Please crush my dreams: No med school for me, right?

[Anonymous]

After getting a diploma for a field I never wanted to work in (as I later discovered), I decided I wanted to be a nurse. I am on my last semester of pre-nursing and I have a 3.7 gpa. However, I am also a 28 year old married mom of 2. I am now realizing that what my husband has always told me, that I should be a doctor instead, is actually true. I feel like that is my true passion, but nursing school is just more practical for my situation. But then as I am dissecting an animal (yes, I know...) all I can think about is how much I want to be a doctor.

I know I am too old to be now thinking about all the work and time involved in getting into med school. And I know my family would suffer as well, which is my biggest fear. Please crush my dreams and tell me that this is not the way to go. I am afraid I will always be unsatisfied with my career if I don't put this behind me.

[Anonymous]

I'm not a doctor but based on your age it is not too late. You likely have most of the pre-requisites done. Take the test and see how you score. By the time you get to residency your kids will be older and your family will be better able to handle the grueling hours. I say go for it.

Trust me, you will feel like it's too late when you are in your 40's!

[Anonymous]

Why not become a NP? We go to one as our primary care "doc". She is able to prescribe, do physicals, etc. she refers us to specialists on occasion.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP that it's not too late at your age. Take the MCAT. It won't be easy for you and your family but you can do it with the right support. You will set a fine example to your DC; they will be very proud of you.

[Anonymous]

Not too late. If that's your passion, go for it!

[Anonymous]

What about a nurse anesthetist? My BIL was a nurse and did the program in 2 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about a nurse anesthetist? My BIL was a nurse and did the program in 2 years.

This is a good job, with a good income.

Some stats (4 years old though):

Pay
Median salary
(experienced) $157,000
Top pay $214,000


http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bestjobs/2009/snapshots/15.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about a nurse anesthetist? My BIL was a nurse and did the program in 2 years.

This is a good job, with a good income.

Some stats (4 years old though):

Pay
Median salary
(experienced) $157,000
Top pay $214,000


http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bestjobs/2009/snapshots/15.html

That's something I would defiitely consider. I don't know much about it, but will look for more information. In addition, if you have any extra info, I would really appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

I would go ahead and take the MCAT while simultaneously applying to nursing programs to keep your options open.

[Anonymous]

OP - this may not appeal at all but it's do-able to get your license to be a pharmacist. Pay is good. Hours are what you want. Benefits are good so long as big chain doesn't cut them. I've known lawyers in state government jobs who moonlighted as dispensing pharmacists at hospitals on the weekend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about a nurse anesthetist? My BIL was a nurse and did the program in 2 years.

This is a good job, with a good income.

Some stats (4 years old though):

Pay
Median salary
(experienced) $157,000
Top pay $214,000


http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bestjobs/2009/snapshots/15.html

My friend did this after becoming an NP and decided she didn't want to run her own practice. This job is a hospital job and is very independent and pays well. There are many procedures you can do with minimal consult from the anesthesiologist. The only comment she made that is negative is that 25% of anesthesiologists are covert drug addicts (claiming to dump drugs but using saline to dump and bringing the leftover opiates home) and the liability insurance is insane (the employer pays). She always wanted to be a doctor but once she had kids she realized that this would be a more manageable yet well respected route.


That's something I would defiitely consider. I don't know much about it, but will look for more information. In addition, if you have any extra info, I would really appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

I was also going to suggest you become a pharmacist.
Other option to consider is to become a dentist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was also going to suggest you become a pharmacist.
Other option to consider is to become a dentist.

Good options but aren't those professions for those who couldn't get into med school?

[Anonymous]

Dental school is same rigor as med school. Do you mean dental hygienist? That's a good possibility. For what it's worth, it means standing on your feet all day, but if that's not a problem for you, that's another good-paying field.

[Anonymous]

Also you could be a chiropractor. Big bucks if you are good and develop a strong clientele and run them in and out ever six minutes for adjustments.