Mature student advice needed please

[mbt0001]

Hello and thanks for reading,

I am after some advice to help me continue toward my aim of studying medicine.

Some facts about me:
I’m 33 years old and work full-time as a paramedic in England. I have just come to the end of a 3 year employer sponsored foundation degree in paramedic sciences (university diploma).

At school I studied abroad and took the subjects equivalent to A-levels in Physics, English and History; hence, no Chemistry. Its been a while since I studied Physics, so I would be terribly rusty in that and my maths.

I had hoped to finish the BSc in paramedic sciences and use that to apply for the graduate entry program. It looks unlikely that option will be available for at least a year, possibly longer. If it does come available, it will be part-time. Therefore, the earliest completion will be summer 2008 or later.

Now I am wondering if I should look at:

• A 5 year option with what I have for 2006, picking up chemistry A-level
part-time this year
• Applying for a pre-med entry route, 2006
• Completing degree despite the time

The four year program was my preferred option previously as I knew that financial assistance was available from a bursary after the 1st year.
I am at a loss which way to proceed, so any advice would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks,

Michael

[nursesteve]

you may as well throw your hat in with the premed courses, see sheffield they're good wit matures and UEA will take you if you have the equivalent of A level biology but this may be so with your paramedic qual, again ask around...

[exms]

You really need to phone your shortlisted unis *first* and find out whether they would consider you with your current qualifications and, if not, what quals they need you to get before you can make that kind of decision.

I wouldn't wait around for the 4 year course, really. The competition is too intense, so you could easily end up waiting around for years to finish the degree and then ending up on a 5 year course anyway.

Just my 2.18p,

-- A.

[mbt0001]

Thanks for the advice -

I phoned a number of schools this morning and most have asked for
a CV to be sent outlining my background in greater depth. Those that
asked for the CV said they could give more specific advice based on that.

At the minute it sounds as if I would be better applying for the 5 year option.
UEA have said if my FD was distinction, that would ensure entry requirement.
What is distinction? Is that 80%?

Michael

[chenchin]

Thanks for the advice -

I phoned a number of schools this morning and most have asked for
a CV to be sent outlining my background in greater depth. Those that
asked for the CV said they could give more specific advice based on that.

At the minute it sounds as if I would be better applying for the 5 year option.
UEA have said if my FD was distinction, that would ensure entry requirement.
What is distinction? Is that 80%?

Michael

I sort of did the same thing, finished a nursing diploma last year and had three A' Levels inc Chemistry and sent off my CV to the ones that were interested after i called them. I could have tried to do my nursing degree and gone for the GEP but I personally think the five year option is better (??? easier to get into). Have been accepted into Keele University for this year (where I did my diploma)!!

My advice (it worked for me anyway) would be to send your CV emphasising your clinical experience, communication skills and teamwork etc and hopefully the university where you are doing your diploma have a medical school so you can use your academic tutor and apply to that university as well. Sorry not sure what is classed as distinction.

With God nothing is impossible