I’ve written previously on the topic of RN to MD previously. The process of BSN to MD and RN to MD are basically the same, except that the BSN already has a bachelor’s degree. Regardless, I will list the most important points for those interested in moving from BSN to MD to keep in mind and list the main ways to go about actually completing the process.

The Basics

Your work as a nurse is basically considered to be an interesting extracurricular. Having worked in the medical field is definitely a positive aspect on any application, but the path you must follow is the same as any other medical student. To my knowledge, no specialized bridge programs exist outside of less-than-reputable foreign medical schools. If you want to go from BSN to MD, you will need to apply to and work your way through medical school like any other student.

Prerequisites

The main prerequisite for medical school is a bachelor’s degree. In addition, you will need to have taken and passed certain specific courses. In the vast majority of cases, the required courses will look something like this:

-Biology

-Chemistry (w/ lab)

-Physics (w/ lab)

-Organic Chemistry (w/ lab)

-English

-Calculus

In addition, you will need to have taken the MCAT. Although it is possible to apply to medical school without MCAT scores in some cases, it will basically guarantee you being denied admission unless you are extraordinary in some other respect. Even at schools where MCAT scores are not required, 99%+ of admitted students will have submitted scores.

Completing Pre-Reqs

Pre-reqs are most often completed at a community college or at a post-baccalaureate programs set up specifically for post-graduate pre-medical school students. Although some consider community colleges to be less worthy and rigorous than “real” schools, medical school admissions councils will generally care much more about GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities than school name. Pursuing prerequisite courses at a community college is also a great way to save money.

Competitiveness

Medical school admissions are notoriously competitive. You can’t just squeak by and expect to be accepted as a student. To be a competitive applicant in numerical terms, you’re going to want to a GPA of 3.5+ at least and MCAT scores of 30+, ideally with no section below 9-10. The MCAT is not to be taken lightly. This is not your typical standardized test. You will need to put in work to get a good score on this test. Medical school students will spend hundreds of hours preparing for it in many cases.

Extracurricular activities

Although stats are extremely important in the medical school admissions process, they are not the sole element used to decide on a student. Medical schools want a well-rounded person! Extracurricular activities are notoriously important for medical school applicants. Luckily, a BSN will already have a great one: experience in the medical field. Community service, hobbies, etc. are also looked upon favorably.