Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/30/2009

Question
Hello Mr. Levy
I am interested in becoming an Anesthesiologist but I am currently in school to become a nurse. I'm working for my associates in science and once I became an RN I'll go for my BSN. Granted I will be taking pre-req courses for med school and whatever isn't completed within these four years I will take during the summer during the 3rd and 4th year of college. I'm taking this route so that I can receive some form of income while working on my bachelors. I'm a single parent and to me this seems like the best route. I'd like to know if you have any suggestions regarding my plan. Is there an alternate route that can be taken? Is it doable and does the nursing curriculum somewhat correlate with the prerequisites needed for med school? Please advise

Answer
I don't see the point in what you are doing. If a RN or BSN is 4 yrs then you might as well get your bachelor's directly. If you are hoping to work as an RN while in med school, that is not likely to work out. I am not aware of the pre reqs for nursing so I can't tell you if the is crossover but there is no short way to get to anesthesiology and I'm afraid you may be prolonging rather than shortening the process.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston