RN to MD: How to Transition from Nurse to Doctor
Discover your journey from nursing to practicing medical doctor.
Transitioning from being a Registered Nurse (RN) to becoming a Medical Doctor (MD) is certainly a challenging path. But the answer to the question “can a nurse become a doctor?” is an emphatic “yes”. With your background in nursing, you’ll already have invaluable healthcare experience, but becoming an MD will expand your ability to diagnose, treat and lead in the medical field. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding the benefits of making this shift to the specific steps involved in achieving your goal.
Benefits of Going from RN to MD
As a medical nurse, you’re already deeply involved in patient care, but becoming an MD opens even more doors. You will gain greater autonomy, allowing you to make critical decisions in patient management, diagnose complex conditions and prescribe treatments that an RN or even a Nurse Practitioner (NP) might not be authorized to deliver. Many RNs choose to pursue an MD for the chance to specialize in areas like surgery, pediatrics or internal medicine, all while increasing their earning potential and career longevity.
One key motivator to become a doctor for many RNs is the desire to make a larger impact on patient care. A medical degree enables you to take on leadership roles in healthcare settings and contribute to shaping medical protocols and treatments.
How to Go from RN to MD: 5 Steps
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Before applying to medical school, you generally need to ensure you have a bachelor’s degree, usually in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry. Many RNs already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), however if you don’t have one, this is the first step on your journey. Most medical schools require a strong background in science subjects, so if your nursing degree doesn’t cover prerequisites like organic chemistry or general biology, you may need to complete these courses before applying.
However, if you do not have a Bachelor’s degree and would prefer not to spend the 3-4 years necessary to acquire one, there are other alternatives as well. Medical University of the Americas offers several pre-med program options that allow students to begin pursuing their MD degree without an undergraduate degree. Learn more here.
Step 2: Pick the Medical Schools You’ll Apply To
Choosing the right medical school is a crucial step. Consider factors like location, program structure, support services for non-traditional students and clinical rotations. Medical University of the Americas (MUA) offers programs designed to provide a strong foundation in both Basic science and Clinical Medicine. Be sure to thoroughly research the schools you’re interested in, and aim to submit strong applications by tailoring them to the specific requirements of each institution.
Step 3: Pass the MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required by almost all medical schools for U.S. students. This standardized test assesses your knowledge of science, reasoning and critical thinking. RNs who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and have worked in clinical settings often have strong backgrounds that can help in preparing for the MCAT. However, it’s important to study intensively for this exam, as a high score can significantly boost your chances of being accepted into medical school.
Step 4: Complete Medical School
Once accepted, you will embark on a four-year journey through medical school. The first two years focus on Basic Science, while the last two years consist of clinical rotations in various specialties like internal medicine, surgery and pediatrics. Your nursing experience will be invaluable during this time, as you’ll already be familiar with medical terminology, patient care and clinical environments.
Step 5: Finish Residency and Licensure
After medical school, the next step is to complete a residency program, which usually lasts between three to seven years, depending on the specialty you choose. Following residency, you’ll need to pass licensing exams to become a practicing physician. Residency is where you truly hone your skills and specialize in your chosen area of medicine.
How Long Does it Take to Go from RN to MD?
The full RN to MD journey timeline can vary significantly depending on your educational background and medical career aspirations. This can include earning a bachelor’s degree (if you don’t already have one), completing four years of medical school and finishing a residency program (3-7 years). MUA offers a 4-year MD program designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and clinical skills to succeed in this journey by providing hands-on training, individualized support and extensive student services.
How Much Does Medical School Cost for Nurses?
The cost of medical school can vary widely. At MUA, the program is competitively priced, with tuition fees that are often more affordable than many U.S.-based medical schools. Nurses can expect to pay for four years of medical school, and they should budget for additional costs such as books, supplies and living expenses.
The cost of medical school can be significant, with a median four-year cost of $268,476 for resident students. However, financial aid, scholarships and grants may be available to offset these expenses. MUA provides affordable tuition compared to many U.S. medical schools, with tuition and fees costing $180,975. Further financial support is also provided via scholarships for eligible students.
Paying for Medical School
Financing medical school can seem daunting, but there are many options available, including scholarships, grants and student loans. At MUA, financial aid opportunities are available for qualified students. It’s essential to explore all funding options and create a solid financial plan before embarking on your journey from nurse to doctor.
RN to MD Programs
While no specific nurse practitioner to medical doctor bridge programs exist, medical schools like MUA provide comprehensive MD programs that allow you to apply your clinical experience as a nurse towards your medical education. These programs emphasize the essential qualities of a good physician, such as empathy, critical thinking and leadership, some of which you’ll already have a head start on developing from your background in nursing.
MD vs. RN: Salary
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for an RN in 2023 was around $94,480, while doctors earned significantly more, with primary care physicians making an average of $245,450 per year. This significant salary increase is one of the primary reasons many RNs choose to transition into becoming a doctor
Tips for RNs Who Want to Become MDs
- Emphasize your nursing experience: Highlight your clinical experience in your application to showcase your readiness for medical school.
- Network with professionals: Talk to current doctors and medical students who have made the transition from nursing to medical school.
- Focus on your MCAT preparation (for U.S. students): Aim for a high score to increase your chances of acceptance.
Becoming a doctor as a nurse is a challenging yet rewarding journey that opens the door to new opportunities in healthcare. If you’re ready to take the next step, Medical University of the Americas offers a comprehensive MD program that can help you achieve your goals. Learn more about our Basic Science and Clinical Medicine programs.
To see what it will be like when you complete medical school and graduate with your Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, check out this video from our 2024 commencement:
If you’d like to learn more about MUA or chat about going from RN to MD, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
FAQs About the Journey from Nurse to Doctor
A nurse provides patient care, while a doctor diagnoses and treats medical conditions. Doctors typically have more autonomy and a broader scope of practice.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can fulfill the prerequisite requirements for medical school, however this is not guaranteed. You may need to complete additional prerequisite courses in sciences like chemistry and physics. Contact the MUA admissions department to learn more.
The length of time spent becoming a medical doctor depends on a variety of factors. If an RN had an appropriate undergraduate degree and wanted to pursue a career in pediatrics, that would take approximately seven years (four years of medical school and three years of residency training). However, if a person decided to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree and wanted to eventually become a surgeon, that could take up to 15 years (four year undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, seven years of surgical residency training).
You’ll need to complete the required prerequisites, pass the MCAT (U.S. students), complete medical school and finish a residency program. The final step will involve passing board certifications exams and achieving your license to practice independently.
