RN vs. MD Career Path Calculator
Compare the financial and time investment between nursing and medical doctor career paths based on your personal situation.
Career Path Comparison
Nursing Path
Years to Practice:
2-4 years
Education Cost:
$40,000
Expected Debt:
$30,000
Starting Salary:
$75,000
20-Year Earnings:
$1,800,000
Retirement Age:
65
Medical Doctor Path
Years to Practice:
7-11 years
Education Cost:
$250,000
Expected Debt:
$240,000
Starting Salary:
$220,000
20-Year Earnings:
$4,400,000
Retirement Age:
65
Career Earnings Comparison
Key Insights
Based on your inputs, a nursing career offers a faster path to practice and income, while the MD path results in significantly higher lifetime earnings despite higher initial debt.