which is better undergrad route?

[ModyzMalak]

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HI Forum!!

This is my first time on the boards but I have been doing alot of surfing and everyone seems to have honest opinions and a great sense of humor! Hopefully I can get some help.

I am a student at IU, at the end of my 3rd year. I switched my major from biology to nursing back to biology but my goal has been pre-med so I have been taking the needed classes according to my advisor (mostly pre-reqs for other classes that I need and gen. campus requirements). As of right now if I want to finish with a B.A in biology it will take another 2 1/2 years with summer classes. I dont really know how, I have a 3.5 G.P.A and 80 credits but I withdrew from C105 because I didnt want to get a C in it. So as of right now I have organo/inorgano chem and physics I/II to finish my pre-med but alot more for the degree. I feel like I'm behind. I mean this year I think Ill be a senior as far as credits, and I'm not close to the B.A.

Also if I didnt get accepted into med school I didnt want to be stuck with just a biology degree because I can't see myself doing research as a career. I was thinking about become an radiographer tech (which is about a 1 1/2 yr program with opportunities for bachelors) and I could graduate with an Associates and simultaneously finish a bach in general studies. Also I can gain clinical experience...be in a position to pay for my schooling..and finish my pre-med courses while I finish the application process.

I know that you can apply to med school with any undergrad degree but perhaps some schools are biased towards students with science majors. So if, by chance it will hurt me to have a general studies degree I would still have clinical experience in a healthcare profession that will help me to stand out. Of course assuming I can get/keep my G.P.A. up to 3.6+ and do well on MCATs.

So after telling my whole life story, my main question is...should I just continue to finish the B.A in biology? Or veer off, get A.S in radiography/bach in general studies?

As if right now Im not picky on schools and haven't researched too many others but Wayne State, IUSM, Mich. State, Uni of Mich.

If theres something wrong with my tenative plan I would love to hear it as well. Thanks for taking the time 2 read!

 

[Mattabet]

You're right about the major, you can get in with anything as long as your prereqs. are met for medical school. If working for a couple years is on your radar, it definitely might be worth getting the AS with the other Bachelor's. Assuming you've got a couple years (and there is a bit of demand in your area), then you'll be able to make a chunk of change and get some clinical experience for a couple years post-graduation, as you mentioned.

Not bad for two birds with one stone.

 

[savant]

if you really want to be a doctor i think there's ways to make that happen, even if it involves reapplying - depends if you are willing to go through that.

i don't think it is a significant detriment whether you do bachelors in general studies or bio, so do whichever one you like more, although schools might ask why you are doing radiography if you report that.

 

[ModyzMalak]

alrighty thanks for the help! i appreciate it😀

 

[TexasPhysician]

I don't really see the purpose for the whole rad tech thing. Maybe I don't understand their job fully, but I think they have as much clinical experience as a doctor's phone secretary. The ones I have seen are constantly wheeling a cart around to take x-rays. They don't seem to have much time to shadow doctors, much less time to really sit and ask them questions about different situations.

In conclusion: I just think there are better things you could be doing with your time since you don't plan on being a rad tech forever anyway.

 

[ModyzMalak]

I don't really see the purpose for the whole rad tech thing. Maybe I don't understand their job fully, but I think they have as much clinical experience as a doctor's phone secretary. The ones I have seen are constantly wheeling a cart around to take x-rays. They don't seem to have much time to shadow doctors, much less time to really sit and ask them questions about different situations.

In conclusion: I just think there are better things you could be doing with your time since you don't plan on being a rad tech forever anyway.

that is a point 2 consider but i havent look at it in that way. from what i understand, according to the program advisor, if i go thru the program and say work in the field for a year...i will have not only all the clinical hours needed for the degree (i 4get how many it is but its more than nursing students need for the RN degree @ IU) + the patient contact from the job experience itself; explaining procedures, positioning them, etc

and then like i said i can at least support myself thru school. i can also specialize in sonography, nuclear medical or whatever. and no i dont plan on being a rad tech forever, but from what ive been reading on these boards this med school thing is just a tad bit competitive and even if i do everything right on my part; get the grades, EC,MCAT,,, i still might not get accepted. depressing thought to think about. or maybe im being to cynical about it and as long as i stay focused ill get in. either way i'd like to have a backup

i guess this would be considerered a non-trad route?

 

[TexasPhysician]

I think rad tech is a fine job, and if you enjoy it, why not?

However, I don't think it will make you more competitive than other students. It IS clinical, but in my opinion, you still need clinical hours WITH a physician.

During an interview, you may be asked:
Why MD and not just stay a rad tech?
How do you know you want to be a physician over anything else in healthcare?

Without fully understanding the role of a physician and having the experience to back it up, you will have a hard time convincing someone on admissions to admit you.

If you are ok with being a rad tech as a definite back-up, then it may be a good idea. Most people that really want to be a physician won't stop at anything less. That means you can apply to US MD schools, DO schools, and international MD schools (caribbean, etc.). There is always a way to get in if you want it bad enough.

In the long run though, I would advise nursing as a more legitimate back-up. You can make darn good money, and you can specialize as a NP or CRNA and make even better money.