<p>I am interesting in studying pediatric oncology to become either a doctor or a nurse in that field. I know that's a major decision I have to make but I was wondering if anyone could walk me through the steps for both of those paths. I am a good student and have an average in the upper 90s, and am currently a high school sophomore. No one in my family is in college or is in the healthcare field, so this is all so new and I don't even know where to start.</p>
<p>Nursing: Is an associates degree in nursing from a community college equivalent to an undergraduate program? What do I major in in college? How many years would it take to become this?</p>
<p>Doctor: What would I major in? How long would it take? Could I go to community college at all, or would that look bad? </p>
<p>Thank you for ANY help at all! It is really appreciated!</p>
<p>No, a BSN is considered a more advanced degree. Nursing, usually. 4 for the BSN, more for the NP. Fewer for an RN (2? not sure) and fewer still for an LVN.</p>
<p>Anything academic – English, History, Biology, Economics, whatever. 4 years for undergrad, 4 years for med school, and somewhere between 3 and 9 for residency and fellowship, so a total of 11-17 years. You could do 2 years at community college before transferring to a four-year, but schools are a little bit skeptical and it complicates your path considerably.</p>
<p>To be a ped. oncologist, you need 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency and 3 years of fellowship. You are paid during the residency and fellowship and acting as a doctor in training and then an ped. oncologist in training during this time. So its 8 years of school and then 6 years of paid training.</p>