Being a mature student Doctor
Discussion
I have been seriously considering a change of career in to medicine for some time (something I wish I had been pointed towards when I was younger!).
Has anyone taken the jump as a mature student?
I have no relevant qualifications and know how hard it is to get on a course. I know anything is possible but it looks like I would have to study an access course at college while applying to as many Medical Schools as possible and doing a foundation year (meaning 6 years instead of 5 + 2 years of practical on top then 2 years for a GP?).
Any information and experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers
Sam
Has anyone taken the jump as a mature student?
I have no relevant qualifications and know how hard it is to get on a course. I know anything is possible but it looks like I would have to study an access course at college while applying to as many Medical Schools as possible and doing a foundation year (meaning 6 years instead of 5 + 2 years of practical on top then 2 years for a GP?).
Any information and experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers
Sam
Greedydog said:
My girlfriend took the plunge when she was 33 giving up a science career. 7 Years later she's almost finished as an FY2 and I'm hugely proud of her. What I would say is prepare yourself for some hard work and lots of expense. Including the lost wages it has cost my girlfriend in the region of £200k to retrain.
Good luck!
congrats to her!Good luck!
eeeek 200k
I have no outgoings really and could live off student money lol
Just waiting to hear back from admissions see what I need to do to get on a course!
forgot about this thread some interesting replies!
I am redoing some GCSEs this year to hopefully get accepted on to access course next year! Been in contact with a course leader and got some good information.
I will need 6 months of HC work to even be considered so will be sorting that out. which will be tough as i work stupid hours lol and redoing maths and english and science (even though i don't need too but I want higher grades) if only i could of been bothered at school ^^
ill update in 1 year if i get on course
I am redoing some GCSEs this year to hopefully get accepted on to access course next year! Been in contact with a course leader and got some good information.
I will need 6 months of HC work to even be considered so will be sorting that out. which will be tough as i work stupid hours lol and redoing maths and english and science (even though i don't need too but I want higher grades) if only i could of been bothered at school ^^
ill update in 1 year if i get on course
Prof Prolapse said:
The instinctive response is to encourage you to follow you dreams. But I actually think medicine is really over-sold.
I looked at doing this as a mature student. I did my MCAT tests, work experience with GI surgeons, charity work, already work in a clinical environment, got interviews, and s
t myself when I worked out it would cost £250,000 - £300,000 based on my current salary and loss of earnings.
Personally I know I made the right choice by not following it through. I want to contribute to society but consider medicine akin to martyrdom. Just make sure you're not the same.
Best of luck with it.
cheersI looked at doing this as a mature student. I did my MCAT tests, work experience with GI surgeons, charity work, already work in a clinical environment, got interviews, and s
t myself when I worked out it would cost £250,000 - £300,000 based on my current salary and loss of earnings.Personally I know I made the right choice by not following it through. I want to contribute to society but consider medicine akin to martyrdom. Just make sure you're not the same.
Best of luck with it.
I am going to be having a good think about it this weekend as it will cost me a lot time wise and financially. But on the other hand it is something I have always wanted. :/
Prof Prolapse said:
More so than money, I think the point I'm trying to make is you need to do more than think about it. Your expectations of the job need to match reality. Unless you've got a family with cash. This is a big decision you're making.
You also need to be honest with yourself about whether student life is for you. Medicine isn't massively complicated, but it is massive. You need to be very very good at remembering lots of information. In my opinion it's one of the hardest degrees you can do for this reason. Especially for the likes of you and I who aren't born academics. Also if you want to be GP, remember this never stops.
If you've not already done so, have a chat to the students during open days (bearing in mind only those who are most positive will be there) and get work experience organised. Medics are very good at giving time to students.
To be honest you'll need to do that to be considered anyway, along with a long track record of teamwork and work in a caring environment (such as a charity work).
That said mate, it's a cracking vocation. I remember how excited I was at applying for the various stages and learning about it.
Thank you for taking the time to do this. I am self employed so my other half and parents have all offered to support me which is amazing. I am lucky enough to have family who work in the NHS and it is something even after talking about I know I want to do. You also need to be honest with yourself about whether student life is for you. Medicine isn't massively complicated, but it is massive. You need to be very very good at remembering lots of information. In my opinion it's one of the hardest degrees you can do for this reason. Especially for the likes of you and I who aren't born academics. Also if you want to be GP, remember this never stops.
If you've not already done so, have a chat to the students during open days (bearing in mind only those who are most positive will be there) and get work experience organised. Medics are very good at giving time to students.
To be honest you'll need to do that to be considered anyway, along with a long track record of teamwork and work in a caring environment (such as a charity work).
That said mate, it's a cracking vocation. I remember how excited I was at applying for the various stages and learning about it.
I will retake a few GCSE's and apply to the access course this year which gives me until next summer to really make sure it is what I want to do.
The essay writing does scare me but my OH is a teacher and extremely academic so I have a wealth of help when it comes to that aspect. As for remembering things I have no doubt I will be fine at that
for some reason I am great at reciting information and have a very logical problem solving brain which I think should help lol. Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff