Skycat.ca Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 I've stumbled upon this website, and figured I'd ask for some advice myself. Ever since I was a little girl I've dreamed of doing medicine, the thought lapsed through late grade school and I picked it up again in grade 11-12. I did a very poor year of biochemistry (D average) right out of highschool, then joined the full time military. It's always been in the back of my mind since then. Now I'm part-time and debating on the best course of action, naturally I'm afraid of failure. Here are some of the ideas I'm contemplating and me playing devil's advocate. 1. An easy degree to get a good GPA -What would be an 'easy' degree for me? -What if I don't make med school, what will I do with the degree? 2. Take Nursing - Limits the med schools I can apply too -Have been told it's not that easy anyway 3. Do the MAC's PA (Physician Assistant's) program -Still need to decide what to do for an undergrad -Still want to keep my options open I'm not looking for an easy way out, just can't decide on a course of action. Ideally I'd like to spend the least amount of time in school... to keep the cost down. Although I'm not afraid of debt and time if I know I'll make it to Med school. Just scared. Please help!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
future_doc Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 1] An easy degree per se is a waste of time as you also want a good education that will lead to financial sustanability, i.e., a Plan B. Only you know your interests and aptitudes. 2] Nursing is good provided you would do nursing if you don't get into med. I believe there are accelerated courses for nursing from memory on sdome back posts, but I am unfamiliar with this. 3] This is aninteresting option too. GL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycat.ca Posted October 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 Pretty much my dilemma... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frenziedmalady Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 I am in a similar boat. I am from outside of Canada but I want to pursue my education. I really don't know much about degrees and how hard they are. I have started my nursing course here but I'm not sure if it will be easy for me to get a good GPA there. I was thinking of your option 3. If I don't get into medschool, I might as well get into something similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
future_doc Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 If you are not a permanent resident or citizen, the tuition for medicine is astronomical should you be accepted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frenziedmalady Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 I'll be a permanent resident when I get there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
future_doc Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 I'll be a permanent resident when I get there. good then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satsuma Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 If you go the nursing route, you could go on to be a nurse practicioner. Which actually seems like a good option these days. The PA program at MAC I believe is a pilot program?? or new anyway. I am not sure how PAs will fit in to the system as they are quite new. Probably given the choice between the 2 I would pick nurse practitioner (not knowing that much about PAs - I've never worked with one, though I have worked with nurse practicioners). Still...you have to do what you think will be interesting to you. I've stumbled upon this website, and figured I'd ask for some advice myself. Ever since I was a little girl I've dreamed of doing medicine, the thought lapsed through late grade school and I picked it up again in grade 11-12. I did a very poor year of biochemistry (D average) right out of highschool, then joined the full time military. It's always been in the back of my mind since then. Now I'm part-time and debating on the best course of action, naturally I'm afraid of failure. Here are some of the ideas I'm contemplating and me playing devil's advocate. 1. An easy degree to get a good GPA -What would be an 'easy' degree for me? -What if I don't make med school, what will I do with the degree? 2. Take Nursing - Limits the med schools I can apply too -Have been told it's not that easy anyway 3. Do the MAC's PA (Physician Assistant's) program -Still need to decide what to do for an undergrad -Still want to keep my options open I'm not looking for an easy way out, just can't decide on a course of action. Ideally I'd like to spend the least amount of time in school... to keep the cost down. Although I'm not afraid of debt and time if I know I'll make it to Med school. Just scared. Please help!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slashsev01 Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 yea i couldnt toucch #3 with a 30 inch pole... but thats just me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycat.ca Posted October 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 I've been leaning towards PA the last few years, since it's less of a time commitment than medecine, and I'm almost in my thirty's now. PA is really popular in the states, and I've worked with a few, so I know more about this than Nurse practitioner, so, go with what you know right? What about the degree? Nursing to play it safe and have a backup? Or something for fun, and try and get a high GPA? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
future_doc Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 It seems at the moment PA is a bit in the twilight zone re program of study and its future. What about nurse practitioner I saw another poster mentioned recently. So, why not start of with a degree in nursing and take it from there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycat.ca Posted October 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 I think starting off with nursing is the most secure/suitable. The downfall is then I can't apply to all the med school's since there isn't many electives in nursing, so while providing security, it also closes some doors...not to mention, I'm not sure how easy it is to get a spectacular GPA in nursing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
future_doc Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 Can you take the other pre-requs by D.E. or summer courses? In any event, on a cost vs benefit or risk vs reward basis, it loo0oks like a sound decision that protects you come what may. As for a great GPA, I am not familiar with the grades handed out in nursing, are they like in enginering? In my course of studies, I am an A student in all subjects including electives but only because I work incredibly hard always, not b/c I am brilliant or anything close to it. Enjoying my studies helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycat.ca Posted October 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 D.E and summer are options too. Too many choices, I suppose it's good in many ways, just frustrating at times. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satsuma Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 That is such a personal decision that nobody is going to be able to tell you what to do. I would say only do nursing vs "something fun" if you actually think you would like nursing. Because it is only really a plan B if you can see yourself doing it and enjoying it. Nursing will give you an insight into pt care and healthcare teams. Doing something completely different may actually open up non-mediciney options you may prefer if you don`t get into medicine or you decide it no longer is where your interests are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aqm Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 I am a nursing student right now at uOft... They will NEVER give you a godo GPA (3.8 with working ur ass off, no life whtasoever) having said that its enuf to get int o Nurse practitioners (NP) but that requires 2 yrs work expreicnes to get int o NP program. Our Policy leadership and management prof was saying that PA's have a bleak future in canada, and the whole thing can be over withing minutes if CNA, RNAO and the Medical associations are against it. Likely it will be the case becasue I mean how much can we split medicine - NP is already demanding an amendment in the RHPA (2009), pharmacists and SLPs are also demanding fair share within medicine. Having said that, nursing does not limit the schools u apply too. most schools dont really care what ur undergrad/electives were as long u have a full credit in humanities/social sciences, bio, biochem/orgchem with lab and gen chem. English/language course and ethics may also be required for US. So, my suggestion is to 1) Apply to med schools....u never know when the miracle will happen 2) get into nursing, not only as a back up but as a step up for med school....a good GPA, numerous clinical placements at urban hospitals, patient nurse doc interactions etc will definitely be of use in ur ABS 3) if u don't get into med school....try for NP....theyr in demand..pays very well....u will need atleast 2 yrs floor experience...only 1 yr for US NP progrmas 4) if money is the issue...do nurse anesthetist inthe US....they make a LOT...upwards of 300,000. 5) if NP is not ur thing...then go for clinical nurse specialist or nurse admin (both masters programs at utoronto) 6) dont risk 2-3 yrs time and ~$30 - 40000 doing an PA untill 2 or 3 batches graduate and establish a professionf or themselves 7) Keep trying for medschool till u get in. Ciao Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycat.ca Posted October 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 Thank you aqm, that gives me alot to think about. I wish you the best with your own studies!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blinknoodle Posted October 23, 2009 Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 If you are already in the military, look into the PA program through them. I am not sure how this is related to Mac's new program. http://www.cma.ca/multimedia/CMA/Content_images/Inside_cma/Accreditation/Physicians_Assistant/1_2_ozon.ppt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycat.ca Posted October 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 Yes, PA's have been in the Canadian Military for some time now. Not to mention they've existed in the states since the WWII. Also something I've looked into. Lots of info, maybe too much, but still can't find my course. I think I'm at the point where I just gotta pick something and run with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slashsev01 Posted October 23, 2009 Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 how do u get into nurse anesthesiologist? you finnish nursing school..and then invest some years as a nurse? tests? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
123coco Posted October 23, 2009 Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 I've stumbled upon this website, and figured I'd ask for some advice myself. Ever since I was a little girl I've dreamed of doing medicine, the thought lapsed through late grade school and I picked it up again in grade 11-12. I did a very poor year of biochemistry (D average) right out of highschool, then joined the full time military. It's always been in the back of my mind since then. Now I'm part-time and debating on the best course of action, naturally I'm afraid of failure. Here are some of the ideas I'm contemplating and me playing devil's advocate. 1. An easy degree to get a good GPA -What would be an 'easy' degree for me? -What if I don't make med school, what will I do with the degree? 2. Take Nursing - Limits the med schools I can apply too -Have been told it's not that easy anyway 3. Do the MAC's PA (Physician Assistant's) program -Still need to decide what to do for an undergrad -Still want to keep my options open I'm not looking for an easy way out, just can't decide on a course of action. Ideally I'd like to spend the least amount of time in school... to keep the cost down. Although I'm not afraid of debt and time if I know I'll make it to Med school. Just scared. Please help!! whatever route you pick, consider going to a small university where you get better interaction with your profs, and the course material is more straight forward. ________ Vermont marijuana dispensary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycat.ca Posted October 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2009 Thanks for that tip, I've been thinking about a joint college-university program, as far as I know the credits are all university anyway. I just wonder what it says on the diploma, but should it matter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyro Posted October 30, 2009 Report Share Posted October 30, 2009 Thanks for that tip, I've been thinking about a joint college-university program, as far as I know the credits are all university anyway. I just wonder what it says on the diploma, but should it matter? You have to be careful with the joint programs because most of them are not honours degrees, which would eliminate you from UWO....but should be fine for Queen's/Dal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycat.ca Posted October 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2009 Ah, never thought about that. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! *smiles* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Posted November 6, 2009 Report Share Posted November 6, 2009 I think a lot of us struggle to choose a course of studies simply because the odds are that you might not get into med school... and then what? I would not recommend that you simply study something easy to get a good GPA because the degree will be worthless to fall back on if you don't make med school. To be perfectly frank, you will need a solid UG degree and a good GPA: the former gives you a plan B while the GPA keeps you eligible to apply to med school. I suppose there aren't many short cuts to success. The other options you listed are valid provided you will be really happy working as a nurse (for example) for the rest of your life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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