Medical school vs Nursing School

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I'm curious why you chose nursing school over medical school? As difficult as I've heard many describe nursing school- I'm wondering why you chose nursing over medicine? I'm researching nursing right now but after reading all the work and time involved in becoming a nurse I'm wondering if it would be better to spend a year or 2 longer and become a doctor. comments anyone?

Specializes in Med/Surg, ED, ortho, urology.
I'm not sure if someone has already mention this or not, but I will go ahead and state it. I'm sorry if this offends you, but this is my opinion.

Most people that are going to or have gone to nursing school aren't capable of getting into and/or getting through medical school. By in large, most people would be going to medical school if they had the option. This is a blow to our egos (I'm an RN), and it's hard to admit, but it's true. The level of difficulty between the two aren't even comparable. Of course there are some really smart nurses out there, but most aren't really physician material.

I'm really, really, really sorry if this offends you, but it's just my opinion and I am answering the original question. I'm a nurse and there's no way I could ever get the top grades in the classes that a medical school requires from its' students.

A lot of this "well, I chose nursing because I like people interaction....or.... i like the hours better.... or.... i like to treat the person and not the disease" is a lot of what we have all convinced ourselves of. Of course there are exceptions but generally i don't think that's the honest case at all....

There are "ditzy" medical school students but under that they have the genetic makeup to absorb and regurgitate complex material, which is difficult for most people to do.

also wanted to add, *thinking* you could get through medical school is vastly different than *actually* getting through medical school.

Yeah, sorry, going to have to disagree with you there, and find it quite offensive that you feel that you have the right to cast an opinion on the intelligence/capabilities of most nurses.

Sure, make a comment based on YOUR personal experiences about YOUR personal intelligence and/or capabilities. But don't drag the rest of us down with you to make yourself feel better about your choices.

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Specializes in Psych, EMS.
I'm not sure if someone has already mention this or not, but I will go ahead and state it. I'm sorry if this offends you, but this is my opinion.

Most people that are going to or have gone to nursing school aren't capable of getting into and/or getting through medical school. By in large, most people would be going to medical school if they had the option. This is a blow to our egos (I'm an RN), and it's hard to admit, but it's true. The level of difficulty between the two aren't even comparable. Of course there are some really smart nurses out there, but most aren't really physician material.

I'm really, really, really sorry if this offends you, but it's just my opinion and I am answering the original question. I'm a nurse and there's no way I could ever get the top grades in the classes that a medical school requires from its' students.

A lot of this "well, I chose nursing because I like people interaction....or.... i like the hours better.... or.... i like to treat the person and not the disease" is a lot of what we have all convinced ourselves of. Of course there are exceptions but generally i don't think that's the honest case at all....

There are "ditzy" medical school students but under that they have the genetic makeup to absorb and regurgitate complex material, which is difficult for most people to do.

also wanted to add, *thinking* you could get through medical school is vastly different than *actually* getting through medical school.

Speak for yourself

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Most people that are going to or have gone to nursing school aren't capable of getting into and/or getting through medical school. By in large, most people would be going to medical school if they had the option. This is a blow to our egos (I'm an RN), and it's hard to admit, but it's true. The level of difficulty between the two aren't even comparable. Of course there are some really smart nurses out there, but most aren't really physician material.

I respectfully disagree.

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Specializes in NICU.
I'm not sure if someone has already mention this or not, but I will go ahead and state it. I'm sorry if this offends you, but this is my opinion.

Most people that are going to or have gone to nursing school aren't capable of getting into and/or getting through medical school. By in large, most people would be going to medical school if they had the option. This is a blow to our egos (I'm an RN), and it's hard to admit, but it's true. The level of difficulty between the two aren't even comparable. Of course there are some really smart nurses out there, but most aren't really physician material.

I'm really, really, really sorry if this offends you, but it's just my opinion and I am answering the original question. I'm a nurse and there's no way I could ever get the top grades in the classes that a medical school requires from its' students.

A lot of this "well, I chose nursing because I like people interaction....or.... i like the hours better.... or.... i like to treat the person and not the disease" is a lot of what we have all convinced ourselves of. Of course there are exceptions but generally i don't think that's the honest case at all....

There are "ditzy" medical school students but under that they have the genetic makeup to absorb and regurgitate complex material, which is difficult for most people to do.

also wanted to add, *thinking* you could get through medical school is vastly different than *actually* getting through medical school.

I, too, disagree. that may be true for some, but don't assume all. Everyone has their reasons for going to nursing school rather than med school, and very few of them have to do with 'intelligence' or 'capability'. There are plenty intelligent enough for med school and just don't WANT to go. Don't cover everyone under your tiny umbrella.

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

As someone who already has a BS in another field, you would be a candidate to do an Accelerated BSN program. This is what I did. The program itself was just 12 months -- extremely intensive, but over in a year. As a single parent and sole supporter of my family, I couldn't be out of work for more than a year. I was able to do the prereqs in a year while working part time.

So, becoming a nurse took me a total of 2 years to be a working RN, vs. 7 to 10 years (med school plus residency) to be a practicing MD. And it's hard enough working the hours of a hospital RN as a single parent -- I can't imagine doing the crazy hours of a resident.

But, like others, I have to say that I never really wanted to be an MD anyway -- nurses get to do more hands on care and we interact a lot more with the patients and their families. That's the main thing I like about nursing.

Good luck with your decision!

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I'm not sure if someone has already mention this or not, but I will go ahead and state it. I'm sorry if this offends you, but this is my opinion.

Most people that are going to or have gone to nursing school aren't capable of getting into and/or getting through medical school. By in large, most people would be going to medical school if they had the option. This is a blow to our egos (I'm an RN), and it's hard to admit, but it's true. The level of difficulty between the two aren't even comparable. Of course there are some really smart nurses out there, but most aren't really physician material.

I'm really, really, really sorry if this offends you, but it's just my opinion and I am answering the original question. I'm a nurse and there's no way I could ever get the top grades in the classes that a medical school requires from its' students.

A lot of this "well, I chose nursing because I like people interaction....or.... i like the hours better.... or.... i like to treat the person and not the disease" is a lot of what we have all convinced ourselves of. Of course there are exceptions but generally i don't think that's the honest case at all....

There are "ditzy" medical school students but under that they have the genetic makeup to absorb and regurgitate complex material, which is difficult for most people to do.

also wanted to add, *thinking* you could get through medical school is vastly different than *actually* getting through medical school.

This is a very sad post. As others have said, this person should have spoken for his or herself, and not tried to tack on others this horrible view of nurses. I personally have chosen to do nursing because I do not like the time commitment required to become a doctor. 12 years vs. 1 ?? Seriously? And all of the incurred debt? I don't think so. Not for me. If choosing not to become a doctor for those reasons makes me "less intelligent" "dumb" or what have you, then so be it. Different strokes for different folks. I neither admire or envy anyone who chooses to become a doctor, nor do I think that they're better than me in any way because that simply isn't true. I have a degree in Biology and obtained the "top grades" you referred to in your post...and guess what?? I still chose nursing! All I'm trying to say that it comes down to a matter of choice, so for you to demean that and make it seem as if nursing is an afterthought to medical school is rather insulting.

I'd also like to add that I know PLENTY of people in medical school-either for right or wrong reasons. Many of them have told me that they wish they hadn't gone to medical school because they didn't realize how time-consuming it would be, and how much they wouldn't enjoy it. Unfortunately, it's too little, too late for a lot of them, and they're pretty much stuck. Just something to think about.

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originally posted by feefifofum viewpost.gif

i'm not sure if someone has already mention this or not, but i will go ahead and state it. i'm sorry if this offends you, but this is my opinion.

most people that are going to or have gone to nursing school aren't capable of getting into and/or getting through medical school. by in large, most people would be going to medical school if they had the option. this is a blow to our egos (i'm an
rn
), and it's hard to admit, but it's true. the level of difficulty between the two aren't even comparable. of course there are some really smart nurses out there, but most aren't really physician material.

i'm really, really, really sorry if this offends you, but it's just my opinion and i am answering the original question. i'm a nurse and there's no way i could ever get the top grades in the classes that a medical school requires from its' students. ""

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:jester:
i agree with the post above when she/he says that "most" which does not mean everyone but the majority! i know there are nurses out there with degrees already but doesn't mean that they have what it takes to get into medicine. however, i am sure there are many nurses who got not just the clinical experience but the enough science knowledge to read medicine.

in the uk, nurses are required to only have gcses, grades a-c, sometimes ds to study for the diploma in nursing! to study for the degree, the majority of the universities request 3 a' levels. the grades vary from bcc to ddd and they do not need to have any science qualification! english and psychology will do! gcses in englisg and in science, such as maths are required. an interview and a simple english and maths test is also required by universities.

to study medicine, students need not only 3 a' levels grade a including chemistry and biology and any other subject but they also need to pass on the ukcat exam which is very difficult before applying for the degree. then they will have an interview and unis such as cambridge request them to sit another test i think.

a'levels are taken between the age of 16 to 18 and takes two years (as in year one and a2 in year two = a' level). and gcses exams are taken at the age of 16. students need the a minimum of 5 grade cs gcses certificates to go and study for their a'levels.

the competition to get into medicine is so fierce that students are offering 4 or sometimes 5 a' levels grade a in chemistry, maths, physics and biology/human biology and another one in psychology for example. many other students do also offer 3 a'leves and one or 2 or more as.

to study for the graduate medical degree (taken in 4 years), is even harder to get a place! there are so many people out there with a science first class degree, who do very well in admission exams required by universities. e.g ukcat or bmat or gamsat.

the level of the courses can also never be compared! nurses will study basic science in their 3 years! i have past papers from the first year of nursing and the questions are in the same level as the questions from an a'levels in human physiology! the chemistry questions might get closer to the level of an as and they study basics mathematics!

:jester:
however, it does not mean that they are not capable of learning and studying for their a'levels and applying to study medicine!
:yeah:

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this is a very sad post. as others have said, this person should have spoken for his or herself, and not tried to tack on others this horrible view of nurses. i personally have chosen to do nursing because i do not like the time commitment required to become a doctor. 12 years vs. 1 ?? seriously? and all of the incurred debt? i don't think so. not for me. if choosing not to become a doctor for those reasons makes me "less intelligent" "dumb" or what have you, then so be it. different strokes for different folks. i neither admire or envy anyone who chooses to become a doctor, nor do i think that they're better than me in any way because that simply isn't true. i have a degree in biology and obtained the "top grades" you referred to in your post...and guess what?? i still chose nursing! all i'm trying to say that it comes down to a matter of choice, so for you to demean that and make it seem as if nursing is an afterthought to medical school is rather insulting.

i'd also like to add that i know plenty of people in medical school-either for right or wrong reasons. many of them have told me that they wish they hadn't gone to medical school because they didn't realize how time-consuming it would be, and how much they wouldn't enjoy it. unfortunately, it's too little, too late for a lot of them, and they're pretty much stuck. just something to think about.

:jester: i agree with the post above when she/he says that "most" which does not mean everyone but the majority! i know there are nurses out there with degrees already but doesn't mean that they have what it takes to get into medicine. however, i am sure there are many nurses who got not just the clinical experience but the enough science knowledge to read medicine.

in the uk, nurses are required to only have gcses, grades a-c, sometimes ds to study for the diploma in nursing! to study for the degree, the majority of the universities request 3 a' levels. the grades vary from bcc to ddd and they do not need to have any science qualification! english and psychology will do! gcses in englisg and in science, such as maths are required. an interview and a simple english and maths test is also required by universities.

to study medicine, students need not only 3 a' levels grade a including chemistry and biology and any other subject but they also need to pass on the ukcat exam which is very difficult before applying for the degree. then they will have an interview and unis such as cambridge request them to sit another test i think.

a'levels are taken between the age of 16 to 18 and takes two years (as in year one and a2 in year two = a' level). and gcses exams are taken at the age of 16. students need the a minimum of 5 grade cs gcses certificates to go and study for their a'levels.

the competition to get into medicine is so fierce that students are offering 4 or sometimes 5 a' levels grade a in chemistry, maths, physics and biology/human biology and another one in psychology for example. many other students do also offer 3 a'leves and one or 2 or more as.

to study for the graduate medical degree (taken in 4 years), is even harder to get a place! there are so many people out there with a science first class degree, who do very well in admission exams required by universities. e.g ukcat or bmat or gamsat.

the level of the courses can also never be compared! nurses will study basic science in their 3 years! i have past papers from the first year of nursing and the questions are in the same level as the questions from an a'levels in human physiology! the chemistry questions might get closer to the level of an as and they study basics mathematics!

:jester: however, it does not mean that they are not capable of learning and studying for their a'levels and applying to study medicine! :yeah:

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originally posted by nurse9892 viewpost.gif

this is a very sad post. as others have said, this person should have spoken for his or herself, and not tried to tack on others this horrible view of nurses. i personally have chosen to do nursing because i do not like the time commitment required to become a doctor. 12 years vs. 1 ?? seriously? and all of the incurred debt? i don't think so. not for me. if choosing not to become a doctor for those reasons makes me "less intelligent" "dumb" or what have you, then so be it. different strokes for different folks. i neither admire or envy anyone who chooses to become a doctor, nor do i think that they're better than me in any way because that simply isn't true. i have a degree in biology and obtained the "top grades" you referred to in your post...and guess what?? i still chose nursing! all i'm trying to say that it comes down to a matter of choice, so for you to demean that and make it seem as if nursing is an afterthought to medical school is rather insulting.

i'd also like to add that i know plenty of people in medical school-either for right or wrong reasons. many of them have told me that they wish they hadn't gone to medical school because they didn't realize how time-consuming it would be, and how much they wouldn't enjoy it. unfortunately, it's too little, too late for a lot of them, and they're pretty much stuck. just something to think about.

:jester: i agree with the post above when she/he says that "most" which does not mean everyone but the majority! i know there are nurses out there with degrees already but doesn't mean that they have what it takes to get into medicine. however, i am sure there are many nurses who got not just the clinical experience but the enough science knowledge to read medicine.

i am very disappointed to know the way many people look at nurses. there have been so many pre-med students that haven't made it to med school and have ended up going to nursing school that these have changed people's minds.

in my case, i got into the university of miami miller school of medicine and before starting i changed my mind and realized medicine was not what i wanted to do with my life and ended up going to nursing school. yes, i am a very proud nurse who got into meds school and didn't want to go.

so, those nurses out there who wanted to go to meds school and couldn't do it please speak for yourselves. plus, in my nursing class most of the students were very smart, smarter than many of my pre-med colleagues.

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You might look into Physician Assistant if you like primary care but want to avoid all the drawbacks of medical school. Look up PA forums. Much more affordable than med school too.

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Specializes in Give me a new assignment each time:).

If you think too much you won't get there. I say, go to medical school. Being a doctore is just like any other profession. You have to learn the trade, study for your license exam. Nursing profession, like NP for a exampl, has a long road cos you have LPN, RN(BSN), NP (at master's level). And even after being NP, you will have that never-ending fight with MDs. You'll hear "NP diagnose and treat". You will also hear "MD handles the more complex cases". See what I mean? It simply says that NP is short of knowledge, so MD steps in to do the job. By being MD, you get more respect, more money, more power/authority to make decisions for others to follow. If it fits your character type. By being a nurse, you are a follower of MDs orders. So if you are the leader type, like to feel respected, like to make more money, like to challenge and use more scientific thinking/reasoning with less emotional stuff, then you should consider MD, otherwise you'll be miserable in nursing, waiting for doctor's orders all the time. Medicine is demystified. It's not an impossible goal to achieve. It's just that people complain a lot before they start med school and during med school. And when, they become docs, they are still complaining. It's a job. You get paid for it :)

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I am nursing student with about a year and a half left until I graduate with a BSN. Even though I've had limited experience and exposure to the actual health care setting, I have developed some strong opinions. I get really frustrated how society has glorified doctors as being the "great healers" and "all powerful and respected ones." I certainly realize doctors do make the decisions and are the "go to guys (or girls)" but society has vastly overvalued doctors. Just because they make the big bucks doesn't mean they are anymore important than nurses. Doctors would be lost without nurses, and almost all doctors learn an incredible amount of knowledge from nurses throughout their studies and career. Shows like ER, House, Grey's Anatomy, and many various movies really overestimate the reality of being a doctor. Although they are entertaining, they paint a completely unrealistic and inaccurate picture of the real life health care setting. The bias that society has created undermines nurses and overestimates doctors. Until people are actually in the hospital as a sick patient or the family member/friend of a patient, most people only see doctors as the face of medicine and nurses as the "assistants" to the doctors. In making your decision, please recognize the bias that society has created and truly find out what you want to do in health care. As most people have already mentioned, they are two entirely different professions with two entirely different job descriptions.

To put it simply: If you like working with people and creating connections, go into nursing. If you like working with data, and want to solve science problems, go into medicine.

Best of luck to you

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