For many registered nurses (RNs), the journey to a healthcare career doesn’t end with a nursing degree. Instead, it often sparks a deeper interest in medicine, leading to some even considering pursuing a medical degree to become a doctor. But can you go to med school with a nursing degree? Yes! The path from RN to MD is not only possible but increasingly popular.
In this comprehensive guide, you can learn more about RN to MD education requirements, what to consider, and more. Whether you’re a nurse considering becoming a doctor or a student still unsure which career is right for you, join us as we explore how a nursing career can be helpful in your journey as a doctor.
Can a Nurse Become a Doctor?
While transitioning from a career as an RN to a physician is possible, there aren’t any educational shortcuts. This means you must follow the same path as traditional students.
But, before discussing the education and training requirements for transitioning from a nurse to a physician, let’s examine what makes these two professions different. First, physicians have a broad scope of practice, including diagnosing complex conditions, performing surgeries, and developing comprehensive treatment plans. On the other hand, nurses’ scope of practice depends on their credentials and the state regulations in which they practice, but they are usually responsible for recording medical history, preparing patients for exams, administering medications and treatments, and so on. Furthermore, the education and training required to become a physician are more extensive than those required to become a nurse.
RN to MD: Education Requirements
Let’s explore the educational requirements for the RN to MD route.
Complete a BSN degree
If you don’t already have a degree, the first step on your RN to MD journey is earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. In general, BSN programs contain most, if not all, necessary prerequisite courses for medical school, such as biology, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, and English. During your studies, you can also take recommended prerequisites for medical school, such as sociology and psychology.
Earning a BSN degree provides foundational knowledge in clinical practice and research methods, crucial for understanding patient care and medical concepts. The program includes advanced coursework that helps you prepare for the rigorous nature of medical school. Ultimately, earning a BSN degree allows you to gain valuable hands-on experience in healthcare, making the transition to medical school smoother.
Take the MCAT
The next step is passing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a standardized, multi-choice examination that assesses your knowledge of scientific concepts and principles and your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
As the MCAT focuses more on theoretical concepts and less on real-world application, it’s crucial to thoroughly prepare for the exam by creating a rigorous study schedule, utilizing preparatory courses, and taking practice exams.
Remember that achieving a competitive MCAT score is a critical factor in the medical school admissions process, as it reflects your ability to handle the rigorous nature of medical school. To get a high MCAT score, familiarize yourself with the exam format, take three to six months to prepare, and retake the exam if needed.
Obtain a medical degree
A pivotal step to becoming a physician is obtaining a medical degree. Medical school takes four years to complete and is divided into two phases: preclinical and clinical. The first two years of medical school, or the preclinical phase, focus on basic medical concepts, the structure and function of the body, diseases, diagnoses, and treatment concepts. The clinical portion of medical school, in the last two years, involves clinical rotations, during which you gain basic instruction and hands-on experience.
To apply to medical school, you must submit your:
- Background info
- CV
- MCAT scores
- Transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation.
In addition to these materials, you also need to submit essays where you can highlight your clinical experience. As a nurse, you can have a competitive edge as your nursing experience and commitment to patient care can set you apart.
Complete a residency
After medical school, you must complete a residency program to gain clinical experience and specialized training. As a resident, you get to work directly with patients under the supervision of an attending physician and learn how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Moreover, during this period, you can gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in a chosen specialty like family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, etc.
While you may be familiar with nursing residencies, there are clear distinctions between them and medical residencies. Firstly, nursing residencies take six months to one year, whereas medical residencies can take three to seven years to complete. Next, the structure of nursing residencies often includes classroom education and supervised clinical training. On the other hand, the structure of medical residencies comprises continuous clinical training, didactic learning, and on-call duties.
Take the USMLE
A critical step to practicing medicine in the US as a physician is taking and passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). This three-step examination assesses your ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles for effective patient care. You can take Step 1 at the end of your second year of medical school and Step 2 in your fourth year. On the other hand, you must take the Step 3 exam during your first or second year of residency.
Keep in mind that besides being a requirement for practicing medicine in the US, USMLE scores are a critical component of residency applications to assess your qualifications.
Complete a fellowship
Depending on your goals and commitment to continue your training in a subspecialty, you can pursue a medical fellowship after finishing your residency. Fellowships provide one to three additional years of training under the guidance of a seasoned physician.
Although fellowships are optional, pursuing advanced training in a medical subspecialty has many advantages, such as:
- Improve your clinical skills and expertise
- Learn and be trained under experienced physicians
- Provide high-quality care to patients with complex conditions
- Increase your chances of getting hired in top hospitals
- Build your rapport with other peers in the same specialty.
Become board certified
After completing residency and fellowship training, the last step of transitioning from RN to MD is becoming board-certified in a medical specialty. Board certification is crucial as it signifies that you meet education, knowledge, and experience standards in a specific medical specialty. This credential also allows you to establish trust with patients, as they prefer physicians with validated expertise.
The requirements and process for obtaining board certification depend on the medical specialty, but in general, they include:
- Earning a medical degree
- Completing residency training in a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
- Providing letters of attestation from the program director and/or faculty
- Obtaining an unrestricted medical license to practice medicine in the US
What to Consider if You Want to Go From an RN to a Medical Doctor
The path of transitioning from a nursing career to a physician is long. Therefore, before embarking on this journey, you should take into consideration some key factors, such as:
- Time commitment: Transitioning from RN to MD typically involves a lengthy process that can take at least 11 years. This includes four years of BSN, another four years of medical school, and three years of residency, at minimum.
- Financial implications: Another important factor to consider is the financial burden that often comes with medical school. According to a recent report, the average cost of medical school is $235,827.
- Personal motivations: The transition from RN to MD is challenging and requires significant dedication and perseverance, so you must have a deep passion for patient care. Therefore, you must reflect on your long-term career goals and how becoming a physician aligns with them.
Nurse to MD: Career Outlook and Salary
The higher earning potential is among the most significant benefits of pursuing a medical degree after working as a nurse. You can earn a higher wage as a doctor than you might have been earning as a registered nurse. But let’s take a look at the numbers. As an RN, you can potentially earn $86,070, with the actual salary ranging from $63,720 to $132,680. This salary depends on the location, years of experience, healthcare facility, and education. Conversely, as a doctor, your potential salary could reach or even exceed a salary of $239,200.
Another benefit of pursuing the RN-to-MD route is the six percent employment growth for RNs. This projected growth makes it easier for you to join the workforce and gain valuable clinical experience before attending medical school.
The Bottom Line
Transitioning from RN to MD is a challenging but achievable goal that includes several requirements, such as fulfilling medical school prerequisites, excelling on the MCAT, and completing medical school. Before embarking on this challenging but rewarding journey, it’s important to recognize the commitments involved in this career shift, including the significant investment of time, effort, and resources.
By carefully considering your options and motivations, you can make an informed decision about your future. Remember, whether you transition to medicine or remain in nursing, both careers offer invaluable opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between DO and MD?
Although both MDs and DOs have similar training and can prescribe medicine, DOs provide more holistic care, focusing on treating patients as a whole instead of just their symptoms.
How much does medical school cost?
The average total cost of medical school is $235,827, with the average yearly cost being $58,968. The total cost can vary by institution type and location, ranging from $161,972 to $264,704.
How long does it take to become an MD?
In general, it can take 10 to 12 years after high school to become a doctor, including four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, and three to seven years of residency training.