I haven't gone to college either, enlisted in the military instead.
Or how about nursing, or physician's assisstant?
2007-06-20 07:12:06 · 13 answers · asked by Bob G 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Health Care
Not really too late - but realize that you'd have 4 years of college, 4 of med school, then a couple more at least of residency, so you'd probably be early 50's before you opened a practice. You'd need excellent grades undergrad to be accepted to med school.
Nursing and physician's assistant are very good fields also, with good pay and lots of jobs available. They're hard work, as is being a doctor. The schooling for those is obviously a lot shorter, so you could be earning good money in a few years.
2007-06-20 07:39:54 · answer #1 · answered by Judy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A PA is a good choice, it's about a five year program and give you the ability to see pt's under a Dr's care. The Med. Director where I work has a PA that I have more respect for than the Dr.
As a PA you can work in the ER with the Dr's "supervision", ou can work in a Dr's office esp. in high risk areas like cardiology.
The other alternative, since there aren't that many PA schools is to become a Nurse practioner, a masters degree program, it follows a BSN in nursing. This will give you pretty much as the PA but not as much independance.
But, if its medical school you want, my MOM just started college and she's 80. She fully intends to graduate even though she can't go full time due to taking care of my dad.
Anything is worth doing if you want it bad enough.
2007-06-20 07:25:55 · answer #2 · answered by sweet sue 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Going To Med School At 40
2016-12-28 05:33:01 · answer #3 · answered by shiner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not recommend beginning medical school at 40. If you have no college credits at all you're looking at spending at least the next 12 years in school, and if you intend to specialize you're looking at at least a few more years for specialty training. Of course, you could still give it a shot, but its a lot easier to keep up with that type of stress when you're younger.
I also do not recommend nursing at all. Since you like medicine go to physician assistant school instead. That career I would recommend to anyone, anytime! It is an excellent field to go into, and you can make very good money.
2007-06-20 10:51:30 · answer #4 · answered by webhead28 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's not too late to do any of those things. You're young yet, so set your sights and go for it!
I'd always suggest nursing to begin with. It provides a wonderful base for the other possibilities you listed and can be accomplished in the least amount of time. A great way to "get your feet wet" so to speak. The classes you would take for a nursing degree would be excellent preperation for the classes you'd need for more advanced degrees.
I'm excited for you! Whatever you decide, jump right in with your whole heart and ENJOY!
2007-06-20 07:19:36 · answer #5 · answered by bluevinylangel 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I went back to school at 40. Now I am a nurse practitioner.
I was in the military too. Electronics Technician (hated it) got out and did this, love it!
GOOD LUCK
Ask your self, how old will I be when I graduate in 4 years?
How old will I be if I don't graduate in 4 years?
2007-06-22 08:37:52 · answer #6 · answered by Jamie, FNP 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nursing school would take you way less time - you'd be working in 2-3 years - assuming you go to school full time. To be an MD, you're looking at another 10 years before you earn more than pennies.
A good nurse can write their own ticket in today's world. There's a big demand for them.
Good luck!
2007-06-20 07:49:31 · answer #7 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can be an RN in 2 years (going fulltime). If you mean by medical school becoming a doctor... that's a tougher call. Expect 10 years in school and residency and THEN you start your practice. Wanna be starting at 50?
Start with an RN... then you can advance (if it's the right fit) to be a Nurse Practicioner.
good luck
2007-06-20 07:19:05 · answer #8 · answered by words_smith_4u 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know that everyone says "go for it" but, think hard about med school. I know at our more "advanced ages" staying up all night repeatedly becomes harder & harder and it takes longer to bounce back. Also, more adult complex life styles may make that 24/7 commitment more difficult.I know that it became extremely hard for me to work the 12 hour late shifts in the ER after I became 40....just something to think about
2007-06-20 13:05:09 · answer #9 · answered by Diane A 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've still got 25 years before retirement, even if it took you 8 years that's still 17 years working. Nursing school would obviously take you even less time.
2007-06-20 07:15:23 · answer #10 · answered by Mr Chris 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋