If you are a registered nurse, you likely have a passion for working in humanity’s service. It is a noble pursuit that is both fulfilling and meaningful. However, there might come a time when you realize that you want to do more. This is where taking that big step towards becoming a doctor will cross your mind, and why not? You already love working in health care, and if you have already reached the nursing career’s pinnacle, becoming an MD seems like the logical step.

If you are thinking along these lines, the good news is that it is entirely possible. You can turn your nursing career into a doctoring career by following the medical degree steps. However, as with anything in life worth pursuing, the journey will be long and arduous. Even though you have worked in the nursing field, you will still need to attend medical school and take the MCAT along and complete all necessary prerequisites.

In this article, I will layout the general steps involved in going from an RN to an MD. Get an idea of the process and then make an informed decision.

Qualification Requirements

If you are already an RN, I will assume that you have a four-year bachelor’s degree. However, depending on your major, you may need to show adequate knowledge of the courses required to be eligible for med school. If your degree is in Bachelor of Science or a related science field, you will likely meet the coursework requirement. However, this requirement may vary from one school to another, so check up on the eligibility criteria of the med school you are interested in.

Do I Need to Take any Standardized Tests?

The next major step is to take the MCAT or Medical College Admission Test. This exam is for med schools what GMAT is for business schools. The MCAT is a standardized exam designed to test your problem-solving and critical thinking skills and your knowledge of scientific concepts and principles.

One might think that belonging to the nursing field will help with the MCAT. Sadly, this is not the case. The MCAT is a text-book oriented exam rather than a practical one. Due to this reason, you will need to prepare extensively for the exam, and this can take up to months.

Your MCAT prep might be a bit challenging, especially if you have been out of school for years. However, with a diligent study routine, you can surely pass the test. The score requirement will vary from school to school, so do your research beforehand and prepare accordingly.

What Happens After MCAT?

Once you take the MCAT, your scores will be reported to the med schools you have chosen beforehand. Depending on the school, your prior experience as a nurse may work in your favor. However, do keep in mind that it does not guarantee admissions. Med School admissions are incredibly competitive, and admissions committees take a holistic approach to your application.

Factors like your CGPA, relevant coursework, the university you graduated from, and recommendations are always considered. Moreover, it is also essential to know if there are any CGPA or MCAT score cut-offs. Some medical schools will not look at your application if you don’t meet the minimum MCAT score.

How Long Does it Take to Become an MD?

Once you are admitted into med school, your studies will last four years. Two of these will be in the classroom, and the other two in a clinical setting. Being a nurse won’t reduce the duration of your studies.

Moreover, after you are done with your studies, you will go through a residency program that can last 2-4 years. Your residency will be in a particular field, depending on what you choose to specialize in. Do keep in mind that your residency period may require more than four years for specific areas, i.e., neurosurgery.

Upon completing your residency, you will be awarded a medical license that will allow you to practice medicine independently.

In total, your journey from med school to medical license can take 8-12 years. After residency, most doctors begin practicing medicine by either joining a hospital or opening a clinic.

Some doctors may apply for a fellowship if they want to pursue further research into a particular field such as pathology, neurosurgery, or neonatology. Fellowships usually last 2-5 years, depending on the area of specialty.

Should I Become a Doctor if I am an RN?

This question is highly subjective, and you can answer it better than anyone else. That being said, there are some critical considerations to make if you are interested in going down this path.

Firstly, consider if you want to pursue a medical career. So far, I am sure you know that becoming a doctor is no easy commitment. It can easily take up to ten years when all is said and done. Ask yourself if you want this sort of commitment. If you have a passion for medicine, this question will not be a concern for you, but consider your life circumstances and make a practical decision.

Secondly, a more significant concern for many is the cost of attending medical school. Over your four years of studies, you can expect to pay between $150,444 and $247,664. Ask yourself if you are willing to make such an investment. Moreover, take into account the amount you will make as a doctor later on.

Asking the right questions is paramount in making an informed decision. Whatever conclusion you arrive at, make sure you consider all the critical aspects.