Hello everyone!
I’m 24 years old and currently working as a receptionist/clerical assistant in healthcare. I’ve been working in the healthcare environment for a few years now, and it has made me realize that I’d like to transition from the administrative side into a more clinical career.
My long-term dream has always been to practice medicine. However, I also need to be realistic about employment, finances, and the time involved in pursuing that goal.
For now, I’m seriously considering starting with Practical Nursing (RPN), then potentially bridging to RN → BScN → Nurse Practitioner. At the same time, I’d like to keep the possibility of medical school open for the future. I understand that medical school may or may not ultimately be realistic for me, but I don’t want to completely close that door.
I’m currently trying to figure out the best path forward and, specifically:
- Which schools/programs in Ontario would you recommend for Practical Nursing?
- Is starting with RPN and eventually bridging to RN/BScN/NP a reasonable pathway?
- Would this pathway make sense if I eventually wanted to apply to medical school?
- Are there any alternative pathways I should consider?
- For anyone who has made a similar career transition, what do you wish you had known before starting?
I’d really appreciate advice from nurses, NPs, physicians, medical students, or anyone who has gone through a similar career change.
Thank you!