[cnastud2b]

Hi! I'm currently in the military (Navy) here in Seoul, Korea. I'm a linguist but what I really want to do is become a heart surgeon eventually. To be able to travel internationally and help people as a doctor at the same time utilizing my languages (I speak seven+ languages). What I'd like to know is opinions on what path I should take to get there. I have a plan of my own but I always like to hear advice from those who actually work in the medical field like people on this website. (I just stumbled upon this site yesterday) What I already have achieved as far as pursing my "medical career" is: I'm a AHA CPR Health care provider instructor and if I teach four more Health care provider classes then I'll be able to certify other people as a CPR instructor. (I believe that is called a TCP or something like that) So my next plans for the moment are to become CNA certified and EMT certified and at the same time study biology/mathematics so I can get my bachelors in math and then go to med school. So after all that my question is: 1. What advice do you have considering what I've listed so far?

[cnastud2b]

2. I was also wondering what you feel are some things, courses, certifications, etc. that I can and should DEFINITELY get done right now. (LPN, RN, any other essentials you can think of)

[elkpark]

If you have a clear idea (at this point) that you want to be a cardiothoracic surgeon, I would not shilly-shally around with other unrelated courses and credentials, but just focus on getting into medical school.

Being a CNA, EMT, or even RN will not help you with your goal -- you don't "work your way up" to being an MD; you go to medical school and complete a residency. While being an RN might make you a little more comfortable and give you somewhat of an advantage over classmates in the early clinical experiences in medical school, it won't give you an edge in getting accepted into medical school, nor will you get any kind of academic credit for nursing studies that might shorten or ease your studies.

Plenty of people find that trying to get into medical school is a full-time job in itself. If it were me, I would focus on taking any prerequisities I haven't already taken (or retaking them, if necessary, to improve my GPA), completing a baccalaureate ASAP, and preparing to get a strong score on the MCAT.

[Tweety]

I agree with the above. Go to school for pre-med and then go to medical school. Don't sidetrack yourself with other unnecessary certifications or a nursing degree.

Good luck.

[cnastud2b]

Originally Posted by elkpark

If it were me, I would focus on taking any prerequisities I haven't already taken (or retaking them, if necessary, to improve my GPA), completing a baccalaureate ASAP, and preparing to get a strong score on the MCAT.

you mean prereqs to get into med school?? I getting out of the Navy in one month and I'll going to Hawaii or MS to get my bachelors (baccalaureate) in mathematics. (I really love math) I'm not sure what prereqs you mean.

Btw, is it ok for me to major in math considering what my end goal is? Or will I learn the med side in med school?

[elkpark]

Originally Posted by cnastud2b

you mean prereqs to get into med school?? I getting out of the Navy in one month and I'll going to Hawaii or MS to get my bachelors (baccalaureate) in mathematics. (I really love math) I'm not sure what prereqs you mean.

Btw, is it ok for me to major in math considering what my end goal is? Or will I learn the med side in med school?

I mean the specific prerequisite science courses that medical schools require. If you do a pre-med major for your baccalaureate, those courses will be included. If you do a different major, you need to be sure that you also, somewhere along the line, take all the specific courses you need to be qualified for med school admission.

A math degree won't prevent you from getting into med school -- they take people from all different kinds of backgrounds, including people with liberal arts degres. But I'm not sure what you mean about "learn(ing) the med side in med school."

[cnastud2b]

"learning the med side in med school"

I just looked up med school prereqs. That gave me a better idea of what you were referring to. I think that's what I meant. I was a bit confused because I know that they don't discriminate on majors but I thought since regardless of what your major is you still have a chance to get accepted then they'll teach you the prereqs after you get in. But you have to complete the prereqs before you even apply. Ok, I'm glad I got that cleared up.

[akcarmean]

welcome to the site and good luck on new adventure

angie

[CHATSDALE]

good luck, focus your career ambitions and yo will come out fine

[DutchgirlRN]

WELCOME! to allnurses. We're happy that you've decided to join us.