Wants to Pursue Medicine

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

So I feel like I have a change of hearts in terms of my career goals. I know nursing has a lot of avenues to take, but I don’t think I want to do it anymore. I think I want to get into family medicine. Question is, well I have a couple, can I earn my bachelors of science of nursing (I know, I know, I just said I don’t want to do nursing but I meant long-term) as a bridge to med school? Also if I don’t take that route, (if possible) a bachelors of what major do you think is best to take for med school?

Dear Change of Heart,

If you are going to become a physician, then earning your BSN is not the best route.

Technically, medical schools will accept any bachelor degree major along with a competitive GPA and specific prerequisites. The prerequisites include biology, chemistry, statistics, calculus and more.

A major in biology or chemistry will include many of these courses, and biology is a popular choice for pre-med students. Remember your GPA (and MCAT score) will be most important, so strive to achieve the best grades.

If you decide to pursue your BSN, then consider family nurse practitioner (FNP). Nurse practitioners typically work under the supervision of physicians, but with a high degree of autonomy.

Nurse practitioners are the primary source of care for many patients, and they are in high demand in many areas.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!