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 prerequisite. 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.

2 Year Nursing Degree: The Top Five Things You Need To Know

Two year or four year? RN or BSN? What’s the difference? How will it affect my work? My salary? My job chances? There are many important factors to take into account when choosing a nursing degree. In this article, I will outline the most important facts about the two year nursing degree.

Work

In terms of day to day work, the difference between an RN and a BSN is basically nonexistent. With a two year degree, you can do basically all of the same things that you could with a four year degree. There is not much of a difference. The amount of patient contact you have daily will depend entirely on the specific job that you are assigned to. Choice of degree does not really factor in at all.

Education

Aside from two years, what are the differences in education found in two year and four year nursing programs? There are many. Whereas a baccalaureate program will include general education in addition to nurse training, a 2 year nursing degree program will focus exclusively on nursing related skills. A two year program will also generally be taught at a community college or vocational school instead of a university.

Flexibility

Because a two year program will generally be taught at a community college or vocational school, there is often more flexibility than found in a university setting. Community colleges often are more open to part-time work or alternative scheduling. They’re also a good deal cheaper, in most cases.

Advancement

Although at the staff nurse level there is little to no difference between Rns with associate’s degrees and BSN holders, this is not true if you wish to move toward a management position or continue on to a master’s degree in nursing. If you want to move on to management or administrative positions, the expanded, more well-rounded education provided by a four year degree is clearly superior. If you plan on becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or something else of the like a four year degree is also essential. All of this is not to say, however, that a two year nursing degree would bar you from pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in the nursing field. There are numerous RN to BSN bridge programs. If you should decide at some point that you wish to continue your education in the field of nursing, that door is always open.

Pay

Pay with a 2 year nursing degree is generally exactly the same as with a four year degree. At some specific hospitals, there may be a difference of a dollar or so an hour.

The final word

In sum: a 2 year nursing degree is faster and often easier logistically speaking to earn than a four year degree. Advancement is faster and easier with a four year degree, but further education can always be pursued. A two year degree will allow you to get your feet wet, so to speak, faster as well. Overall, it offers an good opportunity for work in the medical field without limiting any options for future education.