Nursing going into Medicine?

Bree124, BSN, RN · Sep 14, 2008

As far as I know, no, nursing classes will not count in any way towards medical school hours. EVERYTHING is different- from the level of science courses all the way to the theory and way you learn. There really is no way to transfer credits. not to mention that nursing is an undergraduate degree (unless you're an APN, obviously), which med classes are at the doctorate level.

As for how your nursing degree would be viewed on a med school application - I think this depends largely on how much experience you have as a nurse. I know that med schools do not look favorably at someone who get their BSN and immediately apply for med school. However, I think you could definitely work it to your advantage if you have a few years of experience as a nurse and can share about how nursing influenced you towards making the decision to become a physician.

Good luck!

Selke · Sep 14, 2008

Not only will nursing courses NOT count towards medical school, you need to look carefully at the undergraduate science prereqs you are taking for nursing vs. medical school. There are usually different levels of difficulty of basic science courses (microbiology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology) offered to undergraduates, for example "science for liberal arts majors" type of classes, meant to fulfill undergraduate science requirements. These courses are often accepted for nursing school prereqs. BUT they will NOT be accepted for medical school. If you are unsure which career path you want to take, be sure you enroll in the "regular," hard science prereqs, which science majors take, which will be accepted by medical school admissions. You should speak with an admissions counselor at your college, maybe find a premed advisor, to discuss these things with, to make sure you enroll in the right courses. There are many positives nursing education and experience brings to medical education, e.g. good interpersonal skills, caring for the whole person, but there is no overlap in courses or work experience.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Sep 14, 2008

Guys, I've always asked this question but I never got a decent answer.
Here in America, do medical schools accept nursing classes as part of your credit hours? And do you have any idea if being a nurse gives you an advantage in applying to the school?
Thanks, I really dont think nursing is for me, but I am going strong to support my family financially. I want to be a doctor to help the people in my country so much, I just feel its my calling. I appreciate any comments.

It sounds like you have a BSN and I am assuming you received that in the Philippines. Medical schools require completion of at least an undergraduate degree as a requirement for admission. Many applicants have undegraduate majors in the sciences such as biology, biochemistry, etc., pretty much similar to how it is in the Philippines. There are specific science courses that should have been completed in the undergraduate degree before the program can be considered to have met all the pre-med requirements. Unfortunately, the science courses in the BSN curriculum does not meet those requirements.

But as a nurse with a BSN, you can still try your luck at getting into med school by completing the required science courses, taking the MCAT, and submitting a med school application. Med schools are very selective but will look at the over-all picture for each applicant. That will include your GPA, MCAT score, health care experience, and their perception of how well you will succeed in medicine during your interview. That said, I know at least five nurses who were accepted to med school and are either residents or attending physicians now.