Which route to medicine? All advice appreciated!

[Natty]

Hi All,

Im new here but iv been browsing for a while and you all seem to have good advice so Im sure you could help me out :-)

Im 27 and currently working within I.T. with a plan to move into the medical field as this is an area that I have always been interested in.

At the moment, im based in Liverpool, however I prefer to study either in Manchester or Birmingham, both of which I am happy to relocate for. Ideally I would begin studying this year!

Basically iv done some research and I would like to study either an Access to Health Course or consider a foundation degree in medicine. Does anybody have experience of studying either of these with an ability to advise a particular route to medicine? I have good GCSE's in Science, as well as A levels in Forensic Science, so I wasnt sure whether I would need to do the Access Course?

I would also plan to remain in full time employment where possible, does anybody have an idea of the workload for these courses and just how demanding it will be?

[Steve NI]

Medicine Access and foundation courses Manchester College, all Manchester College Medicine courses Manchester

not sure if you can do these courses P/T though?

Have a look anyhow.

Good Luck

S

[Natty]

Thanks a lot,

I'm looking at these at the moment, but I'm wondering if I'll have any trouble getting into med school after completing them? Just want to get straight into a good med school without any palarva.

Medicine Courses Manchester | Northenden Campus | The Manchester College

Medicine Courses Manchester | Northenden Campus | The Manchester College

Dentistry, Pharmacy and Medical Science Courses Manchester | Nicholls Campus | The Manchester College

I am also considering doing the life sciences degree with O U to then move onto a GEM but this will prolly take the best part of 5 yrs before I even get to med school so any info on this would be great!

I'd just like to know;

1: which access courses ( whether in Liverpool, Manchester or Birmingham) are the most hightly reputed or regarded by the top med schools?

2: are these access courses doable whilst in full time work (I do 11 hr shifts 4 on 4 off - and am very motivated)

3: Is it worth doing the life sciences course through O U to go onto GEM?

Thanks a lot for any help/advice, I sincerly appreciate anyone who has anything to say.

[foxyamy]

Thanks a lot,

I'm looking at these at the moment, but I'm wondering if I'll have any trouble getting into med school after completing them? Just want to get straight into a good med school without any palarva.

Medicine Courses Manchester | Northenden Campus | The Manchester College

Medicine Courses Manchester | Northenden Campus | The Manchester College

Dentistry, Pharmacy and Medical Science Courses Manchester | Nicholls Campus | The Manchester College

I am also considering doing the life sciences degree with O U to then move onto a GEM but this will prolly take the best part of 5 yrs before I even get to med school so any info on this would be great!

I'd just like to know;

1: which access courses ( whether in Liverpool, Manchester or Birmingham) are the most hightly reputed or regarded by the top med schools?

2: are these access courses doable whilst in full time work (I do 11 hr shifts 4 on 4 off - and am very motivated)

3: Is it worth doing the life sciences course through O U to go onto GEM?

Thanks a lot for any help/advice, I sincerly appreciate anyone who has anything to say.

I would advise against going the OU route. Not only would you need to keep up the motivation and do extra specially well for a long time (in OU you have to get 70% to get a 2:1 compared to a normal uni where you have to get only 60%) but entry into GEP is extra competitive compared to getting into the 5-year courses. Also you would not be eligible for funding or bursary on the 5-year course, so it would be a much more expensive route to take too.

[Natty]

Hi Guys my Mrs just sent me;

Manchester (University of), Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences
Medicine 6 years including pre-medical year
+44 (0)161 275 2077

Stating it would be a much better option than doin access course because its straight in without any messing around, it sounds good to me, what do you guys think. It looks like O U is outter the question now.

[Jolt]

The courses you've mentioned are for different candidates really.

The 6 year course you've mentioned has pretty high entry requirements (ABB at A Level if I remember correctly) and you have to apply though UCAS, so it's likely that the places have been filled for the September 2010 intake.

The A2M courses are designed for mature students whose qualifications might be several years old and are possibly not the A grades that are typically required of medical applicants.

Both routes are pretty competitive in terms of the number of people applying compared to places.

I'm the same age as you and also came from IT and am currently on the Manchester College A2M program. If you've got any questions I'd be happy to help.

[Natty]

"The A2M courses are designed for mature students whose qualifications might be several years old and are possibly not the A grades that are typically required of medical applicants".

Thanks for that Jolt, sorry for the noobness but what do you mean by A2M? Is that the 6 yr foundation degree they do in Manchester that I mentioned? I rekon that is the one which suits me best due to;

"......are designed for mature students whose qualifications might be several years old and are possibly not the A grades that are typically required of medical applicants".

I'd be greatful for any pointers on the correct places to look and right things to do to improve my eligibility. I work full time at the moment but would be prepared to pack it in if I got the chance to go Med School.

Thanks in advance.

[DLS]

Thanks for that Jolt, sorry for the noobness but what do you mean by A2M?

Access to medicine. I believe the foundation course is more for School leavers with lower grades/non science qualifications. Although the liverpool one is abit different

[Natty]

I was told A2M doesnt guarantee you a place in med school?? That cant be true if youve embarked on it?? (im sure you wouldnt waste your time) If I thought an A2M could automatically transport me to Med School I'd be very happy because there are part time ones offered by Mancat over 1 and 2 yrs;

Medicine Courses Manchester | Northenden Campus | The Manchester College

Medicine Courses Manchester | Nicholls Campus | The Manchester College

This would allow me to continue on with my job until I complete the course, I would then plan to look for a voluntary role that is more suited to health etc, to coincide with med school.

From what I've heard and what youve said it seems as though this is my best option but I'm all ears for absolutely anything helpful.

I just dont want to finish an A2M and then have difficulty getting onto Med school for whatever reason, I'd like to do very well on the A2M and then get nicely onto a degree at a decent med school.

[DLS]

I think that you do the A2M then you apply to med schools as normal... I think that just enhances you application?