Training for Nurse but Wants to be a Doctor

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am going to finish off my pre nursing coursework this fall and am looking into a nursing bsn program to begin soon. I was planning on working in a surgical setting for the next two years. During this time I am planning on finishing off med school prereqs and taking the mcat. Will medical schools look down upon me for becoming a nurse?

Dear Going From Nurse to Doctor,

Nurses applying to medical school should be treated as fairly and equally as other applicants. They are judged on their individual merits, and follow the same application process.

Having said that, you will be asked to explain what caused you to change your mind from nursing to medicine.

I, too, would ask, "If you want to be a doctor, what is your reason for going for nursing?".

It's a significant career change, not just more schooling on the same trajectory. You could shave some years off the process by going straight for your medical degree.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth