<p>I want to go to medical school, so I thought that I would either major in chemistry or chemical engineering because I could go to med school or have a job to fall back on to if I don't get accepted. However, I am finding that I should really consider chemistry because the program will allow me to get the grades needed in order to get into med school. But, the jobs in the chemistry field seem few and far between. I am not expecting to become a millionaire as a chemist (although that would be nice,) but I would like a relatively steady job (even then though job security is a thing of the past, lol) and I would like to enjoy my work (that means that i have a job related to my major.) I actually began school with the desire to become a CPA/ financial planner, but I want to do something more challenging that will let me contribute to the world in general. I guess my question is to everyone, knowing this, what would be the best major for me, having medicine as my ultimate goal? I would still like to be a cpa, but I am not sure that an accounting degree would be the best background for a potential physician. If I could get a CPA and apply to med school that would be great. Keep in mind that I am going to be a junior this year- also, i do not mind getting a dual degree, or spending an extra year or two at college. Any advice would be appreciated. </p>
<p>I wrote this quickly so please disregard my spelling and bad grammar :)
mustang06333</p>
<p>This is possible. You don't need a science degree to become a physician. Getting a CPA is tough from waht I hear and if you are truly devoted to medicine you can do it too. So just take the pre-med requirements becasue a CPA will give you a career to fall back in.</p>
<p>Let's be sure that majoring in accounting and getting a CPA are entirely different things.</p>
<p>I was pretty sure that in most states there is the 150 hour rule along with some requirement of working for one to two years in an actual "public" accounting setting. You'd then sit for the CPA exam and upon passing, become able to use the designation of CPA. </p>
<p>While I see no reason why you couldn't do this, sit for the CPA exam, and subsequently apply to medical school, I don't see the utility nor do I think that having to work in an accounting firm for some time is a worthwhile expenditure of your time if you are truly intent on going to medical school.</p>
<p>It is however, fine to major in accounting. And I'm huge advocate of not majoring in a science just for the sake of medical school. Just complete your pre-med requirements and there's no reason why you're major would matter during the admissions process. The extra bit of getting a CPA certification is what I'm questioning.</p>
<p>I think a degree in accounting would be great for medicine. The biggest problems my H. has had in his practice relate to poor business choices the partnership made. Maybe if even one of them had a business background, more educated decisions would have been made with an eye towards tax implications, interest outlays, long range planning, etc. Go for it!</p>
<p>I disagree with BigRedMed, mustang could major in accounting and after he graduates while studying for the CPA he could be concurrently applying for medical school. He could do both if he passes the CPA, though its a hard test to pass first time.</p>
<p>To clarify what I was trying to say before: I would like to major in accounting for undergraduate school, and take the required 5 year plan. That will get me the education required to get a cpa, and I would fill the rest of the requirements at a later date. Can I do the five year plan and apply to medical school? Also, should I consider double majoring, or minoring in a certain subject (related to chemistry/ chemical engineering?)</p>