Concerning second thoughts, cold feet etc Forum

[Blessedassurance]

I don't know if this is the right place to ask this so Mods please feel free to move it, if need be.

If I decided for some reason not to go to Law School and decided to head to Medical School instead, how long would it take to get the pre-requisites necessary for the average medical school? My current degree is Liberal Arts-related and I understand I need approximately one year of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Biology and Physics (plus English and math which I currently satisfy). Is that assumption about right?

Can I take classes at a community college to satisfy those requirements?

PS: My experiences have been varied. I've been a combat medic and a banker etc. I'm fairly certain I might go to Law School but it seems the gamble never ends. Just keeping a back-up plan, that's all.

[BackToTheOldHouse]

You might want to ask this question on http://www.top-md-schools.com

Good luck!

[Blessedassurance]

Thanks for your input. Mighty uh...astute.

[crossem]

It will take you about two years to take the required classes - from people I know who have decided to switch careers and be a doc. The issue is studying for the mcat at the same time will be tough and you will likely need some experience to write about/ put on resume. So I'd say 3 years total before you apply. Your competition will be tough, but there really isn't "tiers" of med schools (maybe for certain specialties) so once you are in somewhere you are, broadly speaking, set.

Consider DO programs, they are less competitive but is literally the same thing as an MD. But that is a different issue.

I am assuming you are good at science/not a liberal arts dummy like me, otherwise ochem will break you.

[Blessedassurance]

It will take you about two years to take the required classes - from people I know who have decided to switch careers and be a doc. The issue is studying for the mcat at the same time will be tough and you will likely need some experience to write about/ put on resume. So I'd say 3 years total before you apply. Your competition will be tough, but there really isn't "tiers" of med schools (maybe for certain specialties) so once you are in somewhere you are, broadly speaking, set.

Consider DO programs, they are less competitive but is literally the same thing as an MD. But that is a different issue.

I am assuming you are good at science/not a liberal arts dummy like me, otherwise ochem will break you.

I used to be a combat medic (technically, it's a "health specialist" designation). I never went to combat though. I know it's not even close but does that count as relevant experience? Can the pre-req's be taken at a community college? I was looking at a couple of medical schools that needed 1 year of Inorganic and organic Chem, Biology, Physics and Biology. I still have a couple of 3 quarters of undergrad left.

[areyouinsane]

OP, go w/ your gut. Medicine is a real profession where the supply/demand metrics are overwhelmingly in your favor. The AMA rules with an iron fist, and if you become a specialist like dermetology, cardio etc you'll make deep 6 to low 7 figures easily.


Medicine still enjoys an enormous amount of prestige, unlike law which is viewed by most as a dumping ground for those too stupid for med school and too gutless/socially inept to start a business. With the Cooleys of the world opening lawschools on every corner, this problem will only get worse.

Also, if you strike out at the Biglaw lottery at OCI, you'll likely never make 6 figures even years into your "career."

[fltanglab]

You should not take those classes at community college unless you are prepared to defend your choice vigorously (med schools will ask you during interviews). Also, many community colleges do not transfer grades and all pre-med courses have to be graded. You will also likely need additional chemistry (physical and biochem) and upper-level biology courses, including an additional lab course.

Also, generally, unless you completely blow the MCAT out of the water, you will have to apply broadly to medical schools. You never know which schools won't even offer an interview (required for admission). I think being a medic counts as experience, but you need 300 hours total and preferably varied enough where they'll be convinced of your dedication to medical school. I would never consider med school a backup plan unless you are prepared to spend a few years dedicated to the pursuit. While med schools don't really have "tiers," your choice of school can easily be a factor in where you place for residency, which can result in relocations you might not want to make and will complicate family matters, if applicable.

[Horsefeathers]

I have a friend with no real science background doing the pre-reqs in one year here:

http://www.brynmawr.edu/postbac/

It's hella competative, but once you're in, it sets you up quite nicely for quick med school admissions.

[Blessedassurance]

I have a friend with no real science background doing the pre-reqs in one year here:

http://www.brynmawr.edu/postbac/

It's hella competative, but once you're in, it sets you up quite nicely for quick med school admissions.

Great, thanks. I think I'm going to apply there and any other schools that have similar programs (i.e. 1 year duration). Apparently, I need to wait for my fall grades to apply per Brynmawr's website, which is okay.

It states that students typically have a GPA above 3.3. My GPA's 3.9 so I think academically, I may be competitive. I have a friend that did the whole Caribbean thing, but he majored in biology. I'm not going to do that but I think I can at least get into some Medical schools in the US.

[Blessedassurance]

You should not take those classes at community college unless you are prepared to defend your choice vigorously (med schools will ask you during interviews). Also, many community colleges do not transfer grades and all pre-med courses have to be graded. You will also likely need additional chemistry (physical and biochem) and upper-level biology courses, including an additional lab course.

Also, generally, unless you completely blow the MCAT out of the water, you will have to apply broadly to medical schools. You never know which schools won't even offer an interview (required for admission). I think being a medic counts as experience, but you need 300 hours total and preferably varied enough where they'll be convinced of your dedication to medical school. I would never consider med school a backup plan unless you are prepared to spend a few years dedicated to the pursuit. While med schools don't really have "tiers," your choice of school can easily be a factor in where you place for residency, which can result in relocations you might not want to make and will complicate family matters, if applicable.

I will likely go to institutions that offer Postbaccalaureate programs to satisfy the pre-reqs (see above). I'm prepared to relocate anywhere. I'm unmarried, without any kids, and my family lives outside the US (first-generation immigrant). Thanks a lot for the heads up. All this might be moot but I'm definitely keeping my options open. I'm prepared to dedicate whatever it takes. Thanks again.

[NewLobo]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/

[instra:mental]

I have a friend with no real science background doing the pre-reqs in one year here:

http://www.brynmawr.edu/postbac/

It's hella competative, but once you're in, it sets you up quite nicely for quick med school admissions.

Not meaning to hijack thread, but are you from northern California? Haha the lingo sounds all too familiar.

[Yeags]

I had an apartment-mate who was an engineer major working in IT but decided to go back to get the requirements for med school. She was doing it through weekend/evening classes here, I think, it was a one year program.

http://extension.berkeley.edu/spos/premed.html

good luck!

[Yeags]

I have a friend with no real science background doing the pre-reqs in one year here:

http://www.brynmawr.edu/postbac/

It's hella competative, but once you're in, it sets you up quite nicely for quick med school admissions.

Not meaning to hijack thread, but are you from northern California? Haha the lingo sounds all too familiar.

Norcal haha hella intense!