Premed or nursing?

Published

Hello everyone!

I'm a 19 yr old community college student aiming to transfer to a UC, Cal State, or even NYU (if I miraculously earn a full ride scholarship haha). I've looked up the prerequisites on a couple of top notch medical schools and I would only need a couple of science classes including organic and inorganic chemistry, calculus courses, statistics (biostats preferred), bio courses. I was wondering if I should pay extra while completing my courses prior to transfer. Or would it be too much to take in? Let alone the NCLEX exam and the mcat. Was this ever done before? In history? Don't get me wrong I love nursing despite its cons. I'm just wondering. Also, what are good schools that I could transfer to as a nursing major? Do prestigious schools matter when you're an undergrad? Going to a nice university would be awesome, but I wouldn't want to be in huge debt that'll prevent me from taking care of myself and my parents.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have friends who have taken nursing and just wrote the NCLEX. Now they are working as RN's and studying for the MCAT to become a doctor. So, yeah it is possible.

And "prestigious" schools don't matter for nursing (you just spend a whole lot of extra money).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hello everyone!

I'm a 19 yr old community college student aiming to transfer to a UC, Cal State, or even NYU (if I miraculously earn a full ride scholarship haha). I've looked up the prerequisites on a couple of top notch medical schools and I would only need a couple of science classes including organic and inorganic chemistry, calculus courses, statistics (biostats preferred), bio courses. I was wondering if I should pay extra while completing my courses prior to transfer. Or would it be too much to take in? Let alone the NCLEX exam and the mcat. Was this ever done before? In history? Don't get me wrong I love nursing despite its cons. I'm just wondering. Also, what are good schools that I could transfer to as a nursing major? Do prestigious schools matter when you're an undergrad? Going to a nice university would be awesome, but I wouldn't want to be in huge debt that'll prevent me from taking care of myself and my parents.

You may want to visit student doctor network (if you haven't already) to see how realistic medical school might be for you. It's unlikely that a stranger could predict how much is "too much" for you, though. I will say that nursing school is probably not the best use of your time and effort if you hope to become a doctor. Pick one or the other and focus your efforts for the best result.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you! I'll likely have to choose one field and go with it so that I may excel. I'll see

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In other words, they completed their requisites while pursuing a nursing degree? So it is possible? O: Do you happen to know what grades did they earn? Because I am aware that med schools are competitive and is a different path. Thanks in advance

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PMHNP-BC.

The NCLEX exam is the least of your worries. It's not as bad as people say. I found it highly overrated. ...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hmm. I see! Thank you all for your insights! I have a counseling appointment Monday and I'll give an update on how it goes (-:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
In other words, they completed their requisites while pursuing a nursing degree? So it is possible? O: Do you happen to know what grades did they earn? Because I am aware that med schools are competitive and is a different path. Thanks in advance

Yes it is, I have done it! To be fair, I registered for classes each summer, including science ones. I also took the minimum requirements, which would not make me as competitive as someone else (for ex I didn't take calculus physics I and II, I took plain physics I/II). And, it's encouraged to work as a medical scribe or something (so I am told by my premed friends) while in undergrad and that's something I couldn't have done at the same time I was piling on classes toward a double major. (my gpa is 3.9 entering my senior year, I finished my biology degree and just have nursing left - it feels so good to not be loading on credits!! - and work per diem as a pca now)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There's no problem with taking pre-reqs for nursing and pre-med. All it requires is an increase in time and money. If you have time and money, and are unsure of your ultimate path, then work through the pre-reqs. You may have an epiphany during that time that allows you to choose a route with confidence.

However, once you make a decision, stick with it. Changing your mind mid program is a recipe for immense cost and time.

If you want to aim high, do so now. Don't wait around for a few years, piling up debt and age.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congratulations direw0lf! (-: I'm truly inspired to do the same! I know that it definitely isn't a walk in the park. If I may ask, how was your study schedule like? Is discipline key to getting good grades? And did you have free time? If so, how much? If I do this, I may very well have to give up my other aspirations regarding collegiate sports. As for ThatBigGuy, thank you! It's a stress reliever to know what I'm wanting to do isn't so crazy after all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Congratulations direw0lf! (-: I'm truly inspired to do the same! I know that it definitely isn't a walk in the park. If I may ask, how was your study schedule like? Is discipline key to getting good grades? And did you have free time? If so, how much? If I do this, I may very well have to give up my other aspirations regarding collegiate sports. As for ThatBigGuy, thank you! It's a stress reliever to know what I'm wanting to do isn't so crazy after all.

Aw thanks for the congrats. There are many in my class who are achieving other accomplishments at the same time as their BSN. And a few have families and kids while in nursing school.

I think the idea to double or triple up on sciences is scary, but it's doable if you just manage your time and know where /when you can take a hit. For example...I kept track of my grades for the class and know what grade I'd need on a certain exam, and if I could I would take a hit (lower grade) on one exam to put the extra time in another course. I also am lucky that my school is small, and the teachers here go above and beyond to give extra time and help.

I didn't participate any sports...but I did have time to walk my dogs for a couple hours every day. I took part in an independent research project with my teacher so that was a lot of time but it was also no schedule so if I couldn't work on it for a few weeks, then that was fine.

Discipline is very key but also being smart about your choices. I had to meet with my adviser before I could register for my classes, but then I took what I wanted to anyway not necessarily what was advised. So pick your classes wisely! Pair up an easy course like history with the hard science classes. Imo don't take "history, music appreciation, English, psych, A&P" but take "A&P, inorganic chem 1, precalc, history, music appreciation"... then you see what you can do with that. Take a science class on a Saturday, you have all week to focus on your other classes and go over tiny bits of the science every day.

Anyway everyone is different and you just need to find what style works for you, and be smart and chose teachers and class times/days wisely!! Take advantage of the summer sessions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Anytime direw0lf!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion