Didn’t get into medicine now have no idea what to do!

So here’s a bit about my background. I completed my a levels in 2022 and did them in subjects biology, psychology and geography. I didn’t get the best grades (ABC) and I also did not take a level chemistry which means I already knew I was going to struggle to get into medicine. Therefore I looked for transfer schemes that meant I could have a chance of getting into medicine without them looking into my a levels. Fast forward a year. I completed a foundation year in biomedical science and I’m 1.7% off the 70% average I need to get onto medicine. I have tried talking to my lecturers to see if there is anything that can be done. This is because I am a full time carer and hoped they would give me a little leeway. I have been told there is nothing they can do.
Anyways I know I am probably not going to be able to be a doctor at this particular time of my life so now I have NO CLUE what I want to do. I know I want a career that allows me to have patient contact and feel the same fulfilment that I would have felt as a doctor. I have considered literally every healthcare degree there is. I have even considered finishing my degree in biomedical science but then at the end of it I strongly dislike the job prospects. I know you can do a physicians associate masters degree however I’m aware that there isn’t much progression within that role and it may seem better then it is. I have been told to look into pharmacy as pharmacy has evolved and pharmacists can now have more clinical roles. I am interested in diagnostic radiography however I want to know if they have a valuable opinion within the multidisciplinary team and I think I need a deeper insight into them so I’m trying to arrange work experience.
At this point I literally don’t know what to say other than I am so confused. I need a degree that I can enjoy and that can provide me with a good job regardless of whether I do medicine in the future.

Ps I just wanted to add I have looked at medicine in Europe but I don’t know how to fund it. Also I don’t have a level chemistry which is probably an issue.

Any kind advice will be helpful.
Thank you

Reply 1

TSR Hippocrates

Hey there, thanks for posting a question in the Medicine forum. :biggrin:

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Reply 2

normaw

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Sanox20

I am interested in diagnostic radiography however I want to know if they have a valuable opinion within the multidisciplinary team and I think I need a deeper insight into them so I’m trying to arrange work experience. ...

There is a national shortage of diagnostic (and therapeutic) radiographers so you are pretty much guaranteed a job at the end of a DR or TR degree. Graduates enter the NHS on salary band 5, which is currently £28,407 (a bit more if you work in London), and there are many options for career progression both within the NHS and outside the NHS. Within the NHS you can become a reporting radiographer, specialise (with additional training) in specific imaging fields (eg mammography/sonography), go in to management or become a consultant radiographer. Outside of the NHS, there are opportunities with private healthcare providers, imaging technology suppliers or you could even become a veterinary radiographer.

In addition to work experience, I'd recommend that you also attend a couple of uni open days and discuss the courses with lecturers and students. Also consider therapeutic radiography - working hours are weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. so no night shifts, and you get to know your patients as a course of treatment will take several weeks.