Nursing Before Medical School

My interview with a nurse before medical school and in this video, she shares her journey from nursing school to medical school plus great tips that helped her along the way. Should a pre-med student go to nursing school first? Is nursing a good pre-med path? Watch and find out! Should pre-meds go to nursing school? What is the difference between nursing and medicine?
More at AndreaTooley.com

[@MinhNguyen-ss7su]

I was ICU nurse for 3 years before applying for med school. I am currently in my 2nd year at UNC SOM. To all nursing friends out there, if you have a passion to pursue medicine, just do it. The knowledge that you gain from medical school itself is already rewarding enough to justify the jump. Nursing working schedule is flexible enough for you to take prerequisite courses and preparing for MCAT. Don't let the time requirement for med school intimidate you because 10 years down the road, you do not want to think "what if"...etc

[@shamenrah5629]

Thanks for posting. I plan on applying to UMD SOM. You should make a blog as well. I am an ED nurse and have been working as a nurse for 6 years. I want to work in the ED as an MD. I have a BS in biology as well so I have all the prerequisites. How many years does it take till you become an MD including residency? I decided not to do the PA or NP route. Please post any tips. How long did you study before taking the MCAT?

[@lauraferrell2592]

Hi! I am a nurse interested in going to UNC SOM. I live about 20 mins away, so it would be ideal. Would you mind sharing your stats? And their thoughts of a nurse applying to Med school? Thanks so much!! Laura

[@juliezhu282]

​@@shamenrah5629 what made you decide to not take the PA or NP route?

[@CTB143]

Thanks for this post!

[@anjanajoshi8419]

What is the total time it will take to complete the med school including prerequisite and MCAT?

[@libbytibby]

As a nursing student this is one of the best interviews I have seen. this woman is such an inspiration.

[@salvadorbl2-188]

This hits home. I got my Bio degree then did an accelerated BSN. Worked for about 2 months then decided to take the MCAT. I somehow got into med school and will start in the fall. I still don't know how I got here and don't know if it's the right choice. But I bet it will be one hell of an experience :)

[@findingtruth9046]

+Tyler Lorenzo Hello Tyler! Congratulations on your acceptance to med school! I am ridding in the same boat. I am debating which program to go for an accelerated BSN or a post bac in biomedical sciences (masters or cert.) to boost my gpa? If you don't mind me asking. Did you go for the BSN to get patient care experience or to help boost your academic profile? Was nursing a choice for a 2nd bachelors so you have a back up plan if medical school did not work? How did you study for the MCAT? How was the accelerated BSN program... what should one expect having a previous BS in biology? Thank you so much for your help. Good luck with everything.

[@salvadorbl2-188]

I thought nursing was for me so I decided to do nursing. After working for 2 months I realized I wanted to learn more. For the MCAT I bought books and listened to audio tapes. The more important thing about the MCAT is doing multiple practice tests. I think I did about 15+. 8 weeks before the MCAT I took 1 practice exam each week. I would definitely do BSN. Not only do you get patient experience, but you also have a job if things don't go your way :) Best of luck. Med school is a blast!

[@Bubblezbaby91]

I'm in an accelerated nursing program right now and contemplating if I should be a physician later on. Did you have to take prerequisites to get into med school or did you take the route she took? And how's it going so far?

[@Bubblezbaby91]

+Tyler Lorenzo ?

[@hamoteinelalelei5152]

How long does it take to graduate from med school????

[@melaniescharrer1342]

As a fellow RN, MD, I am so thankful for my nursing background and the perspective it's given me for patient care. I think that I struggled with "imposter syndrome" a bit because I felt that I somehow didn't measure up to my classmates. In the end though, I graduated right in the middle of my class- which surprised and delighted me. I'm excited to start residency and encourage application to anyone who feels passionate about medicine and is willing to make the tough sacrifices it demands.

[@latonyabeatty3500]

I agree, I am feel the same way. I went from RN to NP and now MD. I am applying to residency this year and beyond excited! :)

[@mireim2008]

+Latonya Beatty I'm an NP and considering going back. Did you do the post baccalaureate premed program?

[@blaakcoffee]

+Latonya Beatty you're awesome. Would love to hear your journey. I'm a PA really wanting to get into med school!!!

[@kenbe33]

+mireim2008 I have to know, what made you decide to leave the NP career for MD? Not satisfied with pay or is it prestige? +Latonya Beatty

[@latonyabeatty3500]

+Kendra B my own practice with full privileges, more autonomy, more knowledge

[@miri732]

This is literally God-sent! This has been on my mind 24/7 lately.

[@nati7925]

Did u do it?

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

Nursing is already a high credential within itself.

[@johnntanya]

Amen!

[@moonlight-wf2ie]

Preach sistah! 🙌👏👏

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

Speaking from personal experience The M.D. or D.O. did not delegate a task to the R.N. The Nurse already has her/his own patients that they were caring for

[@citygirl7025]

Yes, it is and we are proud of our career choice. But think about it, having to spend time at the bedside as an RN may help a med student become fully grounded and successful as a physician. Everyone wins.

[@wesleyogilvie8105]

Anyone who says nurses won't make the best doctors or surgeons, shove it!

[@065lawmsangzuali9]

Hi guys i am from india. After pursuing bachelor in nursing course for 1 year. I decided to turn back and prepare for med school entrance exam. And here i am. 1st year medical Student im happy with that☺️

[@M_garcia22]

Andrea, I can't begin to explain how much this speaks to me. I am currently an RN about to start back at university this spring to finish my biomedical engineering degree, then hopefully on to medical school. I chose medical school because my passion lies in surgery. I am going to be a surgeon. I started working as a nurse on a Level 1 Trauma Unit in Houston, Tx out of nursing school, with my end goal to become a CRNA. Once I got some exposure, I realized that I needed to pursue my true goal of becoming a surgeon, or I would never be happy with myself. I have done done extensive research on this topic of transitioning from RN to MD, and this video just answered every question I had. Thank you again for sharing this and assuring us that it IS a possibility and can be done!

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

Mason Moore That's fantastic! Good luck!

[@sachitabudhathoki323]

hey mason! are you an international student? I am a high school graduate from Nepal and looking forward to doing my BSN in the US.if you know, please tell me how the courses begin for international students once admitted to university? many of the people talk about prerequisite classes?what are they? do prerequisite class fall under the four year bachelor duration? or a nursing bachelor with prerequisite classes would mean it takes more than four years to complete BSN? and you know what! we share that passion for medicine .I too have thought of joining medical school after my nursing.

[@M_garcia22]

Sachita, I am not an international student, but I may have an answer to your question. If you go directly into a Bachelor's program for nursing, the pre-requisite courses are already built into the curriculum. Generally the pre-requisite courses consist of Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2, Microbiology, Chemistry, Algebra, Statistics, and English writing courses. Depending on what school you choose this can vary. You do take a pre-nursing school entrance exam called the HESI, before you are officially admitted to the nursing program. It should only take you 4 years to complete both the pre-requisite courses and the actual nursing program. The first two years are designed to complete pre-requisites and extra-curriculars, while the last two years are designed to do lecture and clinical practicums for the nursing part! I hope this makes any sense for you and helps you! Good Luck to you.

[@sachitabudhathoki323]

thank you so much mason!that was a great information!and all the best to you! you are very kind ..

[@JamesSmith-xf8pq]

+Mason Moore Hey Mason, I completely understand, good luck!!!!

[@Fireplay29]

As someone who goes to a top 25 university, it is not easy to be pre-med and nursing. I already finished my premed courses, but I decided to not apply to medical school. I fell in love with nursing. In most cases, your GPA will not be stellar if you took the route I took. Science GPA is a 3.3 while my nursing GPA is a 3.55. Overall GPA 3.45. With that science GPA, I doubt I would get into any medical school. I was a cocky person to look down on nursing when I entered my program. Nursing is not some easy route to get to medical school (I thought it was when I was a freshman. Probably because there is more of a "prestige' factor when you say 'I'm going to be a doctor.'). It is difficult trying to work in a Biology professor's lab 15 hours a week when you are also waking up at 4:45 a.m. to make it to your 6:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. shifts twice a week at the hospital. 18 credits, a part time job, hospital shifts, and studying, there really was no time to work in a lab. If you decide to do nursing and premed at the same time, prepare to have no social life and earn the scorn of the people who take nursing seriously. An already busy schedule and trying to cram multiple extracurriculars (volunteering, tutoring, working in labs) is tough. Nursing will earn you clinical experience, but the way nurses and doctors solve problems are different. Both are incredibly important in their own rights. If you know immunology, nurses are neutrophils/platelets and doctors are macrophages. They work together. Neutrophils and platelets float randomly in the blood, so they are the first to respond to a cut. They hold down the fort while the macrophage looks at the situation and decides what cells need to be summoned in order to respond. In the end, the macrophage and neutrophils will work together as phagocytes. Being a nurse and being a doctor are great. Nurses spend more time with a patient in an acute hospital setting, while the doctors plan things out and go from one patient's room to another. Nurses and other hospital workers are the columns and support beams holding up the bridge (the doctor). If you like being more hands on and talking with people, consider nursing. If you like solving puzzles, consider med school. There is a lot of overlap between the professions, but they all have their own functions.

[@elledove3800]

Mei Ren Well-written and refreshing response by someone that clearly understands modern nursing and different ways of looking at medicine (where one is NOT superior to the other). Students that choose the nursing school to med school route will hopefully gain an understanding and admiration for nursing training, processing, and endurance. The nursing profession has developed into its own complex and distinct field, and nursing school BSN experiences of students detail exactly that. Questions are select-all-that-apply, relying on memorization and recall won't take you very far, and the style of thinking is by itself a huge concept that students struggle with. Students of all ages (entering with 4.blah GPA) have to learn and understand how to process & integrate medical information in combination with the nursing process + nursing standards to properly study. I really liked the immunology example :) Also, "earn the scorn of the people that take nursing seriously." If students see nursing as a ladder to eventually becoming a physician, they don't understand how far nursing has come. The nursing to medicine route can be done, but unless there is a desire for a career change during/post- nursing school, I'd advise strongly against this approach.

[@xxpkinggodxx]

I wanted to do a nursing major in pre med to have that to fall back on if I don't get into medical school but judging from your comment this is a bad idea.

[@lameshahale2990]

Best Comment Ever!!

[@wayvislife]

omg this is so weird! i feel you're describing my life right now except the working in a biologly lab thing, we don't have that around here

[@1809ines]

thank u:)

[@aDashofMonique]

I know a classmate that was an ER nurse before he got accepted into medical school. It CAN be done! :) I'm kind of jealous of them because they already have learned a lot of the material that we will be learning in the first two years of medical school.

[@RachelP7911]

This video is phenomenal. I'm in nursing school currently...I actually entered nursing school last year with the goal of transitioning to med school. I've since decided on CRNA school, but this video has opened up med school as a possibility again. Med school is intimidating from a nursing background...there are people everywhere telling you that it's going to be an uphill battle and near impossible, and because of that, I kind of gave up on it. This was really inspiring though...a refreshing firsthand testimony/different perspective from a nurse gone MD to show that it IS POSSIBLE! Thanks for this video, Andrea and Korey! You've given me a lot to think about! :-)

[@osemethompson6396]

Rachel P you can become anything you think about and work towards. you can also become a millionaire without being a nurse or doctor. most millionaires are not nurses or doctors. if you can sell a service or a product in your field or any area that solve the problems of many people that can afford your solution = you can become wealthy$$

[@NurseMurse]

+Rachel P Hey look who I found here! :)

[@imukrainian]

+Rachel P dont give up! I'm trying to the same

[@GovindSoniDotCom]

Rachel P your comment is also inspiring as this video.

[@lyannwach]

I am so happy I found this video. I was a nurse for 11 years then packed my things, turned my whole life around and went to medical school. There is a "stigma" with nurses becoming doctors BUT you have to overlook the stigma and follow your heart. I am so happy with my decision, I am almost done! The most incredible part of the journey is seeing other people who are in more difficult situations taking the huge step of going to medical school (we are over 10 nurses in my class, a couple of physical therapists, many, many parents!... and another huge number of people over 30 years old)- so get inspired by this video and JUST DO IT!

[@andyroo995]

As somebody who used to be pre-med but now is headed to nursing school, this video was FANTASTIC. Thaaaank yooooouuu

[@psalm23grl]

I would love to see a video on how Dr. Korey Springman studied for the MCAT without taking the prerequisite courses. :)

[@latonyabeatty3500]

Love this video! I was a RN for 3 years and NP for 2 years before I decided to go back to medical school. I am 29 years and applying to residency this year! I am so excited and I am so happy that I can relate to her! Best decision I ever made!

[@DubKc]

Latonya Beatty , I have to ask you. why did you decide to go to medical school after being an NP? I'm debating and can't decide whether to do NP or DO.

[@roselove6315]

So happy for you!! Hope you’re doing well

[@SparksForces]

Entropy Fan2 Go for what your heart wants you passion about. I’m am interested in D.O. Program Doctor of Oestopatric OM technique they use to help people is amazing. Right now I’m majoring in BSN nursing and I will finish the prerequisites for Med school

[@solangeelkallassi9514]

How are you 29 and applying to residency already with working as an RN for 3 year and 2 years as an NP?!?! Wouldn’t you be more like 33 at the youngest after 4 years in Med school???

[@ladyt618]

@@solangeelkallassi9514 the person could have graduated high school at age 18, gotten her ADN by age 20, entered NP school at 21, finished at 23, worked til 25, then entered med school, finished when 29 and then entered residency 😉

[@skulskc27]

This video is perfect. I am a registered nurse and am in the process of obtaining my nurse practitioner degree. I still have a strong desire to pursue medicine. I feel my depth of knowledge and understanding of disease process and the human body is lacking. I yearn for knowledge and the more I obtain the move I crave. I know once I finish my master's, I will pursue medicine.

[@riajacobo7904]

I am so glad I found this video I am in the process of going into the nursing program at my community college and my ultimate goal is to go to medical school specializing in geriatrics. I am a first generation high school graduate and first generation in college by choice. Even with my trials and errors I will succeed and be the first in my family that I know of to go into Med school.

[@dami4271]

How’s it going bro

[@avneet-kaur]

I am currently doing my DNP and this interview is inspirational (even though I have no interest in being a physician). This women has achieved her dreams beautifully :) Kudos to the interviewer as well, she has some very informational questions to pull and that might help others to better understand their options.

[@ClaireElizaM]

Thanks for the video! I am currently 14 and I plan on becoming a neurosurgeon. My mom in a neuroscience NP at my local hospital and once I turn 15 I am going to start volunteering there to feed patients ( mostly in the neurosurgery unit ), I also plan on getting a part time job anywhere soon as I can.

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

Claire Eliza M Sounds like a great plan!

[@gabrielaabril456]

Keep up the good work 🤓🤓

[@purplemoon1511]

Any updates?

[@Kmarie2543]

I'm literally walking in her shoes! I am currently a nurse and I'm applying to medical school this year. Just submitted my application last week. I completely agree with everything you are saying!

[@shalynbarker6533]

Katerina Marie hiii did you get into medical school?

[@jasmintorres5696]

Did you take any prerequisites before applying?

[@laurab7830]

Hello, how did that go?

[@adiksadiatabs]

@@laurab7830 covid

[@tokee1234567]

Your video is very inspiring!! I am a nurse educated in USA and I became a nurse in Canada mainly because of my status issues. I also had to be a breadwinner for my family for years. I solved all that and one day I woke and realized that a doctor, especially a family GP or a doctor specialized in palliative care, is something that I really wanted to do as a child. After having my family not have access to a family doctor and adequate healthcare as non-resident in North America, and seeing my father die in excruciating pain at the hospital I knew I wanted to really make a difference in the healthcare system. Many medical schools in Canada require pre-requisite courses and they are very hard to get into. I am planning on taking some classes while working and then studying for the MCAT and see what happens!

[@BoltCRNA]

I'm in my first year of a doctorate CRNA program and really relate to your guest. I did a pre-med internship and at one time was headed down that path. It's awesome that there are different routes for all of us to provide quality healthcare to our patients. Great point about us all working together and not trying to divide ourselves. Good luck in your residency!

[@suzeydelacey2945]

This vid was very therapeutic for me! I've been an RN for 17+ years, have my MSN, and am currenly 1.5 years away from completing my doctorate in nursing. The original plan was always medical school, but there was just no way in my personal circumstances. I had.to.work. I've had lots of regret and longing to do medicine, but it was just not possible. Hearing you gals talk about how NPs really have the best of both worlds allowed me to release a little of my inner criticism about what couldda been. Once I'm done with the DNP, I can hang my NP shingle, autonomously provide primary care with no call, no weekends, no holidays. I'm a-ok with that.

[@kris7655]

That was really my question and I agree it seems that there is a lot of flexibility provided in the NP path. Great video so glad I found it!

[@annausf3887]

Thank you for making this vid! I am a nurse, EMT (BSN, RN - college you can tell from my KZbin "name"), 29, and applying to med school (I have a med-school counselor). I also took a few years off after nursing school since I was completely exhausted from graduating at the top of my class with my BSN, RN (kept grades up for med school but darn near hit burnt out at the end). 1) You are never told old to think about going to med school (my mom went back to school when she was 50) 2) You can be too young to think about it and stress yourself out to the point you never make a decision and not finish college or what you started in the first place. 3) You can have a GED and do this, my school's MD program takes people who have completed the GED test as long as their undergrad grades are good. 4) You can be a successful health professions student even if you have w/d's on your transcripts. 5) The new MCAT will favor those with a diverse background in education and even in life (in my opinion, psych and soc sections are actually a breath of fresh air for people like myself) 6) Crying is okay, that's what bathroom breaks are for ... 7) bigger challenges result in bigger rewards so even if you take a while to decide on what you want to do in life. that is okay. 8) It is better to try, fall, and get back up then to have never tried at all. 9) Do what you want to do in life, not what other people think you "should" do (nobody likes to be 'shoulded')! 10) Success or failure doesn't define you, it's how you keep going that shows your merit!

[@TheSprouselover4ever]

Hey Anna! you graduated from USF school of nursing in SF? I'm a senior in HS applying to that school for nursing, if you could give me some tips and advice that would be awesome!!!

[@shauntaybelton1153]

was EMT experiences helpful when transferring to the nursing field

[@annausf3887]

Yes and no, health assessments done as an EMT were helpful in the lab setting of my BSN program a few years back and now I use some of my EMS experience as a mental health and ER nurse but each discipline has its nuances ... I respect first responders greatly but if you're looking for nursing experience I think it might be best to check out CNA/technician roles in the hospital setting ... hope this helps!

[@tunasandwich2630]

Kayla Blanchard, I’m getting ready to transfer from a city college to a University to earn my BSN, but I still have the dream of going to medical school. As the nursing course is rigorous I will not be allowed to take advanced science courses while earning my BSN. Would medical schools allow me to finish my science prereqs at a city college, or do I need to find a school where I can minor/take the more advanced courses at a university?

[@kaylablanchard1332]

This is an awesome video! I am also a nurse who just got accepted into medical school so it was cool to watch your video and be able to identify with someone who's been in my shoes.

[@gigid75able]

Hi, I'm thinking about going to med school, I have been a an RN for 12 years, 5 years as an NP, I love to learn and def. would like to be an MD but not sure if it's worth it as I just turn 41 this year.

[@Mmmo717]

these comments were really useful. but does NP stand for nurse practitioner?

[@shalynbarker6533]

gigid75able hi how are you doing now did you go to medical school

[@shalynbarker6533]

SurreallTV Hey I’m curious as to what your specialty is NP, MD.. you seem to know alottt

[@JudithIN410]

If I were 50 years younger..... Actually, that was my Plan B, when I went for my BSN, right after I completed my diploma nursing program. But I wanted children, and couldn't see how that would work out back then. My oldest daughter has made it work - she is a pediatrician, and has 2 children. I did become a CPNP (pediatric nurse practitioner) and eventually got my Master's in nursing.

[@CalifaJohn]

At 22:00 that is a kind way to put it. I agree that physicians help each other and nurses often do not. In fact, nurses are often destructive to each other including those who are trying to learn a new profession. I did not hear until I was in nursing school that "nurses eat their young." I came to understand what that means.

[@fashionedfafi09]

This has been my plan for the past two years, but I just never seen or meet someone that had done it this way. Thank you so much for posting this video

[@TinTinAsia]

This video really helped me put things into perspective. I am currently a full time LPN in my first year of school for my BSN and deciding between CNM, NP and MD. This video and it's comments made me realize it is possible for a nurse to go to med school and become a doctor. It's shown me that there is no limit to how far I can go in the field of medicine.

[@5464916]

How true about the nursing school and nursing field in general. Wish nurses were as supportive to each other as physicians are...

[@docd2026]

I've watched this at least 3 or 4 times. I am currently in a direct entry nursing program and found this sooooo insightful. Thank you

[@Fiveleafclover180]

Correct me if I am wrong but I think the medical route is more for people who really want to spend their life (career-wise and hobby-wise) in health care or for those who need a MD in order to do a particular job (for example, work as a surgeon), where as the nursing route is for people who want a career in healthcare but also want to do something else outside of healthcare.

[@themusic6808]

A lot of RN's have trouble finding full time work out of graduating the 4 year bachelors program and many will eventually get further education later on anyways wether it be a masters program, or administrative. Although the financial & mental strains of doing an extra 4 years of med school after 4 years of undergrad then having to complete a residency before actually getting to work as a licensed physician is daunting to most it's well worth the incredible amount of money doctors make compared to nurses and how specialized & catered their work is to them. A nurse tackles the roles of a physician, caregiver & babysitter all in one while getting paid much less. They do incredible work & are always in demand none the less but they are sort of the general labourers of the healthcare field.

[@InformalGreeting]

I'm impressed. My wife is in her last month of residency. After seeing what she has gone through I can't imagine doing it after first being a nurse. Kind of setting yourself up to be abused from every angle. Spectacular that you made a decision to pursue a goal and are making it work. Great things are in store for you.

[@xenaalsouqi9064]

I never leave comments on KZbin videos or bother with the subscribe button, but I appreciate this interview so much and i just really needed this! I am a pre-nursing student and my intentions are to go into CRNA school eventually, and Ive also had the idea of med school in the back of my mind for a long time but I also doubt myself the same way she described in this video. Im honestly so thankful I accidentally found this video though because it has inspired me to go all the way. Why not? I know I could do it! I realized I have this weird idea that doctors are these super genius, perfect, superbeings, but no...theyre people just like me! And everyone starts somewhere. They were once just scared and doubtful undergrads because we're all human, and I am sure all students have faced these fears --even the most successful ones.

[@peterparker7048]

I've came back to this video so many times. Thank you so much for the helpful information you share with people like me trying to figure out my medical career!

[@savannasuydam5547]

Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve always wanted to go to medical school but like you I never thought I could do it or it was in the cards for me. I really needed this. It’s hard to get a former nurses perspective because it’s not common for nurses to go to medical school. Thank you!

[@aniron7664]

I have been a nurse for 14 years and ready for med school

[@Lysse9]

This video gave me faith I'm study nursing but when I was younger my dream was becoming a pediatrician it would be great to have my BSN and enter to a medical school. I think that starting as a nurse would help you to get more experience and prepare you on skill that would help you in the medical school. Nice video!!

[@amandaduggan8676]

Thank you so much for this video!! I have been a nurse for 5 years and am currently studying for the MCAT... this video has really given me the motivation I need in this moment! It's also SO great to know that what I am trying to do IS possible, and not just a crazy dream.

[@Piano_Kid90]

I'm so glad you posted this. I'm a 3 year ER nurse contemplating MD school. This answered so many of my questions. Thank you.

[@AprilHooks]

Thank you for this video. I am an RN with an associates degree. I made the decision to go to medical school and will be 50 when I am done. It has been extremely difficult for me to fight through all of the self doubt. I will graduate with a bachelors in Biology in May 2017 and I am so happy to be leading this life.

[@hippiesoulcreations3931]

+April L. Hooks Good luck! I am in an RN to BSN program now, which I will be finished with next fall and I plan on going to medical school also. I fight with self doubt daily, feeling that I will be too old (35-36 when I start). But I finally don't care :) the time will pass and I refuse to be in the same place not working towards my goals. YOU CAN DO IT!

[@AprilHooks]

Agreed! We can do it and I hope we all make it : )

[@AprilHooks]

You look amazing BTW!

[@1VanesaHernandez]

Go for it! I know so many people who are in your shoes and going through with it and loving it ! So you're not alone

[@storkdork1862]

How did it go?

[@alexciastees9924]

Love this video. I am a BSN but have always wanted to go into medicine, thank you for explaining the process!

[@nateheathcoat4656]

Andrea! What a refreshing video. It was great to hear Dr. Springman's story as mine is somewhat similar. I recently graduated with my bachelors in nursing, I am debt free, in my early twenties, and currently work on a coronary progressive care unit. During my last year of nursing school I had the opportunity to attend a seminar at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. It was catered to pre-med students in their freshman and sophomore years. So I was slightly out of place since I was a senior and going for my BSN. However, there was a panel of residents in various specialties and they all spoke on their experiences. One resident said he had his bachelors in business admin. That mainly sparked my thoughts on going to med school because prior to that, I felt like it was out of bounds or off limits for nurses. In the spring of 2016 I will start a pre-med post bacc at my local university. I have read on many admission pages of medical schools that they say they prefer prerequisites be completed full time, rather than part time. I had planned on continuing to work in the ccu/pcu while completing the pre reqs. Do you think that would be prudent? I have a solid background for my extra-curricular activities (volunteering in the hospital and clinic setting, medical missions out of the country, and I plan on asking some of the cardiologists I work with if I can shadow them). Is there anything else I can do to make myself a better candidate? By the time I apply for med schools I will have at least two years ccu/pcu experience under my belt. Hopefully that will count for something. Thanks for your time and thanks for these awesome videos.

[@pamcakesokie283]

Great information! It's nice to hear they teach doctors to respect the nurses. I know I love my doctors!

[@shestudios]

OMGosh.... I am so happy I found this video. This exactly where I am in my life.

[@thecommentmonster]

This was so interesting. Not many people have seen both sides of nursing and medical education.

[@bryanwonsidlerdnpagnp-ccrn3510]

This is a really excellent video. I am currently a AGNP student, have finished the Master's portion of my program and now clinical. I am in the future planning to do my DNP - applying as soon as I graduate NP school. I think that we all need to appreciate each other, realize the tremendous work, life sacrifice, and importance that all of us are to the health care system. I know I am so going to be depending on my physician colleagues as well as NP's and PA's to talk through patient care situations and know I will have a huge amount to learn from these people. I so feel you on the family sacrifice. I said to my spouse " hello, I love you, now leave me alone I have to study!". I have missed many family and friend events because of the time I have had to put in to studying - I also work full time. I just read all the time the stupid comments that are made about Dr, NP, PA, RN, etc., who is better, etc., and it's really disappointing. MDs are so very important as well as NP, PA, RN, etc. I love that you say that in nursing school that nurses are taught to question the doctor and that in medical school you are taught to respect your nurses. We as nurses need to respect our MD colleagues too! It's always good to question each other to make sure we are giving the best care for the patient. Also, this is something that I think we nurses can learn from MDs, is to cover each other. You are so right and I am hoping that this will be more so as a NP - to support and cover for each other. Thanks again for a really great video. Much respect and love for you MDs!

[@mikey51951]

I'm in nursing school because medical school was too expensive plus a little out of reach in my current position.... my plan was to finish nursing school working a little and eventually get into graduate school.. such as a crna or medical. Such an inspiring video!

[@teannahaywood5232]

I loved this! I'm a first year nursing student in Australia and I'm trying to get into med. I also loved the comment that which ever field you're in, just respect your coworkers. It's almost like our nursing lecturers are trying to force the "doctors are arrogant, cold etc etc" stereotypes on us. Thank you!

[@Littlebirdie_13]

Hey there..i know its too late. Bt I'm considering doing MD after nursing in australia too.So if u did consider MD, just wanna know how is every thing going. And i'm really scared that it'd be impossible to do.bc theres lot of things ahead of me to do. Like studying while working and getting PR cause I'd be an international student and courses are barely affordable. Thanx.

[@lina72]

Andrea, thank you for posting this. I've been an ICU RN for 10 years and always struggled with the RN-MD relationship. The last few minutes of this video says it all for me. We can work together, its better for the patient and its better for us as colleagues. I with they taught that in med school! I would like my job so much more :)

[@nadiafawkes9859]

Enjoyed the video and the information it really showed me that medical school is possible after nursing school. This is the direction that I'm going with also and it's so good to see positive feedback. Thank you for doing this.

[@hippiesoulcreations3931]

Great video! I've been a nurse for 9 years with a background in critical care and going to medical school has been in the back of my mind for sooooo long. Learning the "micro to the macro", I want to know the why and not just the task. Thank you for the great tips!

[@TammyOluyole]

brilliant young lady and a go-getter!

[@neglectedurchin]

This is a great video. I'm a nursing student who wants to be a physician down the line and this video definitely helped elucidate on the path to becoming a physician from a nursing background. I figured being a nurse is extremely adventitious if one were to go to med school. Most of what we learn in nursing school is pathophysiology with medical and nursing treatments. We have to have a pretty good understanding of what physicians do in order for us to do our job because ultimately we're the ones doing the majority of the treatments and if something happens to the patient it's our license on the line. So bringing this wealth of knowledge and experience into the medical school can only help.

[@trinigl]

Thank you for this video I am nurse and I will be applying for medical school after taking my MCAT next year thank you for sharing your experience as a nurse and medical student.

[@laurab7830]

Hello, how did that work out?

[@__SincerelySandra]

Great interview. Very inspiring. 🙂

[@SaharaCaliSara]

This interview speaks volumes to me; thank you so much for sharing, Andrea!

[@maxdouglas3326]

This is super helpful for me. I've wanted to be a doctor my whole life. I'm currently on my gap year and going into nursing next year. I got accepted into science which is only available 4 hours away from my home, and I decided with the lack of science jobs particularly in Australia, I'd be screwed if I finished my bachelor of science but didn't get into med. I can do my bachelor of nursing in my home town, AND the job outcomes are better when I graduate, AND if I don't get into med straight away, there's no stress. I also happen to have autism which I'm scared in the long run how that will affect my career, but I'm determined to do my bachelor of nursing, get a good GPA, then move on to become a doctor.

[@femdee2860]

Best of luck to you! So refreshing to see a nurse go to med school rather than becoming an APN. You took the harder road, and it will pay off for you.

[@katp9116]

I wish I watched this years ago. I had an academic advisor that said it would be difficult for nurses to become doctors. He said that nurses had a hard time being accepted into medical schools. I left the nursing program to pursue medical school & I contemplate that decision every day.

[@KodaJosh098]

Contemplate the fact that you should've finished nursing first then med school?

[@katp9116]

Yes, I wish I would've done that.

[@chrisa6333]

By your comment, you seem to regret making this decision. Have you matriculated into medical school yet?

[@corystephens35]

This interview has great advice for any nurse thinking about going to medical school. Thank you for sharing this rare personal insight.

[@funnyjustineee]

yay nursing!!! I'm currently in my first semester of a post-bach accelerated nursing program and I love it! I can't wait to become a nurse! :)

[@Aviation_Professional]

Helped me decide on Family Nurse Practitioner instead of DO. Thanks for the video!

[@zchbddy90]

She's my hero

[@astrasbizzirri6086]

This interview was very informative and inspiring. I am a first year nursing student in Australia, currently studying Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nursing Division 2) then I will go onto the Bachelor of Nursing to become a registered nurse RN. I want to pursue the Masters of Forensic Medicine with the goal of becoming a Forensic Nurse Examiner. I was born into a medical family (nurses on both parents sides), my previous background was natural / traditional medicine. I am 45 years old and currently having a career / life change and pursuing what I believe I was born to do. Thank you for producing this video, this gives me even more drive !

[@siddarthasiddatha294]

What a wonderful guest. She REALLY knows what she's talking about.

[@eru46dpd]

Hey guys, I'm in nursing school right now and let me just tell you it is not a walk in the park. In my opinion I do not think nursing school would be the BEST premed major only because nursing is hard which means your GPA will likely be lower compared if you were to major in Biology. In my school and in most schools, nursing courses use a different grading scale. For instance in my school this is the scale 100-94 in an A, 93-92 is an A-, 991-89 is a B+, 88-86 is a B, 85-84 is a B-, 83-81 is a C+, and so forth. I am surprised that Korey did go to Medical school to become a Anesthesiologist when CRNA would have been less school and less commitment. But kudos to her for sticking to it.

[@bellanessiecullen610]

Thank you I really loved this because its something I'm considering to go into Nursing before medical.

[@emilyharris9032]

Also everyone else MUSC has a great ABSN program where after you have an associates degree (in any field) you get your BSN in 16 mos as long as you have taken the pre reqs Its an amazing place to be.

[@Ss-mr5pj]

You are very inspiring I am adult nurse and I have always wanted to study medicine.

[@ashleycunningham595]

this is amazing! currently a senior in nursing school in a bachelors program and have always thought about medical school, this gave me the push to really think about it! thank you!!

[@vernie1562]

I have always had an interest in the healthcare. Becoming a surgeon was something I have had my eye on since I was 16 and I'm intrigued with science. I decided to do nursing first to decide if I want to continue on and get a masters or go back for pre med. It's also a good career to fall back on. This video really helped because I was still a little in the middle. Thank you guys so much for being so helpful I appreciate it. I will be a starting college this fall and I'm prepared to tackle it.

[@chillrnstudent]

This is a great video for nurses even considering medical school or Master-level nursing practitioner

[@jorgedelagarza7030]

Andrea, I can't say this enough you have been profoundly helpful. I still have a very long road ahead of me but you make it seem very possible! Hard work and dedication really pays off! Thanks Andrea ! You are the best :)

[@Sousario]

I'm also a nurse and I have an specialisation as an nurse for the surgery room and this year I started my first year in med school :)

[@stevosmusic]

+SousarioAndre im entering nursing school in about a month. How do you go about specializing as a surgical nurse?

[@MYSTIQUE5044]

thanks! this video encouraged me so much. This is the video that pushed me to apply to medical school. Worked as a nurse for a year but now im a 3rd year medical student :)

[@husseinyussuf8511]

After you BSN and prerequisite how long does it take to complete MD program.

[@serafinaobi]

I dunno what to do. I just applied to Nursing schools but I’m still questioning things.

[@erinhale3772]

Wow! I absolutely loved this interview! I'm finishing up my last semester of nursing. I know a couple of the girls in nursing who want to transition into medicine. This KZbin view is perfect for them to watch before making any decisions.

[@mily87ful]

This is sooo beautiful! For any one thinking nursing school is a piece of cake , she makes it clear that it’s ridiculous and so freaking hectic .

[@tanhunglai6613]

Hi Andrea Tooley! Thank you for your sharing about this video~ Have a great day!

[@MartinRivera]

This is such a great video. I am currently a nurse who has been saving up for pre-med classes and continuously looking for motivation to stay the course. I have only ran into negative perspectives of nurses going into medical school- this is the first positive one I have seen. THANKS! SUBSCRIBED.

[@brady1268]

I’m in the same boat. Thank you for speaking up!

[@darrellc.scottjr.1327]

I start nursing school at the end of the month but I plan to continue on to get my Doctorate in nursing and become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner like my mom once you have that DNP nursing becomes a different ball game.

[@MHSMagicLuver]

What you said about mid level practitioners completely right. That’s why I’m in PA school :) I am so happy to be here even though it’s the most difficult thing I have ever done but I’m going to do it and be able to have my dream job. :)

[@MichaelCordero]

I always wondered about this kind of stuff and I’m happy that I found this video. I am currently taking this route and now I’m even more excited to see where it will take me

[@doctorfrater]

Thank you for this video and information, I Really appreciate it. I am finished with my BSN in nursing and getting ready to take the nclex. I am also looking into going to medical school but haven't made the decision yet. Really love all your videos especially the ones with pre-med tips.

[@salsaplease]

So jealous of you Andrea.. going to college in the fall and I'm so afraid I won't do well enough to get into medical school. Everything seems so new and unknown - I feel completely out of control, and a little terrified. I hope it's easier than it seems. There's some subjects, like calculus and history, that I can never seem to do very well in. I hope one day I can be in your position - completing residency.

[@salsaplease]

Thank you very much Amanda Stevens !!

[@salsaplease]

@Bryan W Wow biggest throwback ever! I switched to pre-PA sophomore year and am currently a first year PA student, couldn't be happier!

[@altruistin]

great video. I worked as a paramedic before entering med school. this video brought back some memories.

[@darcybhaiwala7057]

This was so reassuring. I'm a second year nursing student and I want to go into medicine and this was indescribably helpful . . . I had all those questions and you answered them so honestly! Thank you!

[@therationalizer8213]

This sucks, it really really sucks (reflection about my own situation). I envy people like you Andrea Tooley. Congratulations on your latest strides of success and more of it to come in the future. It has been my dream to become a surgeon ever since I was young back in middle school, but due to a culmination of reasons that has lead me not performing well in undergrad, thus being dismissed on academic dismissal has completely shattered that dream. I hope no one has to go through what I did and work hard towards achieving their goals and dreams. Stay focused and motivated to those who are working their way towards medical school!

[@niagay711]

This video and these comments are more encouraging than you could imagine. Thank you so much everyone! God bless you all 🙏🏽❤️

[@cancel1629]

Andrea is such an awesome host. Direct to the point and precise, I have watched other hosts who keep interrupting the interview and saying " yeah yeah let me tell you about a similar scenario in my life" 😂 bro!! Just stick to asking questions. Thanks for the content

[@caseytodd7632]

I love this video. I am currently an LVN, finishing up my RN, BSN and taking the last few prereqs to be able to apply to medical school. I am currently 30 years old. I spent my whole life wanting to be a physician and telling myself that it takes too long and that I could never do it. I finally woke up one day and (grew up) and realized that I had no choice but to pursue my true calling of becoming a physician. It's ironic that I spent my late teens and all of my 20s telling myself it would take too long and I would be "so old" by the time I was done, it took me turning 30 and getting a little bit older to realize it's never too late. The way I see it is...we are ALL going to one day turn 40... 50... 60 years old. All of us. If I am forced to do it and going to by there anyway, why not do it as a doctor?

[@biannahsimone3211]

Casey Todd this is literally me. I started as an LPN then finished my RN and now taking pre reqs for Med School

[@biannahsimone3211]

Oh and I’m turning 30 this year 😂

[@caseytodd7632]

@@biannahsimone3211 Well congratulations! It's always nice to hear that you aren't the only one. I finish with my RN in 3 weeks and will be done with my BSN in December. Only have physics and ochem left to take to hopefully be applying to UNTHSC's SMP program next year!

[@biannahsimone3211]

@@caseytodd7632 I still have to take all my science courses. But you got this ! We got this !

[@tanhunglai6613]

Hi Andrea, thank you very much for your sharing!! Have wonderful days!!!

[@winnielee0426]

Thanks for such great video. Totally shared that feeling 'nurses are very protective of their profession'. I could hardly talk to anyone in nursing school about my dream of becoming a surgeon without triggering that nerve. Worst thing is I don't think I have the edge applying as a nursing student here in Hong Kong, where some doctors still look down on people coming from a nursing background. I did meet several physicians who have been very helpful. Yet I don't see myself having chances as good as this inspirational lady here does. Congratulations on realising your dream. I do hope that I could make mine true someday.

[@HRW772]

That was an awesome video. She had an amazing story to tell!

[@AM-vi7cs]

I'm just so happy with this video. It's so positive. Thank you so much for sharing this. I think this is one of the top 5 videos on your channel.

[@DavidZohoun]

Thank you so much for posting this! I applied to transfer to nursing school even though I just finished my second year of undergrad, because just like you, I felt like being a biology major is just too much and started loosing interest in it because of all the memorization (on things that did not interest me like zoology :P) and time it takes. I thought about changing to a French major, but I fear going into the arts as in case I don't get into med school on my first try I am stuck with a major that has minimal job offerings and low salaries. Anyways, I was debating between transferring to a french major or nursing because I would not have to do an extra year of undergrad if I did french whereas in nursing I would. However, after watching this video I am assured that nursing is the better way to go! Once again thanks for posting all these videos! You really helped me gain back my motivation to work hard on my goal of becoming an MD! :)

[@DoctorMendez]

I'm a PA (8 years) and currently in med school in Pennsylvania. I have a 2 year old boy and another one on the way. I work weekends in Buffalo at an urgent care. If I can do it, most people can do it also. Med school is a very difficult endeavor without family and without work. Sometimes the pressure mounts and I have to go and run 7-8 miles to cool off. But I wouldn't want to do anything else.