Chemical engineering or medicine?

Would nursing or bio system engineering be better for medicine?

• It has been life dream to becoming a pediatrician. I am currently pursuing a nursing degree (im in first year), but am second guessing my choice. I know that nursing might not provide the science background many of the people I am competing with for med school will have, but I also think that nursing will help me develop better people skills and bedside manner that would benefit me in my quest. Lately I have been thinking of biosystems engineering, as it meets entrance requirements for medicine. If I don't get into medicine, I just don't know which I would prefer. I like working with people and know that there is advancement in the Nursing professions (nuse practioner, CRNA). HOwever I think that engineers would make more money (I know it's no about that), I just don't know what kind of stability that would provide your comments/thoughts are appreciated.,

• Answer:

  In pursuit of a medical school admission, any major is fine as long as you meet the course requirements for admission (med schools in the US all have nearly identical requirements) and do well in that major. As far as a backup plan, only you can tell us which field you would prefer. Salaries in either field will depend a great deal on opportunities for advancement (i.e., into management). In most cases, engineers will probably make more than nurses, including NPs. A CRNA on the other hand, will probably make more than an average engineer--but keep in mind that becoming a CRNA is not easy. Job security is probably better as a nurse since the need for nurses is not going to decline anytime soon.