RN to MD

RN to MDCan I move from RN to MD?

Thinking of heading back to school? Want the respect, responsibility, and fulfillment that working as an MD could bring to you? Totally understandable. Now that you have some experience in the medical field, you want to move up a few rungs. Start calling the shots. Can it be done, though? The answer: Yes, of course. It will take a few years of hard work and dedication, but moving from RN to MD is totally doable.

With enough motivation and the right path, a career move from RN to MD can be

  • Doable
  • Profitable
  • Fulfilling

How do I do it? Are there RN to MD bridge programs?

 Although you, as a nurse, are no doubt experienced in medicine and patient care, you will not be able to just jump right into the role of physician. You must apply to and work your way through medical school. At the time of this writing, there is no such thing as a dedicated RN to MD bridge program, like there are for people from LPN to RN.

How do you get into medical school?

Medical school entry is very competitive. You will need:

  • A high GPA and
  • A high MCAT score

just as any other applicant would.

Previous experience in the medical field will not allow you to just breeze through the application process. The good part, though, is that your work in the medicine will help to give you a leg up over similarly qualified med-school hopefuls.

Does my work as an RN count for anything?

Yes. It demonstrates a commitment to the field of medicine. It also shows that you have a good idea of what you are getting into, which is unfortunately not the case for many medical school students. The fact that you know what you want out of your education and the fact that you are making it happen are definitely positive qualities. Although some medical school admission committees are worried about “stealing nurses,” if you can demonstrate that this is truly the path you are committed to you will definitely be at an advantage over other applicants.

So, to sum up: moving from RN to MD is perfectly plausible. With the medical experience, discipline, and wisdom that come from working as an RN, you will have a leg up over other medical students. You will need to work hard, show that you are qualified, and go through the same arduous education as any other fledgling physician; but, there is nothing stopping you if you decide to go for it. What it all comes down to is you deciding if medical school is for you and making it happen. Believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t give up.