Is medical school an option for a 30 year old mum??

[Lorrymac]

I'm just wondering if anyone here has been in a similar situation to me... I left my freelance job in 2008 to have my daughter, and by the time I was looking for work again the recession had hit. I've been working really hard doing some stuff on my own, but it's not brought enough money in and over 2 years later I may have to declare myself bankrupt. My husband lost his job too and has been accepted to uni in September to do nursing and will get a bursary. The likely bankruptcy will open an opportunity for me to do what I've always wanted to do - medicine. I already have a masters degree, so I could possibly get on a graduate entry programme. The only thing I'm not sure of is how I can support my family and do med school. If I get on the graduate entry programme I should receive a bursary in years 2, 3 & 4. But the closest universities offering it are over 100 miles away so it would be very difficult. The other option is a normal 5 year degree at a more local university.

Actually getting on the course aside - can I get some form of support while I study?

Any help would me much appreciated.

[Sqad]

If you really want to be a doctor.....do it.

The Prof is an ABer who would give you good advice.

[Lorrymac]

Thanks Sqad - that was such a welcome answer!

One of the biggest issues that I'm finding is that you can't seem to apply for a student loan to cover your tutorial fees if you do medicine as a second degree. That means about £3225 a year for at least 4 years which is just not an option.

However, this is something that I really want to do and although the last few years have been horrendously tough, this would be such an amazing thing to come out of it all and at 30 I feel as though I'm still young enough to retrain.

[Lorrymac]

Just found this:

"Graduates gaining admission to the standard five-year courses will be eligible to apply for student loans for their maintenance. If they have previously taken a publicly funded higher education course lasting two years or more, they will not be entitled to receive funding from their local authorities for tuition fees and universities may charge them the full cost of their tuition."

I applied for my first degree in 1997 and that was the year before tuition fees were introduced. Does that therefore mean that I can't apply for a student loan?

[bednobs]

personally i think you will probably make a better doctor with some life experience under your belt first, unlike the 18/19 year olds that usually start the training courses. being a parent will also have given you probably more common sense thn most of them have, so you are certainly starting from a position of strength. Can you bear the thought of being a good 10 years older than most of the others on your course?
Sorry, dont know the answer about loans and support etc but i would doubt it as it's not a course that is under subscribed!

[Sqad]

Don't let anybody tell you what you can do and what you cant, even if it means taking an evening job to earn extra money.

Good luck Lorry.

[bednobs]

just seen your second posting - sounds like not to me :( your first degree was publically funded

[Lorrymac]

Hi bednobs - Yes I feared as such :(

It doesn't bother me in the slightest how old I am - I just want to follow my dream.

however, if I have to find £3225 in fees, it's a non-starter.

Such a shame...I'd be a kick*ss doctor I'm sure!

[Lorrymac]

To Sqad - I have a husband, household, 2 year old and am contemplating a degree. I suspect that a job might not be that easy to manage. Although I certainly would try. However, I think fees are paid upfront.

[bednobs]

it does say the "may" charge you the full amount, so check the uni you want to go to to be sure

[humpy07]

I believe that tuition fees can be paid in instalments each semester, but this may depend on the institution you apply to.

It's a shame the government doesn't see fit to help those over 25 years old who find themselves in your situation, to retrain in a valuable profession. My uncle is a GP and sits on the GP recruitment board for South Wales, and is appalled at how few people are actually suitable to be GPs.

I say GO FOR IT! If it wasn't for my current ill health, and a young family, I would definitely want to qualify as a doc. My biggest regret is qualifying in law!

[Lorrymac]

I spent all night doing loads of research and I think I can actually make it work. I can apply for a maintenance loan, grants, parent learning allowances and other sources of funding. The only thing that I can't apply for is a student loan. Tuition fees are set to increase for all 2nd degrees, but thankfully, medicine (and other vocational degrees) are exempt, meaning that the fees should be around the £3225 mark.

I played with the figures last night and all looks good. Now I just need to find out if my qualifications will get me in. The uni I'm looking at wants BBB at A level and I got ABC. Fingers crossed!

Thank you everyone for their positive and supportive answers.