Access to medicine, where to start, no qualifications

**BigV** · 24-06-2008 12:22 PM

Hi, first of all I'm not really sure where to start, so I am asking for any advice really.

I am 22, no gcse's or a-levels (various reasons why I didn't get any, but I wont bore you with those now), no work experience of any note and basically I am looking to get back into HE.

Ever since I was a small kid I wanted to be a doctor, so recently I have been looking at my options and I decided there was no way I could get into any kind of medical course as I'm too old, so I applied for an access to radiography course and sat the entry test, I was accepted for the course starting this year.

However after thinking about it more and arranging my shadowing experience I am not sure I really want to do radiography, I think to be honest I would just resent not being a doctor, so I am wondering if it is too late to start trying to get into medicine, and where do I start?

Should I be looking to do GCSE's or A-levels this year if possible? Should I be waiting till next year to apply for an access to med class, like at MANCAT or something? I am considered reasonably bright but I just haven't had the chances to get the bits of paper to prove it...

Obviously I need to get some work experience either way, but where should I start education wise?

**Gizmo says -** · 24-06-2008 02:04 PM

i fink you will be laffing at these problems when you are in med skool, next year, macca.
i will keep a seat for you.

you are an 'ero.

**Madimi** · 24-06-2008 03:35 PM

I know that MANCAT are still interviewing for this year - and it's perfectly do-able to manage a couple of GCSEs at the same time as studying there, I know people who have done it!

**Muffin2** · 24-06-2008 07:42 PM

yeah you'll have to do at least GCSE english, maths and double award science.

**BigV** · 24-06-2008 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by Muffin2

yeah you'll have to do at least GCSE english, maths and double award science.

Is that before you do the access or can you do them at the same time?

**::Princess::** · 24-06-2008 09:53 PM

i thought the access courses are for people with no scientific background etc.

BigV you are not old...since when did 22 become an old age?I'll be 22 when i start med school

Why dont you try to search on UCAS.com.Type in medicine and it will give you a list of courses inc the access ones.And ring a couple of unis that you are interested in and let them know your situation they will give you appropriate feedback.
Go to one of the careers advisors at your old school/college and tell them what sort of a problem you are in.

Never give up hope...i hope you make it to med school

**Mamba** · 25-06-2008 04:13 AM

Im in Mancat.
From next year they want GCSEl's in Math and English. B or above. Go today and sign up for Maths and English and Sci GCSE, get that done in a year. Then get to MANCAT and get into Med School. You will be in Med school in 2 yrs mate. Thats impressive. ~Im 27 and I start in September thanks to MANCAT despite poor GCSE's. One A and 2 B's and a C in maths. Go get ya gcse's, sign up today, then go speak to MANCAT and tell them yr plan!!! They are very nice, very accomodating people. Follow your dreams mate, trust me, it feels great !!

**Madimi** · 25-06-2008 09:53 AM

Hey Mamba! Not long to go now! Hope you are coping with the stress of those final weeks and looking forward to September!
xxx

**BigV** · 03-07-2008 06:34 PM

Does anyone know if a standard access to science course, which covers Biology, physics & chemistry to level 3 would be good enough to get on one of the 6 year foundation courses?