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If you decide, after doing some research, that medicine may not be right for you or that you are not capable of the academic requirements,
there are various similar subjects that may be more suitable and are worth considering.
None of these are less rewarding or less worthy than medicine; a good dentist, pharmacologist, nurse, physiotherapist or optometrist is
a more valuable member of society than a poor doctor.
Dentistry
It is important to realise that dentistry should not be viewed as an easier alternative to medicine. Dentistry is often more demanding
academically and entry to dental college generally requires higher AS and A2 grades.
Whereas a doctor will only specialise in one area of medicine or type of treatment, a dentist is responsible for examination, diagnosis,
treatment, surgery, X-ray and post-treatment patient care. Dentistry is not just drilling teeth; it also includes oral hygiene, dental
reconstruction and dietary advice or even primary care such as diagnosing oral cancers or identifying cases of child neglect.
There are many current changes in the NHS that affect the way dental practices are being run; you need to keep abreast of these changes
and develop an opinion on the increasing number of dentists opting to enter the more lucrative private sector.
Entry Requirements
If you wish to apply for a degree in dentistry, then assume that you will get an AAB offer. You should be capable of achieving straight
As at A2 level and some universities will not let you apply unless you have BBB at AS level. Most places require you to take both Biology
and Chemistry at A2.
If you have retaken your A-levels you are highly unlikely to obtain a place to study dentistry, unless you have genuine and extenuating
circumstances and you have applied previously and held an offer from that university.
Ashbourne can arrange mock interviews and discussions with Dr. Douglas Miller, a practising dental surgeon.
Veterinary Science
Again, veterinary science is definitely not an easier option than medicine. There are only 6 schools offering veterinary medicine
and so the competition for entry is much keener than for medicine.
As with medicine, the opportunities for specialisation within the career are very wide. There are microbiologists, parasitologists,
pathologists, surgeons and equine specialists, etc. You will, however, have the opportunity to treat many more species than a medical
doctor does and so the training is even more grueling and rigorous.
You will need to decide whether you want to be employed by:-
- The Government - Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): www.defra.gov.uk;
- An animal charity such as the RSPCA: www.rspca.org.uk;
- A pharmaceutical company;
- A private practice.
Each is in itself varied and increasingly specialised.
Veterinary medicine is a physically tough and dangerous career as many animals are not keen on veterinary treatment! There is a huge
demand for veterinary doctors willing to work in large-animal practice in agriculture. Many vet graduates choose careers in small animal
practices in urban areas as these are less dangerous and physically hard and generally offer a more convenient lifestyle. This has led to
a surplus of small animal vets in England.
Dealing with animals does not isolate a vet from the need to be able to communicate effectively with humans. Informing a person that his
or her pet is too sick for economical treatment requires sensitivity and empathy as much as dealing with sick people. Equally difficult is
telling a farmer that you may need to cull all of his livestock to contain the outbreak of a disease, hence seriously compromising his
livelihood and only source of income.
Entry Requirements
Veterinary medicine has arguably the most demanding entry requirements of all courses. Students should aim to study Chemistry and Biology
and another science. Most applicants to veterinary medicine will probably have taken 4 A-levels and secure A grades in each.
If you have taken or are considering taking retakes at A-level then you almost certainly will not be successful in getting into Vet School.
You are also highly unlikely to find any Vet courses listed in clearing.
Optometry
Optometry is a healthcare profession concerned with eyes and the visual system. It requires a level of commitment similar to medicine.
The degree involves a BSc followed by clinical training and so is similar to a medical degree. An optometrist is concerned with preserving
or restoring vision to people to help them live fulfilling, unhindered lives. The loss or depletion of good visual activity can be an
extremely debilitating disorder.
The allure of a degree in optometry might be driven by a desire to become a specialist in a highly intricate piece of anatomy. You should
certainly have a strong interest in the sciences, in particular practical aspects, as problem analysis and problem solving are frequent
features of an optometrist's daily work.
The optometrist, like a GP, is a healthcare professional and as such should possess good interpersonal and communication skills.
Additionally, you will require a good degree of business acumen as optometrists are generally managers of their own business and appoint
their own staff.
Physiotherapy
Being a physiotherapist isn't all about rushing onto the pitch during a premiership football match. Although there may be an opportunity to
work with professional sports people, physiotherapists are also employed in industry and private practices. However, the majority of chartered
physiotherapists work for the NHS.
You will be responsible for treating patients with a wide range of diseases, both communicable and non-communicable. Physiotherapy is also a
vital part of the rehabilitation process of patients who have:-
- Suffered accidents;
- Undergone surgery;
- Been confined to bed for long periods of time.
If you opt to work for the NHS you will find yourself part of a team that may include osteopaths, occupational therapists, prostheticists as
well as more usual hospital staff such as doctors and nurses. As such, you must be a good team member with excellent communication skills.
You should have a keen interest in human physiology and in practical science skills. Physiotherapy is a “hands on” approach to healthcare
that incorporates a wide range of mechanical equipment in addition to your own hands.
Physiotherapy is extremely competitive and hugely oversubscribed. Entry requirements are lower than those for medicine and only candidates
expressing a real desire to become a physio will be considered. Ashbourne can help you assess the strengths of your application and to help
you build on weaknesses. Work experience is vital if you intend to be taken seriously.
Entry Requirements
A relevant Biological Science (Biology, Human Biology or in some cases Sports Studies) will almost always be required to full A-level.
Another science subject is also recommended.
Pharmacy and Pharmacology
If you are interested in a rigorous and demanding medical sciences degree, then Pharmacy may be for you. Pharmacists are responsible for
advising patients of appropriate medications and hence carry a large degree of responsibility. You will be responsible for preparing and
dispensing drugs for sale and for counter prescriptions.
You will lead a team of assistants and be required to work lengthy hours in busy and often stressful situations. Pharmacists also work in
hospitals. The course is demanding and popular; hence, entry requirements are often high.
Entry Requirements
A-level Chemistry and at least one other science (Biology preferred) will be prerequisite.
Nursing
For every doctor in the NHS, there are 10 nurses; every doctor knows that without a nurse, nothing happens. The demands for a nursing courses
are as heavy as for doctors but it can be an extremely rewarding career.
Changes in the structure of the NHS has placed greater responsibility on ward nurses, so they are now able to diagnose patients, prescribe
and dispense some medicines, refer patients to other specialists and carry out nearly all the duties of a doctor. This has been reflected
in improved pay scales and conditions for nurses.
Entry Requirements
Nursing does not require such high academic grades as medicine at A-level; 2 A-levels and an AS level will generally suffice. Biology and
one other science, preferably Chemistry, are needed; the most important requirement is a high level of commitment.
There are two routes into nursing:-
- The degree programme through university study is more academic than the alternative;
- Nursing school in an NHS hospital. Basic nurse training takes 2-3 years after which there are numerous specializations on offer.
Biomedical Science
Biomedical Sciences (BMS) is often seen as either a backdoor to medicine or as "medicine-lite". However, BMS is very demanding, as students
will need to master a greater depth of academic knowledge than medical students whilst remaining familiar with clinical practice and
medical applications.
BMS contains a high proportion of chemistry and biochemistry and incorporates a substantial amount of independent academic research. Most
BMS degrees last for 4 years including a 6-month or year-long research project.
BMS graduates usually continue in academic or industrial research in a university or pharmaceutical company; candidates should consider
carefully whether this is the career path they wish to pursue.
Other Options
If you are still interested in a degree in healthcare or medical science but don't feel any of the options above are suitable for you,
there are other alternatives to choose from.
The tutors at Ashbourne will advise you on the suitability of any of the courses below as well as help you to choose the most appropriate
establishment:-
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