I just started at a community college this past semester. I am taking 15 credits this fall. I had planned on taking 18 but I jumped in on the second set of 8 week classes. I’m taking math 033, introduction to sociology, introduction to psychology, college skills, and art appreciation. I know these are easy classes. They are requirements for me to get in to the ADN program.
What I am looking at doing is taking 21 credits this spring so I can dual major ADN and Associates of arts with concentration in leadership and management. My ultimate end goal is to become a physician. They say that you need to have challenging course work for acceptance into med school.
It’s also worth noting that I have it mapped out and about 80% of everything I take with transfer to a 4 year college.
So i guess my question… Is taking 21 credits that crazy?
You do need challenging course work for med schools, but the right coursework.
You need Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and somtimes Math, Biochemistry etc.
Med Schools would prefer that you take these at a 4 year college when possible.
Med schools are most interested in yoru GPA, especially GPA of science classes as well as how you do on the MCAT test.
Nursing (ADN) is not a stepping stone to medical school. You should decide now if you want to be a nurse or if you want to be a doctor. Nursing schools don’t want you taking up a slot for nursing if you aren’t going to become a nurse.
Also, the science courses you may take for nursing are not rigorous enough for med school. They are two completely different paths.
I woudl suggest talking to your advisor about what path you need to take to become a physician. I would think that a dual major, especially in those areas, are not at all on the path way to Med school.
21 credits would be too much to do and still maintain a good GPA. If you can do that I don’t understand why you are at a CC and have not gone to a 4 year college on scholarship.
I was not clear in my meaning. Let me clarify. I am only going to get my ADN so I have a good paying job sooner rather than later. I currently make 7.25 an hour which is barely enough to support my daughter and myself.
The reason I have started out in a CC is honestly to save money. I can transfer some credits and get the education I need for a better job while I am finishing up my bachelors. But my bachelors will be pre-med.
I am putting money back for medical school where I am told I will not be able to work and keep up a job. That’s four years of living expenses to cover. Thankfully I don’t have any debt except my car and we don’t live lavishly.
“You need Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and somtimes Math, Biochemistry etc.”
OP are you going to take the above classes in 2 years at the college you intend to transfer to ?
Getting an associate degree in nursing is not going to make it easier for you to get into a Med school. If you believe that you have been given bad advise.
okay so your current goal is to get an ADN so you have a job to support yourself.
I would still not go 21 credits. You HAVE to have a good GPA as your GPA will carry foward.
I would also try to see if you can take credits that would go foward to the 4 year school for med school if possible.
Definitely talk to your advisor asap!
“okay so your current goal is to get an ADN so you have a job to support yourself.”
Yes. And to work on credits that will transfer so I don’t have to come up with money to pay university costs for all 4 years of college. I have a program paying anything extra that the Pell Grant doesn’t for CC… I could work part time as an ADN while I go to a university. While I’m going to a university I will be saving so I don’t work while in medical school. My family can help with the baby but not in terms of $$$.
Does everything I am saying sound like a sound plan other than the 21 credits?
By advisor do you mean my intended medical school, university or community college? I spoke to the CC and I’m not sure she’s ever had this situation pop up… Her opening statement was “do you know how much medical school cost… it’s alot more than 10 years at a technical school… you might better refigure the cost of medical school”
Like yes lady I know how much medical can run. But I am just so drawn to it. I have been told that the amount of money a doctor makes isn’t worth the work they put in. And that’s fine. I plan to work in rural and under served areas anyhow. My goal of becoming a doctor isn’t about the money. I can make a decent salary as a nurse. But I want to be a doctor.