bachelor's of Science in Nursing is a 4-year degree. It does not contain the pre-med requirements, however.

 

[OSUdoc08]

OK, I've narrowed it down to getting either my criminal justice or my nursing bachelors degree. I like the idea that the criminal justice degree will set me apart from other applicants yet at the same time I like what a nursing degree could do for me in regards to jobs. I don't really have a desire to remain in law enforcement or pursue it any further, other than possibly finishing the degree. I guess I will just have to sit down and speak with advisors about the needed requirements to fulfill either degree and decide based on the quickest and easiest route.

I think I've babbled enough now, thanks for you help in this!

I would highly recommend both.

I majored in Forensic Science, which is under the department of anthropology & sociology. I think that the criminology degree will be easy and allow you much more free time, but do whichever one is the best fit for you.

 

[DrBowtie]

Bachelor's of Science in Nursing is a 4-year degree. It does not contain the pre-med requirements, however.

I meant to say his nursing degree (LVN or whatever it was).

 

[OSUdoc08]

I meant to say his nursing degree (LVN or whatever it was).

You're right. In most cases, LVN/LPN is a 1-year degree, and RN is a 2-year degree.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

I need to dissent and sing the praises of a degree in mortuary science.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I need to dissent and sing the praises of a degree in mortuary science.

I'm not sure why there is a bachelor's degree in that, but forensic science beats it.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Actually I am only going to have an associate's degree in mortuary science, but a couple of states for some screwed up reason (Wisconsin and Minnesota being the ones I recall off the top of my head) demand a bachelors degree for licensure as a funeral director and embalmer. My bachelors degrees will be in psychology and probably French (German minor) with a teaching credential.