Key Takeaways:

• Registered nurses can transition into medical doctors, but they must complete a bachelor’s degree, take the MCAT, attend medical school, and finish residency training.
• Nursing experience is valuable, yet it does not shorten medical education requirements.
• The RN-to-MD journey requires significant time, financial investment, and a willingness to adjust your lifestyle.

Can a Nurse Become a Doctor?

Nurses and physicians both play vital roles in patient care, often working side by side, yet their responsibilities and scope of practice differ substantially. A registered nurse (RN) can become a medical doctor (MD), but doing so requires completing additional academic coursework, earning acceptance into medical school, and undergoing years of clinical training. Below, you’ll learn exactly how nurses can transition into becoming physicians and what the journey involves.

Why Nurses May Want to Become MDs

Some nurses originally considered becoming doctors but chose nursing due to personal circumstances, financial limitations, or life changes. Once they enter the healthcare world and observe firsthand how nursing and physician roles diverge, many rekindle their earlier interest in becoming an MD.

Others seek broader authority, greater responsibility, or the ability to perform more advanced procedures. Some want to have more influence in medical decision-making or lead a clinical team. Whatever the motivation, pursuing medicine is a major life decision. The rigorous training demands time, emotional energy, and substantial financial resources—impacting not only the nurse but also their family and support network.

Is There a Stigma Around Nurses Becoming MDs?

Historically, there was a noticeable stigma when nurses pursued medical school, and only a small number made that transition. However, attitudes have shifted. Nurses, physicians, and medical institutions have grown increasingly supportive of RNs entering medical programs.

Though some bias may remain, nurses in med school benefit from their bedside experience, clinical insight, and patient-centered approach. They must also keep in mind that physicians operate from a different clinical perspective—one focused heavily on diagnostics, treatment plans, and life-saving interventions.

How to Go From Registered Nurse to Medical Doctor

Step 1.) Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

To start the path toward becoming an MD, you must hold a bachelor’s degree. Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) typically meet most medical school prerequisites through their existing coursework.

Those with non-science bachelor’s degrees must ensure they complete all required science courses. Nurses who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree will need to complete one before applying to medical school.

Step 2.) Take the MCAT

Next, aspiring medical students must take the MCAT—the Medical College Admission Test. It must be completed within three years of submitting medical school applications. The Managing Director of Achievable, Justin Pincar, explained to us that the exam evaluates analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and foundational science knowledge through a computer-based testing format.

Nursing background does not provide an advantage on the MCAT. In fact, nurses who have been out of school for many years may find it challenging because the exam is based on academic content rather than clinical experience. Traditional pre-med students often prepare through structured university review courses, whereas nurses typically need to find independent study resources.

The MCAT is similar to the NCLEX in structure but focuses more on scientific principles than hands-on practice, which can be difficult for some nurses.

Step 3.) Apply to Medical School

Once MCAT scores are released, they are forwarded to the medical schools chosen by the applicant. Some programs value nursing experience as a strength, while others may not consider it particularly beneficial. Admissions committees evaluate undergraduate GPA, prerequisite coursework, strength of academic institution, and MCAT performance. According to the AAMC, many schools enforce a minimum MCAT score requirement and do not review applications that fall below it.

Step 4.) Attend Medical School

Medical school consists of two years of classroom education followed by two years of clinical rotations. Previous nursing experience does not reduce the required four-year duration; every student must complete the full curriculum to earn the MD degree.

Step 5.) Attend a Residency Program and Possibly a Fellowship

After graduating from medical school, new doctors enter residency programs that last anywhere from two to four years. Nurses who want to pursue subspecialties must also complete fellowships, which may extend training by an additional one to five years depending on the specialty.

Highly specialized fields require more extensive postgraduate training.

How Long Does It Take to Go From RN to MD?

From the start of prerequisites through residency, the RN-to-MD timeline can stretch to nearly a decade, especially for fields such as neurosurgery or cardiothoracic surgery. Becoming an attending physician requires long-term dedication and patience.

How Much Does Medical School Cost for Nurses?

Educationdata reports that the average annual cost of medical school is $58,968, with the total cost averaging $235,827 for the full four-year program.

Other Career Advancement Options for Nurses

There are numerous advanced clinical roles for nurses who want increased responsibility without committing to the full MD pathway. The most common alternatives include Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

CRNA programs typically take about three years and require earning a doctoral degree, while NP programs can be completed in as little as two years with full-time study. Many nurses continue working while enrolled in NP or CRNA schooling—something that isn’t possible during medical school. Hospitals may also offer tuition reimbursement for these advanced nursing programs, a benefit not available for medical school.

Becoming a physician has clear advantages, and some nurses find that pathway deeply fulfilling. However, it’s crucial to have honest conversations with medical professionals and evaluate whether the training length, financial demands, and impact on your lifestyle align with your long-term goals.

FAQs

How long is it to go from RN to MD?
 Depending on whether you already hold a bachelor’s degree, the journey from RN to MD can take approximately six to ten years.

Can a nurse become a doctor?
 Yes. RNs can pursue either an MD or DO degree by completing a bachelor’s program and applying to medical school. Nurses may also earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), though this is an academic credential—not a medical license granting physician authority.

Can I go to medical school with a nursing degree?
 Absolutely. Nurses can apply to medical school as long as they meet all prerequisite coursework and hold a bachelor’s degree.

How do I transfer from RN to MD?
 The transition requires obtaining a bachelor’s degree (if you don’t already have one), taking the MCAT, applying to medical schools, and completing the full medical training process.

Can you go from NP to MD?
 Yes. Nurse Practitioners can become MDs by applying to medical school and fulfilling all training requirements.

Can a nurse be a surgeon?
 A nurse can become a surgeon only by attending medical school and completing surgical residency training. Some advanced practice nurses can assist with surgeries or perform certain procedures, but full surgical authority requires an MD or DO degree.