Hi everyone,
I’m currently a Public Health student planning to apply to medical school, but I’m considering taking ~3 gap years and using that time to both strengthen my application and have a stable, well-paying job so that I can afford medical school without sacrificing things like healthy food, safer neighborhoods, etc.
Right now, I’m deciding between two paths:
Option 1: ABSN → RN
- Complete an accelerated BSN (possibly covered by scholarship)
- Work as an RN for 2–3 years
- Gain clinical experience, financial stability, and flexibility (travel nursing is appealing)
- Study for and take the MCAT during this time, and be able to pay for my remaining pre-requisite courses (about 4 classes)
- there are more scholarships available for nursing degrees than any Postbacc or masters program
Option 2: Traditional post-bacc / DIY GPA repair
- Focus purely on GPA improvement and pre-med coursework
- Work lower-paying clinical jobs (CNA/MA)
- Apply without a second degree
- A program would offer support in admissions, and potentially a linkage program.
My situation:
- Current GPA: ~3.2 (working on improving it)
- Strong interest in serving underserved communities
- Need financial stability during gap years (this is a big factor for me)
My concerns:
- Will doing an ABSN hurt or help my chances for med school?
- Is RN experience viewed as “less valuable” compared to traditional pre-med paths?
- Would I be taking an unnecessary detour instead of focusing on GPA repair? (Ik the pathway is an extra step, but I’m willing to do it for job security and financial freedom)
- Is balancing RN work + MCAT realistically doable?
- I’m more than willing to take as long as it takes to become a doctor, but coming from a low-income background, I know how taxing financial instability can be. Hence why I’ve even considered taking the long way round.
I’m not looking for validation, just honest feedback on whether this is a smart or inefficient path.
If anyone has gone RN → MD (or considered it), I’d really appreciate hearing your experience.
Thanks in advance!