Would appreciate some guidance

[RNtoMD2028]

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Hi all,

Just wanted to introduce myself quickly as I'm new to the forum. I'm a 30-year-old nurse in NYC who hit a wall in nursing and I can’t see myself as an NP or CRNA. It's hard to explain, but I believe that not becoming a doctor would be a big regret in my life.

So, I’m planning my med school journey but feel stuck. By the time I apply, it’ll have been 10+ years since I took math/science pre-requisites in nursing school (1 year of gen chem/bio/physics, 1 year of mathematics). Based on my research, I've come to the conclusion that it would be beneficial if I re-took the recommended core sciences (1 year of gen chem, bio & physics), along with upper-level sciences (orgo 1/2 with lab, biochem) to better prepare me for the MCAT as it's been 8 years since graduating, and I've taken neither orgo 1/2 nor biochem. This would be fine, except I also wonder if I should take the other "recommended" courses like 1 year of english, math, and 1 semester of psych/social sciences to fulfill med school requirements, which would then increase the timeline from now until I get into med school. I do think it would help to learn math again, especially pre-calc since I got a C+ in high school, but that would require me to take algebra. Ultimately, what I'm thinking is I go to a local college (CUNY) as a non-matriculated student to take algebra, english, geometry and pre-calc, and then apply to a formal post-bacc that takes 1-2 years, take the necessary science courses, take the MCAT and apply.

I'm probably overthinking, but I would appreciate any insight/feedback on all of this!

 

[Faha]

You do not need a formal post bacc. Take the required prerequisites at CUNY followed by the MCAT when you have finished the courses.

 

[wysdoc]

I agree with @Faha and also don't go back and retake old math sequence classes unless you are really rusty at algebra.
If so, take a college Algebra class then a 1 semester Statistics class and be done with math. No med schools require Calculus any more.
You will need the Organic, Biochem, and probably some Bio classes like Genetics or cell or molecular biology.

 

[RNtoMD2028]

I appreciate the feedback! The DIY route is what I’m thinking to save money, but would not getting a post-bacc committee letter hurt my chances as opposed to getting a recommendation letter from the doctors I work with? Also, in your guys’ opinion, does it make more sense for me to start looking at which med schools I want to go to first and then deciding what other courses to take in addition to the required pre-requisites?

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Just ask individual profs at the DIY to write letters. There's a helpful AAMC guide for letter writers you can give them to help.