Choosing Between Nursing School and Medical School
Deciding between nursing and medical school is about picking the right path in healthcare. Here’s more about both fields to help you choose. If you’re thinking about a healthcare career, you might consider nursing or becoming a doctor. The choice depends on your career goal and what you want to study.
Dr. Camille Wendekier, a professor at St. Francis University, explains that medical and nursing schools have different ways of thinking. “Medical school focuses on diseases and how to treat them,” Dr. Wendekier says. “Nursing looks at the whole person in their life.”
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This guide talks about picking between nursing and medical school, including how long it takes, what you learn, and how much it costs. Keep reading to hear from nursing experts in both fields and learn more about the differences between nurses and doctors.
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Education and Time Differences
Nursing and medical school programs take different amounts of time. Medical school takes much longer. Nursing programs range from two years for an associate degree to six years for a master’s. Medical school needs at least eight years of education plus more time for residency.
“Medical school is four years of college, four years of medical school, and 3-7 years of residency,” says medical student Kristin Aromolaran. “That’s at least 11 years after high school. Nursing might be four years of undergrad, with more years for master’s or doctorate.”
You should pick the path that interests you and feels right. Aromolaran says, “When you think about a healthcare career, consider what you enjoy and want to do every day.”
Different Things to Learn
Besides the time you spend in school, the things you learn are also different. Nursing focuses on individual patients and what they need. Medical school is more about general science and how the body works. “In nursing school, you learn how to be a nurse and study by work environment,” says Aromolaran. “In medical school, you learn medicine by system. It’s not just about being a doctor, it’s more about medicine.”
Both nursing and medical students learn a lot, but medical school covers a broader range of information.
Cost Differences
Usually, medical school costs a lot more than nursing school. Medical school needs more years of education and higher tuition fees. It’s tough for students to work full time and go to medical school.
“As a medical student, you might work part-time in the first or fourth year but not in the rest of medical school,” Aromolaran says.
But the starting salaries for both jobs can help pay for those costs.
“Medical school is more expensive than nursing school,” says Dr. Colbert. “Both jobs pay well, but both need a lot of time and money.”
Nursing students can start working sooner than doctors.
Job Growth and Pay
The need for healthcare workers is growing, including nurses and doctors. Nursing has high demand, but there’s still a shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says we need 203,700 new registered nurses each year.
Both jobs pay well. Registered nurses make around $73,300, while nurse practitioners earn over $115,000. Doctors earn more than $208,000 on average each year.
Healthcare jobs are expected to grow faster than other jobs in the next 10 years. The BLS predicts a 12% growth for nurses and a 7% growth for doctors.
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Different Roles
Nurses and doctors do different things, but their roles work together. They both support and guide patients. One main difference is in their education: doctors study diseases, while nurses focus on patients.
“Physicians and PAs heal patients from the disease model,” says Dr. Wendekier. “Nurses also diagnose and treat patients, but they do it from the nursing model, which is a whole-person approach.”
Despite their differences, nurses and doctors work together to care for patients.
“They have overlapping roles, especially talking to patients and families,” says Aromolaran. “Nurses spend more time with patients and can coordinate care.”
Compared to doctors, nurses can switch specialties more easily.
Caring for Patients
Nurses give personal care to patients. They spend more time with patients and can notice changes in their condition.
“Nurses help patients reach their health goals based on their life and culture,” says Dr. Wendekier. “Nurses can help doctors and advanced nurses understand how patients think about their treatment.”
Doctors focus on diseases and treatments. Dr. Wendekier says, “Doctors and advanced nurses diagnose and treat patients based on the disease.”
Because nurses spend more time with patients, they need to like working closely with people. If you like science more, becoming a doctor might be better.
“Before choosing, think about what you enjoy and what you want to do every day,” says Aromolaran.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I become a doctor instead of a nurse?
Doctors usually earn more and have specialized careers. But consider your goals and interests.
Medical student Aromolaran asks, “Do you hate school, tests, and want to finish quickly? If so, becoming a doctor might be challenging.”
Can a nurse become a doctor?
Yes. Nursing can help you prepare for medical school. Nurses can also become advanced practitioners, similar to doctors.
“Nursing offers flexibility to change goals as life changes,” says Dr. Wendekier.
Do nurses or doctors make more?
Doctors usually earn more in the long run. But salaries vary based on many factors.
“Doctor’s peak salary is higher, but both fields have different-paying jobs,” says Aromolaran. “Doctors earn more, but it offsets their higher costs.”
Do nurse practitioners go to medical school?
No. Nurse practitioners study nursing at a higher level, not medicine. They can earn a master’s or a doctorate.
Which Path Is Right for You?
To choose between nursing and medical school, think about your goals and lifestyle.
Nursing student Isabella Grabin says, “Think about who you are and what you want to accomplish. Consider your determination.”
Decide if you want to specialize or work in different areas. Nursing gives you more flexibility. Both nursing and medical school are rewarding healthcare paths.
“Remember that every path needs sacrifice,” says Dr. Colbert. “Choose what fits you best.”
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