Can you become a doctor later in life?

AngelaVickers

12

Asking for a friend... is there any way an adult with limited/no formal qualifications can train to be a doctor?

Open university

Original post by AngelaVickers

Asking for a friend... is there any way an adult with limited/no formal qualifications can train to be a doctor?

Study abroad.

Reply 3

Democracy

20

Original post by AngelaVickers

Asking for a friend... is there any way an adult with limited/no formal qualifications can train to be a doctor?

Sounds like s/he might be eligible to do an Access to Medicine course?

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Access_to_Medicine

http://www.medschoolsonline.co.uk/school-leavers-access/

It's not the easiest way to get into med school since some medical schools only accept specific Access courses (which might not be geographically practical for your friend), but it's worth looking into. Some more general info here:

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medicine

Reply 4

Sceptical_John

16

how much 'later' are we talking? While you can still learn new things when you're a little older, given the vast amount a doctor needs to know, it seems a tough ask.

Reply 5

AngelaVickers

OP

12

Original post by Sceptical_John

how much 'later' are we talking? While you can still learn new things when you're a little older, given the vast amount a doctor needs to know, it seems a tough ask.

Early twenties? 20/21!

Reply 6

AngelaVickers

OP

12

Original post by Democracy

Sounds like s/he might be eligible to do an Access to Medicine course?

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Access_to_Medicine

http://www.medschoolsonline.co.uk/school-leavers-access/

It's not the easiest way to get into med school since some medical schools only accept specific Access courses (which might not be geographically practical for your friend), but it's worth looking into. Some more general info here:

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medicine

Thank you so much for all the info it was most helpful!!!

Reply 7

AngelaVickers

OP

12

Original post by SyedHB

Study abroad.

Never thought about that before... thanks!

Reply 8

AngelaVickers

OP

12

Original post by Om3ga2379

Open university

Thanks!

Reply 9

Democracy

20

Original post by AngelaVickers

Thank you so much for all the info it was most helpful!!!

No worries.

20/21 is definitely not too old either: some people start medical school in their 30s or 40s (and beyond).

Reply 10

Sceptical_John

16

21 is of course no problem.

Reply 11

AngelaVickers

OP

12

Original post by Democracy

No worries.

20/21 is definitely not too old either: some people start medical school in their 30s or 40s (and beyond).

Well that's a relief!

Reply 12

AngelaVickers

OP

12

Original post by Sceptical_John

21 is of course no problem.

That's great to know! Would you say my friend would have as good a shot as 18 year olds fresh out of sixth form if she were to retake her GCSES and study A Levels? Assuming she was to achieve a good set of grades and gained the required experience within hospital settings.