Preparing for Med School??? Working along the way

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I have been preparing for med school (my dream and ultimate goal), however, due to the current economic conditions I will have to work and go to school. Because of this my plan is, of course, to work in the medical field and gain experience. I am currenty at TCC getting prereqs done. I plan to get my CNA in June after spring semester is over and then start working at a hospital as a CNA. Then I plan to take TCC's PCT course in the fall to take me beyond the CNA level hoping that will make me more marketable and able to make more money. I may have to pursue the bridge program that TCC has with OU for my BSN to reach an earning level that we can live on while I finish my schooling.

Does any of this make sense to you seasoned ones out there?? Am I getting totally off track for med school? Is this doable or is there a better way?

Thank you so much for all of your input and time!!! :heartbeat

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Nursing school will require a grouping of pre-reqs that is almost completely different then pre-med. Though some content overlaps - you will have to still essentially start from scratch as a pre-med. Nursing will be demanding and will require focus until you can switch back to pre-med... Nursing is a route to med but not a necessary or greatly helpful route... but it can be done. If you want to be an MD it would best to pursue that directly IMHO - you will have loans regardless as an MD student - so look at feasibility of working p/t, taking loans, and pursuing it directly if that is what you want.. my 2 cents.

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:D yeah that is what I have been worried about but in a panic now. I have made sure all my prereqs so far are the same but once I get into the RN program I know they'll be totally different and have been wondering how much more time it's gonna cost me....

Thanks again

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU.

Working as a CNA would be fine and may help you pay the bills but the BSN is not the route to go. Nursing school is very demanding and you will find it very hard to prepare for your MCAT while in nursing school. One other thing to keep in mind (and this is just my personal opinion), if you get accepted to nursing school, you will be taking the spot of someone else whose dream it might be to become a nurse (and who may plan on being a nurse for awhile). Most nursing schools are really competitive and it just isn't "fair" for you to take a spot in a nursing program when you have no intention of sticking it out.

There are a lot of loan programs available to help you pay for medical school. Personally, I would just major in something relatively easy (to keep your grades up while you knock out your science classes). Then get loans to help you pay for school.

Good luck!

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What about working as a PCT compared to CNA? It will take me an extra semester.

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU.

I don't think (but I don't really KNOW either) that it makes a difference between PCT or CNA. I might check around the local hospitals to see what kind of qualifications they might be looking for.

Some places where I have seen preemies (pre-med/pre-nurse) working are hospitals (as PCAs or unit secretaries), MD offices (some will train you to work), Medical schools (as research assistants, secretaries, office workers). I also know a lot of EMTs/LPs etc that are applying to medical school as well.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Nothing against pcts or cnas but isn't there anything else you can do job-wise to make money? Unless you get a job that will pay for med school I wouldn't be interested in working for cna wages in my area which are only just over $10 an hour. Definitely speak with an advisor at the med school you want to attend and perhaps they can offer better suggestions. Good luck.

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Yes, there are other things I can do but I am completely burned out on the business side. I also want the experience and want to work directly with patients, MD's and nurses. I am willing to sacrifice lifestyle for the long term advantage (as I see it). I will be discussing and looking into this further. That is also why I am on here seeking advice. Thanks for your input!

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Specializes in LTC.

I agree with the other posters... go directly for the MD. Nursing school will probably make you more confused... IN nursing school we focus on nursing managment, and try our best to stay away from medical diagnosis. We are taught nursing interventions not MD interventions. I would imagine you being confused once you finish nursing school, and then going to school being a doctor. Im sure in med school they are going to focus on medical diagnosis and Doctor interventions and other things doctors do. It may be difficult for you to seperate the mass of informations you will learn in both programs. I also don't think its fair to take up a seat in the program... when there is a student who really wants to become a nurse, and you just want to become a nurse mainley to make "more money" while in med school. Oh and just for the record... I work as a CNA... been one for 2 years, and I make more money than PCT's and medical assistants in my area. Not that this is common, but I'm blessed to have a very good job, that pays well. Good luck to whatever you decided.

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In my area the starting wage for phlebotomists is more than that for CNA's. It wouldn't give you the same experience a CNA might, but it would give you skills that will be useful to your future. In my area the phlebotomy course is only 1 quarter long, so it wouldn't derail you too much from your goal of med school. Honestly, I think that if being a Dr is your dream, nursing school is just going to be a waste of your time. I also agree with the others that said it isn't really fair to take up a spot in a nursing program if you only plan to work as a nurse for a few years while in medical school. I have heard many times on here that the first year of nursing (actually working in the field of nursing) is extremely difficult and I don't think you would want that extra stress while trying to get into med school. Good luck to you!!

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I have definately recanted on the idea of RN first. It is not my dream and I agree with you all...it would be a waste of my time.

Thanks so much for everyones input.

However, I will be working as a CNA or PCT over the next few years. TO NURSING STUDENT 19....Can you explain to me what a PCT does differently than you as a CNA? No one seems to be clear on that. Also, your case is the exception correct? In general, do PCT's make more and have more responsibilities than a CNA? I am in Tulsa, OK. I realize this is probably different from one area to another so if there is someone out there in my area who knows the system here that would be great.....love to hear from you.

Thanks! :-)

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CNA vs PCT really depends on your hospital/clinic/doc implementation.

In my area CNA are called PCTs as the hospital has the model of nursing that does not use LPNs or CNAs - only RNs... they hire PCTs in limited areas.

I don't think there is any big difference between the two and certainly don't think med school would view it as a huge difference.

v/r

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