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RN to MD: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Considering a move from scrubs to a white coat? You may have had various reasons for choosing to be a registered nurse (RN) while secretly wishing to become a medical doctor (MD). Maybe your kids were too young or the idea of paying off med school loans felt like climbing a mountain. The good news is you can make a change now. The RN to MD path is there for the taking.

If you are curious about how to go from RN to MD, this article is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including medical school requirements, MCAT preparation, tuition fees, and career outlook.

Benefits of Going from RN to MD

• Increased autonomy: As an MD, you gain greater autonomy in decision-making. You’ll be leading patient care and determining treatment plans.
• Expanded scope of practice: You’ll be able to perform tasks you haven’t done before, such as diagnosing patients and performing certain medical procedures.
• Higher earning potential: The average doctor’s salary in the U.S. is $229,300 per year, while the average nurse’s salary is $89,010 per year.

How to Go from RN to MD : 5 Steps

This transition requires careful planning, dedication, and a clear understanding of the steps involved. The path to becoming an MD for an RN involves the following strategic steps:

Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Medical schools require a completed bachelor’s degree. While they don’t usually specify the field, some schools lean towards sciences like microbiology or biology. If you have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), fantastic — you’re all set.

People aiming for medical school often lean towards these majors :

• Biological sciences
• Physical sciences
• Social sciences
• Specialized health sciences
• Math and statistics

Step 2: Pick the Medical Schools You’ll Apply To

Start by picking out several medical programs that interest you and look into their admission requirements. Why choose multiple programs instead of just one? Medical programs are highly competitive , and applying to several increases your chances of admission. Keep in mind that medical schools may have different requirements . However, the most common ones you’ll come across include:

• Pre-medical coursework. Applicants are typically required to complete certain pre-med courses like biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. Some schools may also have additional requirements.
• GPA. Many med schools set a minimum GPA, and having a competitive GPA is a big factor in the admission process.
• MCAT. Applicants must take the medical college admission test (MCAT), a standardized exam assessing problem-solving, critical thinking , and knowledge in natural, behavioral, and social sciences. Competitive scores are crucial for admission.
• Extracurricular activities. Medical schools value well-rounded applicants. Being active in extracurriculars, community service, research, and clinical experiences enhance your application.
• Letters of recommendation. Applicants usually need letters of recommendation from professors, healthcare professionals, or other individuals who can speak to their character, academic abilities, and suitability for a career in medicine.
• Personal statement. A well-written personal statement is often required, allowing applicants to explain their motivations for pursuing a career in medicine, their relevant experiences, and what they bring to the medical school community.
• Interview. The interview assesses communication skills, interpersonal qualities, and the applicant’s understanding of and commitment to the field of medicine.

After checking out the requirements, you may realize there are some prerequisite courses you still have to take. You can either take these courses individually at your local college or university or enroll in a pre-med postbaccalaureate course .

Step 3: Pass the MCAT

Next, the MCAT is essential for medical school admission because it provides a standardized, objective measure of applicants’ knowledge and skills on a national level. This exam consists of four sections:

• Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems
• Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems
• Psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior
• Critical analysis and reasoning skills

Step 4: Complete Medical School

Submit your applications to accredited medical schools . Write a compelling personal statement that highlights your nursing experience and commitment to the medical profession. After you’re admitted, stay committed to your studies. Successfully complete the medical school curriculum, including classroom learning and clinical rotations.

Step 5: Finish Residency and Licensure

After graduating from medical school, enter a residency program in your chosen specialty. Residencies provide intensive, supervised training in a particular medical field. Once completed, obtain licensure to practice medicine in your state or region. This typically involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Paying for Medical School

The average total cost of medical school is $235,827, or $58,968 per year. It’s important to note that not all medical schools cost the same, and can range from $161,972 for in-state, public schools to $264,704 for out-of-state, private schools.

What Are Alternatives to an MD?

There are alternative paths to advance your medical career, like exploring advanced practice nursing roles. Here are some examples:

• Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
• Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)
• Adult–gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP)
• Psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP)
• Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP)
• Women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP)
• Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
• Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)

MD vs. RN: Salary

When comparing earnings in the healthcare field, registered nurses earn $89,010 annually, while the average medical doctor’s salary is notably higher at $229,300 per year.

Overall employment for MDs is projected to grow 3% in the next decade — in line with the average expected growth for all occupations. The job growth for RNs , however, is expected to grow 6% in the same time frame.

Frequently Asked Questions: Going from Nurse to Doctor

How long would it take for a nurse to become a doctor.

If you want to go from RN to MD, how many years will you need? Let’s explore the average timeline .

• Completing pre-medical coursework typically takes 2 to 3 semesters.
• Taking the MCAT requires a few months for preparation.
• Applying to medical school usually includes a waiting period.
• Completing medical school takes about 4 years.
• Completing residency training is generally between 3–7 years, depending on your specialty.
• Obtaining a medical licensure takes a few months.

The entire process — from earning a BSN to becoming a licensed doctor — often takes around seven to nine years or more. Keep in mind that individual timelines may vary based on a range of factors.

Are there specific RN to MD programs I can apply to?

There are no specific RN to MD bridge programs, and making the transition typically involves a more traditional route of completing pre-medical coursework and attending medical school.

NP vs. MD — what’s the time difference?

The time to complete schooling for NP vs. MD degrees is generally shorter for NPs. NPs typically require around two to four years, while MDs can take approximately four to seven years, including medical school, residency, and licensing.

How hard is medical school compared to nursing school?

Medical school is generally considered more academically rigorous and demanding than nursing school. The intensity of medical school coursework, the depth of medical knowledge, and the duration of education contribute to the perception of greater difficulty.

What is the passing score for the MCAT?

Achieving a good MCAT score generally means hitting 511 or higher, and none of the section scores should drop below 127.

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RN to MD: Can You Go to Medical School With a Nursing Degree?

• By Med School Insiders
• December 26, 2023
• Medical School Application , Nurse Practitioner

If you’re a nurse, chances are you’re a hard-working, compassionate person who wants to help others and enjoys medicine. These qualities are also highly sought-after among doctors. Are you curious about taking that extra step and securing the salary increase that comes with becoming an MD?

But where do you begin? How do you start this journey? What’s required of you? In this guide, we break down all of the steps needed to switch from an RN to an MD.

Understand What You’re Getting Into

Before you commit to this career change, make sure it’s what you actually want, and understand you must be willing to sacrifice what you already have.

Unfortunately, you can’t simply take a quick course and make the switch from RN to MD in a few months or even a year.

You will need to quit your current job as a registered nurse, apply, and get accepted to medical school, which also depends on whether or not you fulfilled your medical school prerequisites in college. You must complete four years of medical school, match into residency, which can last between three and seven years, depending on your chosen specialty, complete residency, and earn your medical license. From there, you will need to find a job, start your own clinic, or pursue a fellowship to further subspecialize.

Just earning acceptance to medical school is no easy task, and medical school itself is incredibly challenging mentally, physically, and financially.

Learn How to Effectively Make Tough Decisions .

Are you willing to commit upwards of ten years and hundreds of thousands of dollars to furthering your medical education in order to become a doctor?

As an RN, you’re probably earning a stable income and working reasonable hours. If you’ve been working as a nurse for years, heading back into the classroom as a student for the next several years will be quite a change.

Not only that, you’ll also need to be prepared for this decision financially. You’ll be going from earning a stable income to paying for a medical education, and more likely than not, you’ll rack up hundreds of thousands of dollars in med school debt.

The average total student debt after college and med school is over $250k . However, it’s important to remember that this is the average, which includes 27% of students who graduate with no debt at all. This means the vast majority of students leave medical school owing a great deal more than $250k.

Depending on your stage in life, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of going back to school. Are you willing to invest over ten years of your life and $250,000 of debt into becoming a doctor?

Med school tuition debt is no joke. Learn more with our guide: Why Are So Many Doctors Broke? Is It Worth the Debt?

You should also familiarize yourself with the various aspects of the medical school application process to better understand the time and effort it requires. The medical school application consists of:

• GPA and prerequisite courses
• Work and Activities section
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Secondary applications

We’ll cover each of the application steps next.

Step 1: Ensure You Have Your Prerequisites

Once you’ve decided that you want to become a doctor, it’s time to complete the prerequisites needed to apply to med school.

If your nursing degree was a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), chances are you’ve already completed the prerequisite courses for medical school.

However, on the off-chance that your degree didn’t cover these prerequisites, you might have to enroll in additional courses to fulfill them.

For reference, the required coursework for most medical schools is as follows:

• 1 year of Biology with lab
• 1 year of General Chemistry with lab
• 1 year of Organic Chemistry with lab
• 1 year of Physics with lab
• 1 year of English
• At least 1 semester of Mathematics (Ex. Calculus or Statistics)

Sometimes required or recommended courses:

• Biochemistry
• Physiology or Anatomy
• Behavioral Science, such as Psychology or Sociology
• Humanities, such as Ethics, Foreign Languages, Speech Communication, Philosophy, or Literature
• Computer Science

One way you can do this is by enrolling in a post-baccalaureate program (post-bac).

If you’re an RN with an associate’s degree in nursing, you need to go back to school and get your bachelor’s degree . A science major will cover the majority of your prerequisites, but any major you choose will do—just as long as you make time to fulfill each of your prerequisites.

Learn more about the prerequisites required to apply to medical school: Premed Requirements: Prerequisites and Other Beneficial Courses .

Step 2: Take the MCAT

Completing your prerequisites is just one part of the process. You also need to take the Medical College Admission Test , better known as the MCAT, which is a 7.5-hour standardized exam designed to assess a premed’s foundational science knowledge and critical thinking skills.

The exam is broken down into 4 sections, each worth a total perfect score of 132 points. A perfect MCAT score combining all 4 sections is 528.

The MCAT ranks as one of the hardest examinations in the world , and studying for the MCAT is no easy task, especially if you’re still working as a nurse.

What makes the MCAT so challenging is the fact that it’s not only a test of what you know; it’s a test of how you think. To achieve a high score, you must be able to synthesize information, think critically, and analyze what is presented to you within a short amount of time.

Plus, many questions on the MCAT combine content from different subjects, including biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, general chemistry, biology, physics, psychology, sociology, humanities, and social sciences.

There’s also the dramatic length of the test itself. On exam day, you should expect to be at the test center for at least eight hours. Some of this time will involve signing in and taking breaks, but you will still spend six hours and 15 minutes just on content. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) only takes three hours to complete, including breaks.

However, while daunting, the MCAT’s difficulty is based primarily on how well you’re able to prepare and stick to a personalized study schedule.

Ideally, we recommend studying around 40-50 hours a week for about three months, but each person’s situation is different. If you can’t dedicate that much time to studying every week, aim for 20 or so hours every week for six months.

Save our comprehensive MCAT Study Guide and learn more about the new Med School Insiders MCAT course . 

Step 3: Gain Extracurricular Experience

The Work and Activities section of your application is where you can briefly describe your medical experience and key accomplishments. Applying through AMCAS, you can choose up to 15 premed experiences, ranging from volunteering experiences, employment, honors, extracurricular activities, and more. You then have the opportunity to discuss how those experiences have shaped your desire to become a doctor.

Med school admissions committees are chiefly looking for activities in a few core areas: clinical exposure, research, and community involvement. By participating in activities in each of these areas, you show adcoms that you have the relevant interests and well-rounded experience to know whether or not you really want to pursue a career in medicine.

Already having worked as a nurse is a major advantage you’ll have over other applicants, as your clinical experience is extensive.

Med school admissions committees want students who are dedicated to clinical medicine and have spent time in clinical settings volunteering, shadowing physicians, or working in clinical roles like scribes or EMTs. Therefore, being a nurse is a major asset.

However, you’ll still need to gain other experiences. Of your 15 activities, you can select three as your most meaningful. This gives you extra space to speak about your most impactful experiences in more detail. Naturally, one will likely be about your experiences working as a nurse.

You don’t need to spend an equal amount of time in each area. The most essential thing to convey to an admissions committee is your passion. The more passionate you are about an activity, the more likely you are to take on a leadership role, and leadership is definitely something adcoms are looking for. This is why it’s vital to choose activities you are genuinely passionate about.

Adcoms are also looking for longitudinal commitment. Working for years as a nurse illustrates your commitment but remember to also show this in your other activities. Have you volunteered with an organization for a long period of time? The longer you’ve participated in an activity, the more dedicated you appear to admissions committees. If you don’t have examples of these sorts of experiences, get started on them as soon as possible.

Read our AMCAS Work and Activities Section Guide , and check out these Work and Activities Examples From Top Matriculants .

Step 4: Write a Narrative-Driven Personal Statement

Another essential component of your application is your personal statement. A personal statement is a 5300 character essay that begins by asking you why you want to go to medical school and become a doctor.

Essentially, you must use your life experience to concisely demonstrate why you’re the right fit to become a doctor. If someone’s making a movie about your life and the events that sparked your ambition to become a physician, what key moments do you want highlighted? What does the audience need to know about you in order to understand your story and where you come from?

Admissions committees want to get to know the real you to assess whether or not you have what it takes to face the rigorous day-and-night grind of medical school. They don’t want a list of your accomplishments; they have your CV. What drives you? Don’t just state that you’re dedicated to helping others; prove it with tangible examples from your life.

As a nurse, your journey to medical school is already unique, and your passion and experience are already apparent. Be honest about your journey. What are a couple of key moments from your career that inspired you to leave your job in order to pursue medicine even further?

Stories stick in a person’s mind a great deal more than dry facts. Saying you’re compassionate and hard working is not enough. In order to be successful, you must craft a story that allows your audience—admissions committees—to infer those qualities about you.

Learn How to Write a Medical School Personal Statement (11 Steps) . 

Step 5: Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation

To apply to medical school, you’ll need four to five letters of recommendation that illustrate the strong relationships you’ve cultivated.

While the personal statement is a crucial piece of your application, it’s also naturally biased. Letters of recommendation are written by respected professionals, such as physicians, professors, and mentors, which means admissions committees are going to take their word over yours. If the people you ask to write your letters of recommendation have worked closely with you and speak very highly of you, adcoms will certainly take notice.

The general suggestion for letters of recommendation is to obtain two from science professors, one from a non-science professor, and the other two from extracurricular supervisors or mentors. However, if you are not returning to school for an undergraduate degree, you may no longer have a close relationship with your professors, depending on how long you’ve been a nurse.

If you have to take more premed classes, be on the lookout for professors you connect with. Visit their office hours and show enthusiasm for the class as well as the professor’s own research.

It’s good to have letters from MDs you’ve worked with, but ultimately, the most important thing is having strong, personalized letters from people who will vouch for you and can speak to your strengths on a deep level. The more respect and admiration your letter writers have for you, the better.

Have you worked closely with many doctors before? What do they think of you personally and professionally? What do they think of your decision to pursue medical education and earn your MD?

Only choose letter writers who know you well and think extremely high of you. If you work with a well-known doctor or professor but don’t have much of a relationship with them or haven’t spoken to them much, do not ask them for a letter. Letters are far more impactful the more the letter writer knows you.

Learn how to ask, who to ask, and how to secure strong letters with our comprehensive Medical School Letters of Recommendation Guide . 

Step 6: Secondary Applications

After you submit your primary application, secondary applications will arrive within two to four weeks. Most schools send out secondary application requests to all applicants that meet minimum requirements because schools make money from secondary applications, and it’s a chance to gauge your interest and learn more about you.

Submit your secondaries within 7-14 days of receiving them. This is an extremely short time frame, so preparing for your secondaries in advance is essential.

Learn more with our Medical School Secondary Application Guide . 

Once you submit your secondaries, invitations to interview could start to arrive at the end of August and last into the spring of the following year. Nervous about interviews? Give yourself peace of mind with our Comprehensive Medical School Interview Guide . 

The Medical School Application Timeline

The medical school application process is a lengthy one.

The AMCAS application opens during the first week of May for the following year’s medical school class, but you cannot actually submit your primary application until the end of May or early June. This gives you about a month to fully prepare your application. For example, if you plan on starting medical school in the fall of 2025, you need to start the application process in the spring of 2024.

We cannot stress this enough: Applying early is one of the most important medical school admission strategies.  

The following is our medical school application timeline, which outlines ideal deadlines versus what’s technically possible. Technical deadlines are not the deadlines to follow, as medical schools use rolling admissions .

Admissions committees look at applications as they receive them. The first applicants receive the first secondaries. The first people to submit secondaries get the first interview invitations—and these are far from unlimited. Medical schools only have so many interview slots available, so the longer you delay submitting your application, the worse your chances of acceptance.

Follow our Medical School Application Timeline and Monthly Schedule to ensure you submit your materials in a timely fashion. 

Create a Stand Out Application with Med School Insiders

Applying to medical school is a long, tedious, and expensive process. And, unfortunately, working as a nurse does not automatically qualify you to enter medical school.

To make the switch from RN to MD, you’ll need to leave your job and apply to medical school—that means earning any undergrad prerequisites you still need, taking the MCAT, and completing each component of the application to the best of your ability. After that, you’ll hopefully be accepted, and then you’ll have four years of medical school followed by three to seven years of residency before you can become a professionally licensed physician.

Navigating through this path alone is difficult, especially when you are applying with unique circumstances.

Med School Insiders can help you create a stand out medical school application. Our Comprehensive Medical School Admissions Packages are designed to maximize your potential with one-on-one advising , essay editing , application editing , mock interviews , and more.

We’re dedicated to creating a generation of happier, healthier, and more effective future doctors, and we’ll help you become the doctor you’ve always dreamed of.

Sign up for our newsletter and follow our blog for the latest medical school application news, guides, and resources. Our content library is filled with articles that will help you prepare for every aspect of your application.

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2 Med School Essays That Admissions Officers Loved

Here are tips on writing a medical school personal statement and examples of essays that stood out.

2 Great Med School Personal Statements

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A compelling medical school admissions essay can address nearly any topic the applicant is interested in, as long as it conveys the applicant's personality.

A personal statement is often a pivotal factor in medical school admissions decisions.

"The essay really can cause me to look more deeply at the entire application," Dr. Stephen Nicholas, former senior associate dean of admissions with the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons , told U.S. News in 2017. "So I do think it's pretty important."

A compelling medical school admissions essay can address nearly any topic the applicant is interested in, as long as it conveys the applicant's personality, according to Dr. Barbara Kazmierczak, director of the M.D.-Ph.D. Program and a professor of medicine and microbial pathogenesis with the Yale School of Medicine.

“The passion that the writer is bringing to this topic tells us about the individual rather than the topic that they’re describing, and the essay is the place for us to learn about the applicant – who they are and what experiences have brought them to this point of applying to medical school,” she told U.S. News in 2017.

Rachel Rudeen, former admissions coordinator for the University of Minnesota Medical School , says personal statements help medical schools determine whether applicants have the character necessary to excel as a doctor. "Grit is something we really look for," she says.

Evidence of humility and empathy , Rudeen adds, are also pluses.

Why Medical Schools Care About Personal Statements

The purpose of a personal statement is to report the events that inspired and prepared a premed to apply to medical school, admissions experts say. This personal essay helps admissions officers figure out whether a premed is ready for med school, and it also clarifies whether a premed has a compelling rationale for attending med school, these experts explain.

When written well, a medical school personal statement conveys a student's commitment to medicine and injects humanity into an admissions process that might otherwise feel cold and impersonal, according to admissions experts.

Glen Fogerty, associate dean of admissions and recruitment with the medical school at the University of Arizona—Phoenix , put it this way in an email: "To me, the strongest personal statements are the ones that share a personal connection. One where a candidate shares a specific moment, the spark that ignited their passion to become a physician or reaffirmed why they chose medicine as a career."

Dr. Viveta Lobo, an emergency medicine physician with the Stanford University School of Medicine in California who often mentors premeds, says the key thing to know about a personal statement is that it must indeed be personal, so it needs to reveal something meaningful. The essay should not be a dry piece of writing; it should make the reader feel for the author, says Lobo, director of academic conferences and continuing medical education with the emergency medicine department at Stanford.

A great personal statement has an emotional impact and "will 'do' something, not just 'say' something," Lobo wrote in an email. Admissions officers "read hundreds of essays – so before you begin, think of how yours will stand out, be unique and different," Lobo suggests.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Medical School

Lobo notes that an outstanding personal statement typically includes all of the following ingredients:

• An intriguing introduction that gets admissions officers' attention.
• Anecdotes that illustrate what kind of person the applicant is.
• Reflections about the meaning and impact of various life experiences .
• A convincing narrative about why medical school is the logical next step.
• A satisfying and optimistic conclusion.

"You should sound excited, and that passion should come through in your writing," Lobo explains.

A personal statement should tie together an applicant's past, present and future by explaining how previous experiences have led to this point and outlining long-term plans to contribute to the medical profession, Lobo said during a phone interview. Medical school admissions officers want to understand not only where an applicant has been but also the direction he or she is going, Lobo added.

When premeds articulate a vision of how they might assist others and improve society through the practice of medicine, it suggests that they aren't self-serving or simply interested in the field because of its prestige, Lobo says. It's ideal when premeds can eloquently describe a noble mission, she explains.

Elisabeth Fassas, author of "Making Pre-Med Count: Everything I Wish I'd Known Before Applying (Successfully) to Medical School," says premeds should think about the doctors they admire and reflect on why they admire them. Fassas, a first-year medical student at the University of Maryland , suggests pondering the following questions:

• "Why can you really only see yourself being a physician?"
• "What is it about being a doctor that has turned you on to this field?"
• "What kind of doctor do you imagine yourself being?"
• "Who do you want to be for your patients?"
• "What are you going to do specifically for your patients that only you can do?"

Fassas notes that many of the possible essay topics a med school hopeful can choose are subjects that other premeds can also discuss, such as a love of science. However, aspiring doctors can make their personal statements unique by articulating the lessons they learned from their life experiences, she suggests.

Prospective medical students need to clarify why medicine is a more suitable calling for them than other caring professions, health care fields and science careers, Fassas notes. They should demonstrate awareness of the challenges inherent in medicine and explain why they want to become doctors despite those difficulties, she says.

Tips on Crafting an Excellent Medical School Personal Statement

The first step toward creating an outstanding personal statement, Fassas says, is to create a list of significant memories. Premeds should think about which moments in their lives mattered the most and then identify the two or three stories that are definitely worth sharing.

Dr. Demicha Rankin, associate dean for admissions at the Ohio State University College of Medicine , notes that a personal statement should offer a compelling portrait of a person and should not be "a regurgitation of their CV."

The most outstanding personal statements are the ones that present a multifaceted perspective of the applicant by presenting various aspects of his or her identity, says Rankin, an associate professor of anesthesiology.

For example, a premed who was a swimmer might explain how the discipline necessary for swimming is analogous to the work ethic required to become a physician, Rankin says. Likewise, a pianist or another type of musician applying to medical school could convey how the listening skills and instrument-tuning techniques cultivated in music could be applicable in medicine, she adds.

Rankin notes that it's apparent when a premed has taken a meticulous approach to his or her personal statement to ensure that it flows nicely, and she says a fine essay is akin to a "well-woven fabric." One sign that a personal statement has been polished is when a theme that was explored at the beginning of the essay is also mentioned at the end, Rankin says, explaining that symmetry between an essay's introduction and conclusion makes the essay seem complete.

Rankin notes that the author of an essay might not see flaws in his or her writing that are obvious to others, so it's important for premeds to show their personal statement to trusted advisers and get honest feedback. That's one reason it's important to begin the writing process early enough to give yourself sufficient time to organize your thoughts, Rankin says, adding that a minimum of four weeks is typically necessary.

Mistakes to Avoid in a Medical School Personal Statement

One thing premeds should never do in an admissions essay is beg, experts say. Rankin says requests of any type – including a plea for an admissions interview – do not belong in a personal statement. Another pitfall to avoid, Rankin says, is ranting about controversial political subjects such as the death penalty or abortion.

If premeds fail to closely proofread their personal statement, the essay could end up being submitted with careless errors such as misspellings and grammar mistakes that could easily have been fixed, according to experts. Crafting a compelling personal statement typically necessitates multiple revisions, so premeds who skimp on revising might wind up with sloppy essays, some experts say.

However, when fine-tuning their personal statements, premeds should not automatically change their essays based on what others say, Fogerty warns.

"A common mistake on personal statements is having too many people review your statement, they make recommendations, you accept all of the changes and then – in the end – the statement is no longer your voice," Fogerty wrote in an email. It's essential that a personal statement sound like the applicant and represent who he or she is as a person, Fogerty says.

Dr. Nicholas Jones, a Georgia-based plastic and reconstructive surgeon, says the worst error that someone can make in the personal statement is to be inauthentic or deceptive.

"Do not lie. Do not fabricate," he warns.

Jones adds that premeds should not include a story in their personal statement that they are not comfortable discussing in-depth during a med school admissions interview . "If it's something too personal or you're very emotional and you don't want to talk about that, then don't put it in a statement."

Medical School Personal Statement Examples

Here are two medical school admissions essays that made a strong, positive impression on admissions officers. The first is from Columbia and the second is from the University of Minnesota. These personal statements are annotated with comments from admissions officers explaining what made these essays stand out.

Searching for a medical school? Get our complete rankings of Best Medical Schools.

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Nursing Bay

College personal statement examples and writing tips.

A crucial step in your nursing journey is learning how to write a personal statement that resonates with admissions committees and vividly portrays your passion for healthcare. This collection of amazing personal statement examples is curated to guide and inspire you as you articulate your aspirations, experiences, and motivation to pursue nursing.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a written narrative that typically forms a significant part of an application to universities, colleges, or professional programs, particularly in fields like nursing. It’s an opportunity for junior year applicants to present themselves beyond test scores and grades, offering insights into their personalities, experiences, goals, and motivations.

In a personal statement, applicants explain why they are interested in a specific field of study or profession, what they hope to achieve through the program, and how their background and experiences have prepared them for this path. It’s a chance to highlight unique attributes, significant life experiences, challenges overcome, or special achievements that make them an ideal candidate for the program.

Why Read Personal Statement Examples?

Reading personal statement essay examples is immensely beneficial for several reasons, especially when preparing your own statement for applications to nursing programs:

• Inspiration and Ideas: Examples can inspire you and provide ideas on structuring your statement, what kind of content to include in your application essay, and how to convey your story and passion effectively.
• Understanding Expectations: They offer insight into what admissions committees look for, helping you understand the level of detail, tone, and approach that resonates successfully in such applications.
• Learning from Others: Seeing how others have articulated their experiences, challenges, and aspirations can guide you in reflecting upon and articulating your own journey and motivations.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: By examining a range of examples, you can identify common pitfalls and clichés to avoid, ensuring your statement stands out and feels genuine.
• Gaining Confidence: Reading successful common app essays can boost your confidence, showing you that crafting a compelling narrative that combines personal experiences with professional aspirations is possible.
• Diverse Perspectives: Examples offer a glimpse into the diversity of paths and motivations that lead people to nursing, potentially broadening your perspective and enriching your own approach to writing your statement.

How Long Should a Personal Statement Be?

The length of your personal statement should ideally align with the guidelines provided by the institution or program you are applying to. Personal statements are expected to be concise yet comprehensive, often ranging around 500 to 650 words , translating to about one to two pages. 

This word count allows enough space to clearly articulate your experiences, motivations, and aspirations without overloading the reader with information. It’s important to always adhere to the program’s specific word or character limits to demonstrate your ability to follow instructions and present your thoughts.

What Should a Personal Statement Include?

A well-written college admissions essay should include several key elements to effectively communicate your suitability for the program or position you are applying for. Here’s what to typically include:

Introduction

Your personal statement should begin with an engaging introductory paragraph that captures the essence of your motivation for pursuing your chosen field. This could be a brief narrative of a defining moment, an experience that ignited your passion, or a clear articulation of your interest and enthusiasm.

The introduction sets the tone and should intrigue the reader, providing a glimpse into your unique journey and motivation. It’s important that this section hooks the reader’s attention and provides a compelling reason to continue reading your statement.

Academic and Professional Background

In this section, brainstorm and detail your relevant academic and professional experiences that have prepared you for this next step. Highlight key academic achievements, coursework, research, or projects that align with the field you are pursuing.

Also, include any relevant work experience, internships, or positions that have given you practical skills and insights. This part of the statement is crucial for showcasing your foundational knowledge and preparedness for advanced study or professional development and gaining a scholarship in your chosen area.

Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering

Your involvement in extracurricular activities and volunteering can significantly enrich your personal statement. This section should reflect how these activities have contributed to your personal growth, skills development, or understanding of your field.

Whether it’s a hobby, leadership roles in clubs, participation in sports teams, or volunteer work in community organizations, these experiences demonstrate your broader interests, commitment, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities. It’s an opportunity to show aspects of your character and values that academic achievements alone might not convey.

Personal Qualities and Skills

Reflect on and draft the personal qualities and skills that make you suited for your chosen path. This might include traits like resilience, empathy, critical thinking, or effective communication. Use specific examples or experiences to demonstrate how you have developed and applied these traits.

This personal reflection not only provides depth to your statement but also gives the admissions committee a clearer picture of who you are as an individual, beyond academic and professional achievements.

Career Goals and Aspirations

Discuss your career aspirations and how the program or position you are applying for aligns with these goals. This section should convey a clear vision of where you see yourself in the future and how the specific program or role will be a stepping stone toward that vision.

It’s important to show that you have a direction and purpose and that you see this opportunity as integral to your career journey. This not only demonstrates foresight and planning but also shows your commitment and seriousness about the path you are choosing.

Reasons for Choosing the Specific Program or Institution

Clearly articulate why you are applying to this particular program or institution. Discuss what specific aspects of the program, faculty, institution’s philosophy, or opportunities available are particularly attractive to you and why they resonate with your goals and preferences.

This shows that you have done your research and are making a well-informed decision. It also indicates that you have a genuine interest in what the program or institution uniquely offers, rather than a generic application.

Conclude your statement with a strong, memorable closing that encapsulates your main points and reaffirms your enthusiasm and suitability for the program or career. This is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression, summarizing why you believe you are an ideal candidate.

The conclusion should tie back to your opening, creating a cohesive narrative that leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your passion, commitment, and readiness for the next step in your academic or professional journey.

What Does an Admissions Officer Look for in a Personal Statement?

When reviewing a personal statement, admission officers are looking for several key elements to assess the suitability of a candidate for their program:

• Clarity of Purpose: Admissions officers want to see a clear understanding of why the applicant wants to pursue a particular field or program. The statement should convincingly articulate the candidate’s passion, motivation, and how the program aligns with their career goals.
• Personal Insight and Self-Reflection: A strong personal essay offers insight into the applicant’s personality, experiences, and the factors that have shaped their decision to pursue a specific path. Admissions officers look for depth of reflection and a sense of how past experiences have driven the candidate’s current ambitions.
• Relevant Experience and Skills: It’s important for the statement to highlight any relevant academic, professional, or volunteer experiences that demonstrate preparedness for the program. Admissions officers are interested in how these experiences have contributed to the development of skills and knowledge pertinent to the field.
• Writing Quality and Structure: The ability to communicate effectively and coherently through writing is crucial. Admissions officers pay attention to the overall quality of writing, including grammar, clarity, coherence, and the ability to organize thoughts logically.
• Individuality and Authenticity: They seek to understand what makes each applicant unique. A personal statement should reflect the individual’s authentic self, showcasing unique perspectives, diverse experiences, and personal growth.
• Commitment and Passion: Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and a strong commitment to the field is essential. Admissions officers look for candidates who are likely to thrive in the program and contribute positively to their field.
• Alignment with Program Values and Goals: Candidates who show that their personal and professional values align with those of the program or institution often stand out. Admissions officers look for indications that the candidate has researched the program and understands how it fits into their broader aspirations.
• Future Potential: Finally, they are interested in the applicant’s potential for future success and contribution to the field. A compelling statement should give a sense of the candidate’s ambition to go to college and how they intend to utilize the education and opportunities provided by the program to achieve their long-term goals.

The Best Personal Statement Examples

Here are some examples that illustrate effective writing styles, clear articulation of goals, and the ability to connect personal experiences to broader career or academic aspirations:

Personal Statement Example #1 

Personal statement example #2, college essay example #3, personal statement example #4, application essay example #5, personal statement example #6, personal statement example #7, personal statement example #8, personal statement example #9, personal statement example #10, personal statement example #11, personal statement example #12, personal statement example #13, personal statement example #14, personal statement example #15, key takeaways for writing a great personal statement.

When reflecting on the nursing personal statement examples provided, several key takeaways emerge that are crucial for anyone crafting their statement. These insights are vital for effectively conveying your passion, commitment, and suitability for a career in nursing:

• Clearly articulate your personal motivation for choosing nursing.
• Highlight your relevant healthcare experiences and achievements.
• Specify your interest in any particular nursing specialty.
• Showcase qualities and skills that make you suitable for nursing.
• Outline your long-term professional aspirations in nursing.
• Acknowledge the challenges and rewards in the nursing profession.
• Express dedication to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Ensure clarity, structure, and coherence in your statement.
• Customize your statement for each specific nursing program.
• Maintain authenticity and genuineness throughout your statement.

Final Thoughts: Personal Statement Essay Examples

These nursing personal statement examples and key takeaways provide valuable insights for anyone aspiring to enter the nursing freshman year. They demonstrate the importance of a well-crafted statement that blends personal motivation, relevant experiences, and a clear understanding of the nursing profession’s demands and rewards. 

An effective personal statement is not only a reflection of your qualifications and aspirations but also a testament to your passion, empathy, and commitment to the field of nursing. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your individuality and suitability for a career that is as challenging as it is rewarding. 

How to Go From Nurse to Doctor: The Path From RN to MD

Can a nurse become a doctor.

• RN to MD Benefits
• RN to MD Steps
• Program Length
• Medical School Cost
• RN Career Advancement

Nurses and doctors are both essential parts of the healthcare field and work together closely to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Both have vastly distinct roles and responsibilities. But a registered nurse (RN) can become a medical doctor (MD), as long as they go through additional schooling, training, and exams. Read on to find out how to go from nurse to doctor and everything it takes to get there.

Why Nurses May Want to Become MDs

There are some nurses who have always dreamed of making a career change and becoming medical doctors, but college happens, life happens and things change. Nursing sometimes is the next best option. It is only after being in the field and seeing the differences between nurses and doctors do those individuals desire this career path again. 

Others want to be more helpful to their patients. Some want more responsibilities including more invasive procedures or overseeing the team. There is a milieu of reasons why someone would want to become a doctor; it is a decision that should not be made lightly. It impacts not only the nurse but also their family and friends. Medical training is long and carries a heavy financial burden. 

>> Show Me DNP Programs

Is There a Stigma Around Nurses Becoming MDs?

There has always been a stigma surrounding doctors and nurses transitioning to this profession. A decade ago very few nurses would leave bedside nursing to enter medical school but now nurses, doctors, and medical schools are more accepting.

While there is still a slight stigma, it is important for nurses in medical school to remember their training, bedside manner, and compassion towards the patients, but also remember that MDs look at patients with a separate set of objectives and these objectives are what saves lives. 

How to Go From Registered Nurse to Medical Doctor 

Step 1.) earn a bachelor's degree.

First and foremost, you must already have an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. If the degree is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) then most of the coursework will be sufficient as prerequisites for medical school.

If you have a degree in another non-science field, it is important to take notice of all prerequisite coursework.

If you don't have a bachelor’s degree - this would be the first step in becoming an MD. 

>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Step 2.) Take the MCAT

The next step is taking the Medical College Admission Test or MCAT. This exam must be taken within three years of applying to medical school. The MCAT is a standardized computer-based exam that assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, written analysis, and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles.

Unfortunately, prior healthcare experience as a nurse does not give those individuals an advantage over others. In fact, it’s possible that the longer nurses have been practicing will actually have a disadvantage on the exam.

Most students take the MCAT in their last semester of undergrad and prepare extensively in classes. Some major universities even offer students review courses. Nurses would be required to find their own study programs. 

The MCAT exam is like the NCLEX that focuses less on real-world application and more on textbook learning. This could be a disadvantage to some nurses.

Step 3.) Apply to Medical School

After sitting for the MCAT, scores are reported to the medical schools that were applied to. Some schools prefer nurses because of their prior experience in the healthcare field while others see it as a hindrance. Medical schools look at undergraduate grades, coursework, the university the individual graduated from and the MCAT scores. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) some medical schools do not look at applicants with MCAT scores under a certain score. 

Step 4.) Attend Medical School

Medical school is two years in the classroom setting and two years in the clinical setting. Regardless of prior healthcare experience and training becoming a medical doctor still take four years. Being a nurse does not cut this time down. 

Step 5.) Attend a Residency Program and Possibly a Fellowship

After medical school, new physicians attend a residency program that is between two and four years. If an individual wishes to specialize in a specific field, a fellowship is required.

Fellowships can be up to five years in length. The more specialized the field, the longer the post-graduate training.

How Long Does it Take to Go From RN to MD?

Once all is said and done it could be almost ten years (i.e. cardiothoracic surgeons and neurosurgeons) before becoming a full-fledged attending physician.

How Much Does Medical School Cost for Nurses?

According to Educationdata.org , the average cost of medical school is $57,574 per year and the average total cost is $230,296. 

In 2021, U.S. News & World Report released a list of the most affordable public medical schools. As seen in the table below, these low-cost medical schools are also ranked as some of the lowest, or not ranked at all in medical and osteopathic schools. While this may not seem important - graduating from a well-known and well-respected medical school can make a stark difference in residency placement and future job opportunities. 

Other Career Advancement Options for Nurses

For nurses, there is a plethora of advanced medical degrees that do not require a four-year medical degree and a lengthy postgraduate residency and fellowship. The most common are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)  and Nurse Practitioner (NP) .

CRNA programs are typically three years and require a doctorate, while NP programs can be completed in two years if done full time. Furthermore, registered nurses are still able to work while attending these programs, whereas they cannot work while in medical school. Additionally, because NP and CRNA programs are seen as career advancements by hospitals, tuition reimbursement may be an option. Medical school would not qualify. 

Becoming a MD does have its advantages and it is understandable why some nurses want to further their career in this way. The best advice for anyone considering this path is to have a frank, open conversation with others in the medical field and determine if the length of school, associated financial responsibilities, and change in lifestyle will ultimately be worth it.

Find Nursing Programs

How long is it to go from rn to md .

• Depending on if you have your Bachelor’s degree already, going from an RN to an MD could take anywhere from six to ten years.

Can a nurse become a doctor? 

• An RN can absolutely become a doctor. They can become an MD or DO by earning a Bachelor’s and applying to medical school just like any other student. Or, an RN could become a doctor of nursing (DNP), which is an educational degree and does not grant any clinical authority. 

Can I go to medical school with a nursing degree? 

• You can apply to medical school with a nursing degree; you will need to fulfill the pre-reqs of medical school and have a Bachelor’s degree. 

How do I transfer from RN to MD? 

• In order to go from an RN to an MD, you will need to earn a Bachelor’s and apply to medical school. 

Can you go from NP to MD? 

• An NP could become an MD by applying to medical school and going through all the requirements. 

Can a nurse be a surgeon?

• A nurse could become a surgeon by going through medical school to become an MD. Some advanced practice RNs can perform some invasive procedures and assist with surgeries. 

Looking to advance your leadership and management skills? Check out some of these masters degrees that can get you there:

• MBA vs MSN: How to Choose the Right Degree for You  
• How to Earn an MBA in Healthcare Management Degree
• 8 Reasons Why Nurses Should Get an MBA  
• How to Earn a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) Degree  
• How to Earn a Masters in Public Health (MPH) Degree

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

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ICU Nurse Turned Medical Student Shares Her Journey

Session 234

Our guest on today’s episode is Sarah, a former CTICU nurse who is currently a 3rd-year medical student aspiring to become a cardiothoracic surgeon! She shares with us her transition from being a nurse to being a medical student, and the challenges that came with that. If you’re a nurse thinking about making this same transition and worried about how your colleagues are going to react, take a listen to learn from Sarah’s experience.

[05:15] Her Interest in Being a Physician

Sarah’s initial interest in health care was mainly influenced by her dad, who is an engineer and would always call “Nurse Sarah” to treat the wounds he got from woodworking. Then the show ER came out, and seeing that inspired her even more to help people.

Not the best student in high school, Sarah wanted to help people and thought that being a nursing associate may be the quickest route. Also, being traditionally raised, Sarah thought that as a girl, nursing was her natural path into medicine.

[08:30] Taking Things One Step At a Time

Sarah’s path to nursing was not smooth or easy as she had to teach herself math, which she always struggled with in school. While in nursing school, she saw her first open-heart surgery, which she thought was so cool. Already a year into nursing school, she talked one day with her academic advisor and expressed her interest in going to medical school, but the advisor told her to take things one step at a time.

She Didn’t Know If She Could Become a Doctor

Sarah got a job as a nurse after graduation, then got married shortly after and established her personal life more. She wanted to work a bit to be able to save money and then go back to school to get her biology degree to work toward becoming a doctor. But she didn’t know if she could still be a doctor, and self-doubt kept her in nursing for about a year and a half before she finally started to move forward.

[Related episode: From Nursing to Accepted Premed, A Story of Lost Confidence ]

Sarah thinks her self-doubt mainly came from her academic performance, being a nontraditional student and not having the highest scores in school. She had this picture in her head that in order for someone to be a doctor, you have to be a 4.0 student and have everything aligned, so she thought her background would not be appreciated. Her biggest hindrance was thinking they only want the best, so she wasn’t good enough.

[11:36] Working with Mentors and Getting Discouraged by Physicians

Sarah was lucky enough to find a good mentor in her nurse supervisor, who totally encouraged her and supported her in her desire to go to medical school. Sarah had actually found that many physicians she worked with discouraged people from going to medical school. That made her a little apprehensive, but her mentor really pushed her forward, instilled faith, and saw things in her that she didn’t see in herself.

Shortly after she spoke with her nurse supervisor about her interest in going to medical school, a new trauma surgeon started, and Sarah found out she was a former critical care nurse herself. So she met with her one-on-one, and the surgeon helped her draft her personal statement. Knowing this mentor who went from critical care nurse to surgeon, the path became more tangible for her.

[Related episode: How Will Being a Nurse Affect My Application to Medical School? ]

[15:40] Why Not Nurse Practitioner?

Sarah’s mentor helped affirm her decision that she wanted to be a doctor, not a nurse practitioner . They could relate to each other, both wanting to be the ones to make the full decision and be the one who shaped of the plan of care for the patients.

She definitely hates the term “mid-level providers” most hospitals use, but she knew those were not the avenue for her. Having worked at a community hospital to academic centers throughout different states, Sarah saw how varied their roles were from hospital to hospital, practice to practice, state to state. In one place, the nurses couldn’t even interpret if an NG tube was placed properly on an x-ray. In short, the autonomy varied based on practice, hospital, and state, which was something Sarah did not like.

Another reason Sarah wanted to take the medical school path is that as a nurse, you take orders from doctors, and while you can question them, in the end, if you don’t agree with something it’s hard to stomach that.

Sarah says nurses have a bit of a sixth sense sitting at the bedside all day, which can’t be conveyed in any other way sometimes. Not having the authority to do what she knows the patient needs was not something she was looking for.

[18:10] Articulating Why You Want to be a Doctor During Interviews

At every single medical school interview, this question of why she didn’t just become an NP or PA always came up. Sarah recommends to nurses going into medicine that they need to prep for this question. You need to know why you didn’t, and it needs to be a good reason.

Sarah adds that there needs to be introspection and maturity in your decision, and you need to be able to articulate that clearly to those interviewing you. They want to know you’re doing it for the right reasons and that you’ve looked into other avenues.

Focus on the Patients

Half of Sarah’s reason for going to medical school is an intense interest in learning the pathophysiology of things. That knowledge and passion to learn more about the why of things, although they have always been a big component for her, are not enough by themselves. She wants to use that knowledge to formulate more holistic plans for her patients and be able to provide plans of care she truly believes in. She wants autonomy to use her knowledge to help patients.

You can always study and learn more, no matter what your job is, but as a physician, you get to apply that knowledge directly into hands-on patient care with the most autonomy to help your patient. Having this in your heart when you’re explaining why you want to be a doctor,  and emphasizing the ability to impact patients, is definitely the way to approach it.

[Related book:  The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview ]

[22:20] Dealing with Negativity and Working With Others

Sarah has quite a remarkable approach in how she deals with her negative interactions, saying there is always something to take away from it. It’s about taking negative energy and turning it into something positive, which is also what you should go for in life in general.

Sarah explains you’re always bound to come across conflict in your career, so you need to be able to convey that to the people interviewing you. They need to know you can work with people and that you’re willing to listen and work toward to a resolution together.

[24:06] Nursing While Taking Medical School Prereqs

About a year and a half into nursing, Sarah met with an academic advisor at a four-year institution and he laid the timeline for applying to medical school. Sarah proudly says this was the right first step.

It can be hard taking classes at a four-year university while working since they have traditional school hours and not everything is available online. Luckily Sarah’s nursing job had flexible hours. She worked every single weekend for at least 24 hours, and then she would sometimes pick up eight-hour shifts too.

As to why she didn’t go to a community college that may give a more flexible schedule, Sarah explains that an A from a top-10 school versus an A from a very small community college may mean different things. So she saw it as a way for her to prove to medical schools that she went to a good institution and did well there.

[27:22] Four-Year Universities versus Community College for Premed

As for the idea that medical schools look at four-year institutions and community colleges differently, Sarah obtained this information from meeting with different admissions advisors, as well as from doctors that served on admission committees. I agree with it to some extent.

A lot of students will look at two different four-year institutions and will look at one that they’re maybe not excited to go to, thinking it’s going to be a bigger hit on their medical school application or it’s going to be looked at more favorably. But truthfully, once you’re up to a four-year school, unless you’re talking Harvard versus some podunk university in Alabama, the name of your undergraduate school doesn’t matter much. And while I wouldn’t advise doing all your prereqs at a community college, even that won’t necessarily ruin your chances .

[30:20] Starting Medical School and Leveraging Her Nursing Background

Sarah was used to handling stress as an ICU nurse also going to school, but she still found medical school stressful. She acknowledges the need for a good, strong support group around you. She says the analogy of drinking through a fire hose couldn’t be more perfect, and she didn’t fully understand it until she started medical school.

The hardest thing for her was not just the vast amount of information she had to take in but the anti-social effect of having to spend such long hours in the library.

Her nursing background helped her in medical school because she felt comfortable talking to patients and handling stress in general, considering the stressful job nurses have. She was also able to help mentor and tutor some of her classmates, especially in pharmacology.

Within a couple of weeks of starting medical school, they started seeing patients in clinics, and the attending surgeon commented that Sarah was light-years ahead of the other students, already acting like an attending as far as comfort level. She knew how to handle difficult situations—if a patient started yelling at her, for example—and she wasn’t freaked out.

Staying Humble as an Experienced Nurse in Medical School

There were times in medical school when Sarah wanted to handle certain portions of patient care which were not within her scope of practice as a medical student (but which she had done as a nurse in the past), and that was difficult for her.

She was aware that working with residents and attendings, she should not come off as overly confident and like a know-it-all. Sarah says you have to stay humble since they are the ones grading you and teaching you. At the same time, you have to learn how to speak up and recommend different things without coming off as abrasive.

[35:55] Getting Negative Feedback from Other Nurses

Sarah actually had to deal with getting a lot of negative feedback from other nurses. She had to insist that she is still a nurse and continues to advocate for nurses. She didn’t leave nursing because it’s not good enough, but just because it’s not the road for her.

Sarah explains this is something you will experience as a nurse who is working and trying to go to medical school, so you have to be careful who you tell this to and who you surround yourself with.

Nurses tend to speak highly of physicians who were nurses before. But apparently, the harder part is when you’re actually making the transition because they don’t understand why you’re making that change.

[37:37] The Application Process and Personal Statement

Sarah found the application process to take a lot longer than she anticipated. She took the MCAT twice because she wanted to make sure she performed at a level that didn’t limit her selection of schools.

Sarah advises that if you’re thinking of family planning or you’re dating somebody and you’re trying to give them realistic expectations for how long this process will take, always consider that it could take another year or two before you actually land in medical school.

Sarah iterates that you have to write your personal statement 10+ times over before you get it right, and you have to get eyes on it . The personal statement being a critical portion of the application, you have to get yourself across. You have to talk about what sets you apart, and Sarah believes being a nurse is very favorable, so you need to draw upon that in your application process.

[39:40] Choosing Which Medical Schools to Apply To

Sarah looked up medical schools in MSAR . She was looking for schools that favored diversity and those that looked at nontraditional students more. She didn’t want anything that felt toxic or places where she didn’t feel at ease interviewing there. Sarah can happily say that the school she is in now is the perfect fit.

Sarah recommends that if you’re in academics as a nurse and they have a medical school, use that opportunity to network. She actually met their Chief of Surgery who worked with her as a heart transplant surgeon and got into the whole process, and she was able to bring her concerns to the table. She adds that in order to get a feel for the school, you have to actually go there and reach out to the admissions advisor.

[42:40] The Most Rewarding Part of Being a Medical Student

For Sarah, patient interactions are the most rewarding part of medical school. She recalls during a rotation at a surgery clinic she met an older couple. The surgeon introduced her as the future heart surgeon, and the elderly woman looked at her and said she was so proud of her, considering not too many women enter this field. This touched Sarah because it reminded her of the impact she’s having and how far she’s already come on this journey.

[44:42] Final Words of Wisdom

Sarah leaves us with inspiring advice to not ever doubt yourself. You’re going to be old one day anyway, so don’t worry about the time and sacrifice that this path requires. In the end, everything you do is going to mean so much more than any of those momentary stresses.

Sarah mentions a 60-year-old in her calculus class who told her that she’s going to be old one day, but she wants to be old doing what she loves and having no regrets.

Don’t let time or any of those other stressors get in between you and your goal. You can do it. It’s never impossible. Just put your blinders on and go forward.

• MSAR (for MD schools) / College Information Book (for DO schools)
• Related episode: From Nursing to Accepted Premed, A Story of Lost Confidence
• Related episode: How Will Being a Nurse Affect My Application to Medical School?
• Related episode: This Nurse Practitioner Is On His Way to Medical School
• Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at  Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep)!

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Personal Statement

Personal statements may be used to customize the application to a specific program or to different specialties. 

In This Section:

Creating the personal statement, formatting the personal statement, previewing the personal statement, reviewing/editing the personal statement, assigning the personal statement.

You create your own personal statements in the MyERAS portal from the Personal Statements section listed under Documents. 

• Each personal statement must contain a Personal Statement Title and the Personal Statement Content. The title will be visible only to you to help you correctly assign it to programs, and the content will be visible to both you and the programs it is assigned to. 
• The personal statement is limited to 28,000 characters, which include letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation marks. 
• There is not a limit to how many personal statements applicants can create. 
• Personal statements created outside the MyERAS application should be done in a plain text word processing application such as Notepad (for Windows users) or SimpleText (for Mac users). The statement should reflect your personal perspective and experiences accurately and must be your own work and not the work of another author or the product of artificial intelligence. 
• Personal statements created in word processing applications not using plain text may contain hidden and invalid formatting. 
• Note: A number of websites provide examples of personal statements. Do not copy any information from these sites and use it in your personal statements without giving credit to the author. Such use is considered plagiarism. 
• The ERAS program will investigate any suspected acts of plagiarism. 
• Any substantiated findings of plagiarism may result in the reporting of such findings to the programs to which you apply now and in subsequent ERAS seasons. 

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When creating a personal statement in the MyERAS application, the following formatting options will be available: 

• Bold. 
• Italic. 
• Underline. 
• Strikethrough. 
• Bullets. 
• Numbering. 
• Align left. 
• Center. 
• Align right. 
• Increase indent. 
• Decrease indent. 
• Insert hyperlink. 

After entering the personal statement title and content, you will have the opportunity to preview your personal statement before saving it. This preview allows you to view your personal statement just as the programs will view it, including the number of pages.  

You are responsible for reviewing your personal statements before assigning them to programs. 

The Preview/Print option under the Actions column will allow you to view and/or print your personal statement. 

Personal statements can be edited at any point during the application season — even when assigned to programs that have been applied to. 

Personal statements that have been edited will be reflected on the programs’ side by an updated status containing the date of the updated version, but programs are not guaranteed to view or review updated versions of personal statements. 

You may designate the assignment of one personal statement for each program. 

• Personal statements can be assigned to any saved or applied to programs from the Personal Statements page by selecting “Assign” under the Actions column of the intended personal statement. 
• When assigning by personal statement, programs listed with a disabled checkbox already have the selected personal statement currently assigned. 
• When assigning by personal statement, you should review any personal statements that are listed under the Assigned Personal Statement column before making selections or changes. 
• Personal statements can be assigned by program using the Assign option under the Actions column on both the Saved Programs and Programs Applied To pages. 
• Changes to personal statement assignments can be made throughout the application season, but programs are not guaranteed to view or review newly assigned personal statements. 
• A personal statement cannot be assigned to programs that are closed. 
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Rn to md: how to go from nurse to doctor.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 10/16/23

Becoming a doctor after being a nurse is more common than you may think! Follow along to find out how to go from RN to MD.

Have you considered transitioning from RN to MD? Nursing is an excellent career option which many people find to be fulfilling, and it is a critically essential role in the healthcare system. However, if you decide to switch careers, becoming a doctor is full of new areas and opportunities to explore. 

Here, we’ll take an in-depth look at the path from registered nurse (RN) to medical doctor (MD). Our complete, step-by-step guide includes the time it takes to become a doctor as an RN, program options, salary outlook, and more.

Let’s get started!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

How To Go From RN to MD

First, let’s go over the steps. Each of the following steps is an essential part of becoming a doctor after becoming a nurse. Of course, to become an RN, there are separate requirements that you must have already obtained to begin following these steps. 

Step 1: Obtain A BSN Degree

As an RN, you may already have a BSN degree which would include most, if not all, of the necessary prerequisite courses for medical school. If your degree didn’t include the following classes, you should take them before taking the MCAT to ensure you are prepared for the test:

• Biochemistry
• Mathematics 

Sociology, Psychology, Arts and Second Language courses are also recommended prerequisites for medical school . Med schools love to see that you are well-rounded, and educated in many areas. You should also have taken extracurriculars if you do not already have nursing experience.

If you do not already have a BSN degree, there are bridge programs to help you obtain a BSN in a shorter amount of time. 

Step 2: Take the MCAT

Most medical schools require the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as part of your application. The MCAT is a computer-based, multiple choice, standardized exam that is seven and a half hours in length. You should give yourself plenty of time to take the test and retake it if necessary before applying to medical school. 

Completing all the necessary medical school prerequisite courses will help you to get into medical school while also helping you prepare for the MCAT. If you’re having difficulty studying for the MCAT, consider contacting an experienced MCAT tutor for end-to-end admissions support. 

Step 3: Apply to Medical School

Now you’re ready to begin the medical school application process. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, you can fill out your AMCAS application on the online portal. The materials required at this stage are: 

• Background Info (schools attended, biographic information, etc.)
• MCAT score(s)
• Transcripts
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation/evaluation
• Standardized Test 

Most medical schools send out a secondary application after receiving your primary application, which typically requires essays. Depending on the school, secondaries may only be sent to a select group of applicants. Then, you will likely be invited for an interview if your secondary application was well received. 

You should apply to several medical schools to heighten your chances of admission. Ensure that the medical school you attend is an accredited US or Canadian institution to help you match into a US/Canadian residency program after graduation. 

Step 4: Attend a Residency Program (and a Fellowship Program If Necessary)

One of the most exciting parts of transitioning from an RN to MD is the specialized focus you can now have on one area of medicine. After obtaining your MD degree, you can now apply to residency programs with the ERAS application . 

If a residency program is interested in your ERAS application, they’ll invite you for an interview or additional application materials. After completing all of your interviews, you can move forward with the matching process.

Using the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) system, you’ll rank programs in order of preference and be matched into the most compatible program possible. Residency can be anywhere between three to seven years in length, depending on the specialty you have chosen.

If you’d like to sub-specialize, you’ll have to attend a fellowship program after completing residency. Fellowships are optional, specialized education opportunities that allow doctors to practice under masters of their field.

During residency, you’ll have to complete all steps of the USMLE exam . Completing these steps will allow you to obtain your medical license following residency. Once you’ve completed your BSN, MD, residency program, fellowship program (optional), and obtained your medical license, you’re ready to start practicing medicine independently!

How Long Does It Take To Go From Nurse to Doctor

Going from an RN to an MD takes the same amount of time as becoming a doctor. Your BSN degree (four years) serves as the regular bachelor’s degree requirement for medical school, after which all steps are the same. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. 

Becoming a doctor can take anywhere from 10 to 17 years of education. You must complete the following educational requirements:

• A four-year bachelor’s degree (in the case of an RN, a BSN degree)
• A four-year MD degree
• Residency (2-7 years)
• Fellowship program if necessary (1-3 years)

Although it’s a long process, RNs have the advantage of field experience and knowledge of bedside manner. If you’re an RN and you’re considering becoming an MD, it may be worth it to be able to take on medicine from a new perspective.

Of course, the choice is yours! There are also plenty of interesting career options for MDs without residency if you’re interested in a shorter educational path.

RN Vs. MD Salary 

One of the main advantages to switching from RN to MD is the increase in salary. The average salary for RNs across the US is $92,494 , while the average salary for MDs (family doctors) is $225,001 . 

Family doctors are on the lower end of the physician pay scale. Generally speaking, the more years spent in school and in your field increases your salary. A family medicine residency is typically 3 years in length, while surgeons can spend up to 7 years in residency and make an average salary of $430,159 .

RN to MD Programs

If you’re looking for a quick way to become a doctor as a nurse, unfortunately you may be out of luck. Bridge programs exist to help nurses become different kinds of nurses (for example, going from RPN to RN). 

The path to becoming a doctor is the same length for nurses as it is for regular applicants. However, your field experience will likely make medical school and residency a little easier for you.

Tips for RNs Who Want To Become MDs

Here are a few tips and considerations for RNs who want to become MDs. 

No Shortcuts

Becoming a doctor as a nurse takes a long time, unfortunately there are no shortcuts for nurses. However, your field experience will be extremely valuable during medical school and residency. 

Nurses have to learn bedside manner, and they know better than anyone how to emotionally care for patients. For this reason, a nurse-turned-doctor would make an excellent addition to any hospital staff!

Triple Your Salary

School is expensive, but by furthering your education you can triple, or even quadruple your current RN salary. This will help you pay off your student loans more quickly. There are also plenty of scholarships for non-traditional applicants, which is what you would be considered as an RN entering the field. 

A Whole New Field

One of the reasons there are no educational shortcuts between RN to MD is because although they work together, they are two completely separate jobs. As an MD, you’ll have to look at patients and cases from a new perspective. Additionally, diagnosing and treating illnesses is a heightened level of personal responsibility. 

Both professions are essential parts of patient care. Nurses and doctors rely on each other to provide the best end-to-end care possible to their patients, but transitioning from one to the other is truly exposing yourself to an entirely new job.

Use Your Experience To Your Advantage

There are several benefits you may reap as an RN in medical school. Your previous experience in the healthcare field will give you a leg up on your fellow classmates and residents later on. Navigating the hospital ecosystem may be more natural for you, and interacting with patients should be a breeze.

Because there aren’t many nurses who choose to become doctors, you’ll be considered a non-traditional applicant, which could mean that you’ll have access to some interesting scholarship opportunities. Your story will also make for some interesting essay material for any secondary applications you submit during application season.

FAQs: How To Go From RN to MD

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to go from an RN to an MD. 

1. How Long Does It Take To Go From RN to Doctor?

Medical school takes the same amount of time for nurses as it does for regular applicants. Your BSN degree counts as a bachelor's degree for going into medical school, although you should make sure you have taken all necessary prerequisite courses required by each medical school you apply to. 

Medical school is four years in length, residency can be three to seven years in length, then you can choose if you’d like to sub-specialize with a fellowship program, which can take one to three years to complete. 

2. Can I Get Into Medical School With A Nursing Degree?

You can get into medical school with a BSN degree. If you are a nurse without a BSN degree, you can apply for a bridging program to obtain a BSN degree in a shorter amount of time. BSN degrees typically include most of the prerequisite courses required for medical school, but you should still make sure you’re prepared before applying.

3. Can A Nurse Become A Doctor?

A nurse can absolutely become a doctor, but there are no educational shortcuts. Going from RN to MD takes the same amount of time as it would for any regular application. A BSN degree will count as a bachelor’s degree in the case of an RN, which is a requirement for medical school.

Final Thoughts: RN to MD

There aren’t many RNs that decide to become MDs, but the few that do bring a new perspective to the field. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare system. They are our frontline workers, and they are the first point of contact for patients in clinics and hospitals. 

Becoming a doctor also allows you to specialize in a certain area of medicine that interests you, which can increase job satisfaction. Additionally, your salary will increase significantly as a physician - no matter which time of physician you choose to become. 

If you’re an RN and you’re considering applying for medical school, consider contacting an experienced admissions advisor to help you through the process. Admissions advisors provide end-to-end application support, and can help you navigate the new world you’re leaping into.

Schedule A Free Consultation

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Personal Statement and MD Application Tips

Why medicine? Why MD specifically? These can be daunting questions for students when it comes to applying to professional schools. Not only is there a pressure to answer with something authentic to the individual but also with an answer that demonstrates your capability as an aspiring physician. It can be hard to take the passions and values you hold as a multi-dimensional human being and translate them into an eloquent yet concise 5,3000 characters. Hopefully, our interview today will help you navigate this process along with the other parts of the application process. 

We are thrilled to have a recent UMD alum, Chinmayi Pamala, here with us today! While at UMD, Chinmayi was part of the Gemstone Honors Program and graduated last Spring of 2021 with a degree in Neurobiology and Physiology. She is currently in her first year of her MD at Tufts University School of Medicine . With her love of Biology and taking classes as an undergrad, she knew medicine was the right path for her. Being that she is fresh out of the application cycle, she will explain to us her process for drafting her personal statement and other tips for navigating applications. 

Chinmayi started her personal statement drafting through her Writing for Health Professions (ENGL395) course as part of her Professional Writing General Education requirement. She took this class the Spring of her Junior year, so it was helpful in learning the technical structure of a personal statement and in getting feedback from her professor. Readers, try to squeeze this class in your schedule before you apply!

“If you don’t have a lot to say about a particular activity, don’t bring it up in your personal statement”

One mistake she made in her initial draft was regurgitating her resume. Chinmayi was advised to stick to only activities she could talk a lot about and kept it to less than five activities mentioned in her personal statement. The other activities were talked about later in her primaries, secondaries, and AMCAS activities section. Another technique she used was starting with the “why medicine” question on the HPAO Prehealth Packet and using her response to that for framing her personal statement. 

Also, if you are worried about not having a speciality chosen already, no worries as Chinmayi didn’t hone in on a certain discipline for her personal statement. She did mention that if you do have a particular passion (like being an academic or working in rural areas) and have experiences to back that up, that is a way to write your personal statement.

“I tried looking at the feeling I had when I learned about a new disease or how when I hear about something medically related, I want to look it up right away. Also, the feeling I get when I help someone directly. Focus on the feelings surrounding your experiences and how that can point towards medicine....Think about what makes you happy about getting into this field and how that connects with what you are currently doing.”  

Another technique that Chinmayi used when trying to figure out ideas for her personal statement was to look at her emotional reactions to certain experiences (like in her courses at UMD, service, research, clinical). In terms of editing her writing, she advises applicants to ask any mentor/professor they are close with. It is also a good idea to have a close friend look it over to see if it reflects the applicant’s authentic personality and values. 

Chinmayi gave some advice on primaries and secondaries as well; she said “start and submit early because that will only work to your advantage with getting interviews.” In other words, stick to the two-week (if not sooner) turnaround time for secondaries! For the AMCAS activities section, she mentioned she didn’t end up using all 15 but chose around 9 activities. She advises to make the descriptions for this section more narrative and not too dry. If possible, try to sneak-in an anecdote for each activity you mention. 

Lastly, Chinmayi shares her advice on interviews. She says try to not be nervous (yes, easier said than done), as the interview is pretty conversational and you don’t want to sound rehearsed. Chinmayi advises to do a lot of mock interviews-- not with just the HPAO office but with mentors and friends. She also recommends keeping track of other requirements like the Casper test, as many schools nowadays require it and says it would be good to take it by early June! 

So many helpful tips to keep in mind Chinmayi! Thank you for reading this week. Hopefully, folks have a better idea on personal statements and the application process-- start brainstorming now!

See you next Tuesday! 

With care, 

Editor: Grace Suh 

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How to go from an RN to MD

Jun 28 2022

Nurse Types / Registered Nurse / RN to MD

If you’re an experienced nurse who is eager to advance your career, the RN to MD path is a great option. Being an RN is often the easiest way to begin a medical career.

Maybe medical school seemed too hard or expensive in the past. Or raising a family took priority over career achievements. Whatever the reason, if you are feeling the urge to take on medical school, let Incredible Health guide you from becoming a registered nurse to a medical doctor.

• What are some reasons to go from RN to MD?

What are the steps to becoming an MD?

How much does medical school cost, what are alternatives to an md, get job matches in your area + answers to all your nursing career questions.

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What's your current role?

What are some reasons to go from RN to MD? 

Focus on a specialty. One of the greatest benefits in healthcare is experiencing different patient populations and specialties. As a nurse, you may discover you have a passion for pediatrics or crave being in the operating room. You can expand on this as an MD by delivering babies or performing complex surgeries.

Spark change. While all medical professionals can improve the outlook of healthcare, physicians are often given the opportunity and funding for research. MDs are often pioneers in innovative technology and hold roles on medical boards, in prestigious medical schools, and in research facilities.

Better pay. Let’s be honest. Physicians (specifically surgeons) are the highest-paid medical professionals. If your goal is to maximize your income, this is one way to do it. It’s highly recommended this not be your only reason as the increase in pay comes with substantial responsibility.

A desire to advance. If you are experiencing a strong interest and desire to advance your education, credentials, and patient care, this may be the motivation you need to be successful.

The career outlook for RNs vs MDs

The job outlook for registered nurses is expected to increase by .

However, the employment outlook for MDs is projected to grow 3% from 2021 to 2031.

Since MDs tend to be more specialized career paths, there are usually fewer of them. There is still a need for physician services as our population continues to grow and age with an average of 22,700 job openings each year. 

Salary 

Salary differences between RNs and MDs vary depending on experience, location, and specialty. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median annual salary for physicians and surgeons in 2021 is over $208,000 , or $100 per hour. 

The average RN salary is $82,750 or $39.78 per hour. See how your nursing salary stacks up to nurses in other states.

Level of responsibility 

One area to consider is the degree of responsibility that comes with being a licensed physician. As an RN, you understand the importance of the actions you take each day and the potential consequences they can have on the lives of your patients. The responsibility is increased as a doctor who is diagnosing, prescribing, and making critical decisions. 

As an MD, you must be prepared to be a leader. You need to remain confident in your judgment, stay up to date on evidence-based practices, and collaborate with your colleagues when additional expertise is needed. 

Educational requirements 

A nurse must first possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This is likely to meet prerequisite requirements, though this will depend on the medical school you choose. If you don’t have a BSN, there are bridge programs that can help you achieve an RN to BSN degree. 

Take the MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test , or MCAT, is a multiple-choice examination that assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of principles related to medicine. This exam is taken to determine your eligibility before applying to medical schools. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the type of content on the MCAT is learned in prerequisite courses such as chemistry and biology which are covered in nursing school.

Apply to medical school

The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) makes it easy to apply to medical schools. AMCAS collects and verifies your MCAT score, coursework and official transcripts, and letters of evaluation and submits them to the medical schools you designate.

Attend medical school

Congratulations! You’ve been accepted to medical school. Now the real work begins. As a nurse, you’re familiar with the dedication and time commitment a healthcare degree requires. Just like with most nursing programs, the first two years include a mixture of classroom and lab time. You’ll build on your ability to assess patients by adding in the complexities of diagnosis, pharmacology, and pathology.

Attend a residency program or fellowship

Next comes clinical experience. Again, you may feel a sense of deja vu back to the days in nursing school when you were a student learning from your nursing instructor and preceptor. The stakes are higher now as you are not following doctor’s orders, but deciding them. Now is the time to hone your skills and decide on a possible specialty. 

Just like nursing school, you’ll experience rotations in hospitals and clinics from surgery to pediatrics. Residency programs last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, with surgical residencies on the longer end.

After residency, you may choose to obtain further specialized training through a fellowship. Fellowships are not required but provide 1-3 additional years of subspecialty training in areas such as anesthesia, neurology, gastroenterology, and more.

Attending medical school isn’t cheap. The cost will depend on the school you choose and its location. The average total cost of a medical school degree is $218,792 which equals over $54,000 per year. Medical residents do make a small annual salary of around $60,000 which is just enough to cover a year of tuition and not much to live on. 

How to pay for it

Paying for medical school is often a huge barrier for students. It’s very common for MDs to begin practicing with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. For RNs transitioning to MD, it’s very likely you’re also supporting a family and have other financial commitments. It’s imperative to consider the cost of medical school and the health of your finances before applying. 

While student loans are the most obvious course for paying for medical school, there are other options. Some medical schools may offer financial aid . Scholarships are another possibility and there are numerous loan forgiveness or repayment programs , especially for public service careers.

If you feel a calling to advance your degree, there are several career paths for RNs that can save you years of additional school and thousands of dollars in student loan debt. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are alternatives to medical doctors. They are nurses who specialize in certain areas, such as the following:

Nurse practitioner (NP)

Nurse practitioners often work directly under the supervision of an MD or PA (physician’s assistant). This advanced education provides you with autonomy and opens up opportunities to have your own practice in some settings such as aesthetics. NPs usually work in primary care or family practice offices but may also assist in acute care settings.

Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)

CRNAs are the highest-paid APRNs , earning an average of $202,470. Becoming a nurse anesthetist is perfect for you if you like surgical settings and have extreme attention to detail as you will be administering anesthesia.  

Certified nurse midwife (CNM)

Nurse midwives often work with OB/GYN providers and take an active role in supporting pregnant patients and delivering babies. The advanced skills and training prepare you for high-risk pregnancies and working in hospitals, birthing centers, or caring for patients in their homes.

If you’re feeling stagnant in your nursing job and are craving a challenge or a new adventure, there are more types of nurses than you can imagine. 

Transitioning from RN to MD isn’t an easy feat and requires a time and financial commitment that deserves contemplation and preparation. As a nurse, you possess the tenacity to achieve any goals you set for yourself, and the Incredible Health team is here to support you. You can receive advice from real nurses by asking questions in our nurse community .

Yes. Once you obtain your BSN you can follow the same path as all medical students by taking the MCAT, applying and attending medical school, and completing a residency program.

After receiving your bachelor’s degree, it will take anywhere from 6 to 10 years depending on the specialty you choose.

The main difference is that DOs focus on a more holistic, preventative approach to healing, while MDs use research-based evidence to prescribe medicine and surgery. Generally, the coursework and residency requirements are the same for both with each designation taking the same board exam and practicing in equivalent roles and settings.

• “ Applying to Medical School .” aamc.org. Accessed June 13, 2022.
• “ Average Cost of Medical School .” educationaldata.org. Accessed June 13, 2022.
• “ Financial Aid Application Process .” aamc.org. Accessed June 13, 2022.
• “ Loan Forgiveness, Loan Repayment Assistance Programs, and Scholarships .” aamc.org. Accessed June 13, 2022.
• “ MCAT FAQs .” aamc.org. Accessed June 13, 2022.
• “ Physicians and Surgeons Job Outlook .” bls.gov. Accessed June 13, 2022.
• “ Physicians and Surgeons Salary .” bls.gov. Accessed June 13, 2022.
• “ Registered Nurses Wages .” bls.gov. Accessed June 13, 2022.
• “ What is the difference between a DO and an MD? ” medicalnewstoday.com. Accessed June 18, 2022.
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Nursing to Medicine

My decision to pursue nursing before becoming a doctor was logical: my mother had been a nurse, I would enter right out of high school, I would get hands-on skills that most physicians don’t see until well into their third year of medical school, and heck, a nice paycheck doesn’t hurt either. But the fact still remains: the process would be the most grueling and intense experience of my life.

Like a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces of reason were there, and taking a step back, one might reflect and appreciate the whole picture. Yet, the costs of pursuing my goals in this way were sizable: going to nursing school meant that I risked sacrificing attendance at many well known institutions steeped in their own rich traditions. As an African American male, it also meant that I would be heavily underrepresented and thereby open to feelings of doubt about whether I truly wanted to continue on the path I’d chosen.

||Read: Non-Traditional Student Personal Statement ||

At age 17, I knew little about the field of healthcare. I had little understanding of medical instruments like urethral catheters or intravenous fluids. No real understanding of compassion in the face of exhaustion, or providing care that—to most—might seem futile. I was filled only with an understanding that it was a field saturated with brothers, sisters, grandparents and grandchildren who needed a helping hand. I knew I wanted to make an impact on individuals in a very direct way. But here in the United States, one cannot simply enter medical school directly out of high school. So I did research and found that nursing would allow me the opportunity of tending to these immediate needs in society.

But of course, the process would not be easy. As I later found out, it was to be filled with case reports, bodily secretions, and the intonations of doubt folks had when asking me why I chose to study nursing in the first place. This, I think, was the most insidious of all detractors. I could have still transferred to another major or another school. The undergraduate program I attended had hundreds of competing options. Yet, I am here now writing this sentence as a registered nurse. Because when I placed any losses against the gains of learning the skills needed to be an effective agent in the field, the gains won out. There was something to be appreciated in the fact that my suffering could translate into my patients’ gain.

||Read: Story of a Non-Science Premed ||

A daily help was the example of my own mother. I think my initial decision to go into nursing was based in part on a desire to connect with her experience. I could call her to discuss my thoughts about a subject, like how to explain the five rights of medication administration to an instructor. She became somewhat of a mentor to me. Being supportive of my decision to enter medicine, my mom/mentor also encouraged me in that endeavor. It was extremely important for me to have such a positive voice around. As with most fields, all my mentors helped me dust my shoulders off, not letting the scratches, slights, or passive aggressiveness get to me, and imparted their wisdom whenever possible. I don’t know where I’d be without support systems like this.

As they say, hindsight is 20/20. I get that. The real question might be: “given all I know now, would I recommend becoming a nurse as a stepping stone to becoming a physician?” My answer: it depends. If a student has the ability to focus intently on one thing, without any distraction of future plans, then yes. But if you are like me, and need frequent encouragement to avoid indulgence in competing interests when things get tough, then perhaps pursuing a straight career path would be the better option. In nursing, you can be a true advocate for your patients every shift, worrying less about the selection of necessary orders as much as the execution. One can form great bonds with coworkers, and have a competitive salary. If a student has been set on medicine, these good things might be viewed as entrapments to progression.

||Read: Premed Myths Part 3 ||

In the end, as with everything, the choice is ultimately your own. In my case, I’ve learned some new things and met some interesting people, and I’ll have a sense of the gravity that comes with taking on this new role. In transitioning, I will be in the lives of my patients over the long haul, something I think is possible with medicine only. But I know that whether I am a doctor, a nurse aide, or a registered nurse, I am fueled by the core understanding that my passions lie with my patients. So my highest priority as a healer will be to let this love guide me.

Diboro Kanabolo is a medical student at Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago. He worked 2 years as a nurse prior to going to medical school. 

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• Pre-Med Myths Part 3
• Why Should You Do Research?
• What Are Medical Schools Looking For?

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Oncology Personal Statement Examples

Why look at oncology personal statement examples? Perhaps you are tired of looking for tips, tricks, or how-to writing guides. Perhaps you just know you learn better this way. Expertly written residency personal statement examples can give you great ideas. Reading over the examples included here will show you what to include, how to strike the right tone, and how to avoid red flags in residency personal statements . Between these examples and a residency prep course , you’ll see what a difference this can make in your own writing.

This article provides examples and specific tips for what to include in an oncology residency personal statement.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 8 min read

Oncology residency personal statement examples, oncology residency personal statement #1.

When I was a boy, I always knew what I was going to be when I grew up, and although it was a lofty goal, I pursued it with gusto throughout my young life and teenage years. Of course, I’m not talking about being a doctor. I was going to be a Major League baseball player. So, what am I doing writing a letter for a residency as an oncologist?

It’s the result of a bout with cancer that claimed my lower leg, forcing me to adopt, first, crutches, and then a prosthesis. I also realized that part of my recovery plan would necessarily include the psychological adjustment to knowing that I would never play in the Major Leagues. No matter how fast my fastball was, it wouldn’t really matter if I couldn’t take a base without hobbling around on crutches to get there.

Wondering how to write a residency personal statement? Watch this video:

This was the catalyst which led me to pursue a career as a physician, and specifically one who would beat cancer in all its forms. My journey to med school was a tricky one. I had been a bit of a brash athlete – so single-minded in my devotion to sports that I had let my grades slip. However, although my goal had changed, my determination remained strong. I worked a part-time job to earn money for a tutor, got my grades back up, and made my way to medical school.

I had selected a program which put students into internal medicine quickly, knowing that I would need an intimate knowledge of the workings of the human body to hunt down cancerous elements and fight them. The institution I studied at placed internal medicine front and center and gave me the solid foundation I needed for my studies.

Lab work became my true passion, however, and I spent many extra hours working in the lab, assisting with research. While I studied, I learned a greater patience than I had known before, as experiments – done right – take time. The lab also fueled my natural curiosity and opened up new ideas. While experimenting with lipids and how they are released into the blood stream and trying out faster or slower methods, we were frustrated by numerous setbacks and problems. However, with perseverance, meticulous note-keeping – more patience – and careful adjustment of our methods, we arrived at our goal: almost completely inconclusive results. I laughed. The work was fascinating, the drive was still there, and we could try again tomorrow. Inconclusive results still tell us something, even if it is not what we are hoping for. The lab fires my curiosity, tests my patience, and might be frustrating sometimes, but it always provides the opportunity to press on. If quitting were something I was interested in, I’d be sitting in a wheelchair somewhere, just being gloomy about not playing baseball.

There are days I’m convinced that I was grown in a laboratory, or at least born in one. I’m a lab rat. I have always been very comfortable around all the Bunsen burners and Erlenmeyer flasks. There’s something just so cozy about a lab coat, so comforting about an eye wash station. Maybe that’s just me, but my love of the lab led me to my interest in medicine and oncology.

My program in medical school was an MD-PhD, which I think I selected so that I could spend more time in the lab than ever. The latest research has been investigating cancer’s relationship to diet, obesity, and other health issues. European studies have found connections between cancer and certain fat molecules. I wanted to explore this, and so I oriented my PhD toward verifying findings and building on those experiments. I am conducting experiments to investigate how I can use reduction of fat cells to slow down or halt cancerous growth. So far, we are making good progress, particularly with fat cells related to certain oils and internal cancers. There is still a long way to go, but I believe we are getting there.

Knowing that I am contributing – if only in a small way – to such a milestone in humanity’s medical achievements is satisfying when I hang up my lab coat at the end of a long day. Cancer is still one of the worst afflictions we face and being able to take it down a notch is extremely satisfying and rewarding.

My dream and goal are therefore to continue to work in a laboratory in addition to my work as a physician. I always want to be helping to combat cancer on multiple fronts, in the clinic and in the lab, and I believe that my dual experiences in both fields will greatly enhance the efficacy of my efforts in the other area.

During medical school, I had the opportunity to work with several oncologists by shadowing and assisting on their rounds. This brought me face-to-face with the world in which oncologists live. I will be completely honest: parts of it are scary, and I continue to admire the fortitude of doctors who must look patients in the eye and deliver a number like “seven months” in a compassionate yet direct way. I also gained practical knowledge in terms of treatments for cancer and the various options available to oncologists. Finally, as part of my clinical experiences, I have sat with families and held their hands, literally and figuratively, and been shown that treatment involves medicine but also emotional support.

I also came to understand the importance of the subtle variations of oncology used to combat cancer. Radiation oncology, hematology, surgery, and urology – just to name a few – all contribute to diagnosis and care. This is a large field where there is always something new to learn. That is both humbling and exciting for me.

While working with these oncologists, I learned how to proceed through treatment methods, how to guide patients to the best option for their personal treatment, and how to act quickly by prioritizing and managing patients’ needs and one’s time. Radiation oncology has captured my attention as one of the most effective methods of cancer treatment. I also think that my laboratory research can, and will, ultimately make radiation treatment more efficient by increasing its efficacy against cancer while simultaneously reducing its negative effects on patients. Balancing life expectancy and quality of life is a daily dilemma of oncologists. We need to develop better methods, and I would like to contribute to the research that achieves success in that regard.

Ultimately, your program will prove to be the best place to do that. With your state-of-the-art technology and laboratories, I will have the necessary facilities to work at maximum efficiency, which will also propel my learning. Your program is heavily focused on research and development, and my goals and temperament are perfectly aligned with this reality.

I believe that I can make a strong contribution to the world of oncology and that my contribution will be all the stronger for being in your program. Likewise, I believe that given my curiosity, exploration, and scientific approach to medicine, I will be an ideal candidate for your program, which puts a premium on all those qualities.

In the lab or in the clinic, with patients emotionally, or fighting to find treatments, I believe I will be a dedicated learner and make a fine member of your team.

The first thing to remember when writing a personal statement is that the main goal is to present yourself as the perfect match for the residency to which you are applying. That should always be your ultimate aim. Use aspects of your history, experience, and studies that best show your compatibility with the residency.

What are the specific qualities of an oncology residency that you will need to highlight?

Oncologists need to know oncology, hematology, and internal medicine very well. Laboratory skills, particularly pertaining to chemistry, are recommended as well. ","label":"Medical Skillset","title":"Medical Skillset"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

There are many different kinds of oncologists, too. Know your career goals before applying to residency. Highlight these goals and especially how the program you are applying to will help you. Depending on the type of oncologist you wish to become, you might want to highlight different skills.

Using these expert tips, as well as the examples presented, you should find yourself in a prime position to write your own oncology residency personal statement. Keep focused on your ambitions and goals and grab on to those dreams.

You should set aside a little time each day for two to six weeks. Give yourself time to write, re-write, edit, and proofread, as well as time to get feedback from fresh eyes.

Around 750–900 words, based on the ERAS application, although this might change from residency to residency. Be sure to check whether your particular program has any specific guidelines or word limits.

Your understanding of oncology, lab experience, a strong knowledge of internal medicine, any experiences you have with cancer, and how well you handle speaking to a patient and their friends and family are the best experiences, skills, and background that you can put to the forefront in your personal statement. Oncology – dealing with cancer – can be very personal, and if you feel comfortable sharing a personal connection, that can be very compelling.

Always focus on the residency you want, who you are, and how you can match the two. This is the point of “matching”: finding a residency that you’re perfect for, and vice versa. Give the reader the best reasons for why you are the best candidate for their program, specifically. It must be individualized. Show-don’t-tell with experiences related to your residency; include at least a brief mention of career goals and ambitions, too.

Avoid generalizing – the opposite of matching yourself to the program – as well as any arrogance or other unappealing qualities – particularly regarding tone. Ensure that you are not repeating content from other parts of your application. If you have red flags in your residency CV , you need to address those in your personal statement.

They are important. Although not of paramount importance, every aspect of your application should be impeccable, so have no grammar or spelling issues. If this is so important to you – and it is – send that message by caring for all aspects of the personal statement – like spelling and grammar.

Don’t think of it in terms of the “best” program. Think of it in terms of the best program for you . This is knowing how you learn, what your goals are, and how you might go about optimizing your experiences for the future you want. You might not thrive in a big school, for instance, so if the “best” oncology program is too big, you won’t get as much out of it as a school that didn’t get the top ranking in a respected periodical, but which has a more intimate learning environment.

While not matching is rare, it does happen. If it happens to you, you need to think about how to improve residency application after going unmatched . Mostly you will be preparing for a second attempt, which might include boosting your resume or taking extra courses.

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