Ok I'm older now is it worth it?

[RBinLouisville]

I'll look into that. Would taking some classes at a community college to raise my GPA be worth it, or would they look down on that since it's from a community college?

[Cash McCallister]

To be honest I've heard it from both sides. I believe they would prefer you received your good grades from a University, but will take them from CC. Do you have a list of classes you'll have to take over? Your science classes will obviously be what they're mostlu concerned with.

[RBinLouisville]

They're mostly business classes, since my degree is in Finance. I did have a D in physics about 8 years ago. I had a C in Biology about 3 years ago. I'd retake both of those. If I do go the D.O. route I'll retake everything that's science and math that has a C or worse, and everything else that was a D or F. I think in 2 years I could have the required premed courses taken and my GPA above at least a 3.2. Would that be a good plan to get in a D.O. school?

[Cash McCallister]

Depending on how you did on your MCAT 3.2 would definitely give you a shot at DO schools. The problem is though, once you receive your finance degree, I think everything after is considered post graduate which would be a separate GPA. I honestly don't know if you should just do a post-bac program or retake all your other classes. What's the highest math you've taken?

[RBinLouisville]

I've just had the basics in math, college algebra & calc. I'm getting ready to take one of my last 3 classes in the spring. Should I retake some of those lower grades first? Also, what classes are required for premed to get into a D.O. school?

[Cash McCallister]

I think it depends on the school.

[CaribMD]

There's also some help here:

www.oldpremeds.com

there are more then a few who have had this problem and overcame it.

[LaRN1991]

I was very happy to hear your story. My story is a lot like yours. I have been a RN for over 17 years, and like you, have maxed out on the $$; but more importantly have not satisfied my desire to do more! I love my patient care, and really enjoy the patient education, but feel that there is so much more that I can offer. I am anxiously seeking information about how a Veteran RN can return to school after all this time. Is it even possible to attempt such a task with all the YOUNG BLOODS trying so desperately to get in?

I, like you, did not have the support of my spouse when I first wanted to venture into this, but now, I am glad to say that I have a great support system and my children, (youngest is 13), are at an age where I can jump in without any guilt.

I appreciate your story and look forward to any steps that anyone may have about how to go into MEDICAL school, after 17 years of nursing.

One way to look at it, I will be bringing in 17 years of medical experiences in a variety of settings including critical care, medical, surgical and maternal child, as well as the managed care side of it.

Isn't this a PLUS compared to those that are pursing the medical profession just YOUNG and eager with NO experiences???

I will pursue!!!

[hotdog]

Isn't this a PLUS compared to those that are pursing the medical profession just YOUNG and eager with NO experiences???

Welcome to the forum.
I'll answer the question above, but the rest is for CaribMD. The answer is NO. Young students have a long life ahead to practice medicine; therefore, med school adcom will favor these "young bloods". In short, investments into these guys will yield more goods for society. Consider a 50 year old person. I'm not saying that he/she does not deserve a chance to go to med school, and of course I'm not assuming that you are 50 year old neither... just giving an example. But think about it, after 4 years of school and at least 3 years of residency... this person will be 57. Let's assume the average person retire at 70 now (we live much longer now than), this person has 13 years to work. For 7 years of craziness plus a ton of money pouring into tuition, this person only gets 13 years of work... it's not worth it. Therefore, med schools (especially the public ones) prefer "young bloods"... not immature ones, but those that they see potentials in.

I'm writing too much... let's hope I didn't offend anyone.

Go for it CaribMD... this is your post to tackle.

One word for you two, soulmate !!!

[CaribMD]

:shock:

...............................................

I appreciate your story and look forward to any steps that anyone may have about how to go into MEDICAL school, after 17 years of nursing.

One way to look at it, I will be bringing in 17 years of medical experiences in a variety of settings including critical care, medical, surgical and maternal child, as well as the managed care side of it.

Isn't this a PLUS compared to those that are pursing the medical profession just YOUNG and eager with NO experiences???

I will pursue!!!

In some ways no like HD said. DO schools accept older students more then MD schools traditionally.

You have a lot to offer, just make sure that your GPA is better then the Min this will matter for you, as always there is the Caribbean, you will go to medical school just where and when is the Question.
Good Luck.