1 answer
Meshach
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What is a good route to becoming a doctor and what is the best way I can go about it?
I am a senior in high school, and I have a 3.1 gpa I have mostly A, s and B, s I also have taken 3 of the 4 health science classes one including honors. I play sports and am also considered to be a leader on the track team. I have many Honors roll recognition, I also played multiple sports. I have a great interest in helping others and I want to be able to proceed with that passion and see if it will help me peruse my health care career, but I know it can be costly. Should I be a Physician's assistant instead?
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1 answer
Joe L.
Program Manager
98
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
You're already setting yourself up for success with everything you’ve done — solid GPA, leadership in sports, health science classes, and a genuine passion for helping others. That’s a strong foundation for a medical or healthcare career.
Let’s break this down into some steps to help you choose a path that fits your interests, background, and budget:
Step 1: Explore the Types of Careers in Healthcare
There are many options besides becoming a doctor or nurse. Here are a few broad categories:
Direct Patient Care
Registered Nurse (RN) – 2-4 years of school; high demand; pays well (~$60k–$100k).
Physician Assistant (PA) – Grad school required, but less than med school.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Short training, good for experience.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Quick entry, exciting, and hands-on.
Lab & Tech Careers
Radiology Tech, Ultrasound Tech – 2-year programs; pay ~$50k–$80k.
Medical Lab Technician – Great for those who like science.
Therapy & Mental Health
Physical Therapist (DPT) – Higher education, but great if you like movement and sports.
Occupational Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, or Social Worker – Good for people-oriented helpers.
Pre-Med/Doctor Path
More time, more money — but possible with scholarships and dedication.
Step 2: Match Your Strengths and Interests
Based on what you said:
You love helping people
You’ve taken health science classes
You have leadership and sports experience
Careers That Might Click With You:
Nursing or PA – High interaction with patients, good job security.
Physical Therapy – Combines movement/sports and helping others.
Public Health – More community-based, less clinical, still focused on people.
Athletic Training – Healthcare + sports = great combo for you.
Step 3: Make It Affordable
Ways to reduce costs:
Start at a community college for pre-reqs (like anatomy, biology), then transfer.
Look into 2-year programs that lead to jobs (RN, radiology tech, etc.).
Apply for scholarships — there are a lot for health science majors, first-gen students, athletes, and more.
Join TRIO, HOSA, or Upward Bound if available at your school — they help with college prep and funding.
Consider working in a hospital as a CNA or medical assistant while in school — great experience and income.
Step 4: Start Taking Action
Talk to your school counselor and ask about local community college or university pathways in healthcare.
Shadow a healthcare worker (nurse, physical therapist, etc.) if you can.
Apply to programs with solid health sciences tracks — even if it’s a smaller school or community college.
Keep being a leader — that makes you stand out for scholarships and programs.
Hope this helps.
Let’s break this down into some steps to help you choose a path that fits your interests, background, and budget:
Step 1: Explore the Types of Careers in Healthcare
There are many options besides becoming a doctor or nurse. Here are a few broad categories:
Direct Patient Care
Registered Nurse (RN) – 2-4 years of school; high demand; pays well (~$60k–$100k).
Physician Assistant (PA) – Grad school required, but less than med school.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Short training, good for experience.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Quick entry, exciting, and hands-on.
Lab & Tech Careers
Radiology Tech, Ultrasound Tech – 2-year programs; pay ~$50k–$80k.
Medical Lab Technician – Great for those who like science.
Therapy & Mental Health
Physical Therapist (DPT) – Higher education, but great if you like movement and sports.
Occupational Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, or Social Worker – Good for people-oriented helpers.
Pre-Med/Doctor Path
More time, more money — but possible with scholarships and dedication.
Step 2: Match Your Strengths and Interests
Based on what you said:
You love helping people
You’ve taken health science classes
You have leadership and sports experience
Careers That Might Click With You:
Nursing or PA – High interaction with patients, good job security.
Physical Therapy – Combines movement/sports and helping others.
Public Health – More community-based, less clinical, still focused on people.
Athletic Training – Healthcare + sports = great combo for you.
Step 3: Make It Affordable
Ways to reduce costs:
Start at a community college for pre-reqs (like anatomy, biology), then transfer.
Look into 2-year programs that lead to jobs (RN, radiology tech, etc.).
Apply for scholarships — there are a lot for health science majors, first-gen students, athletes, and more.
Join TRIO, HOSA, or Upward Bound if available at your school — they help with college prep and funding.
Consider working in a hospital as a CNA or medical assistant while in school — great experience and income.
Step 4: Start Taking Action
Talk to your school counselor and ask about local community college or university pathways in healthcare.
Shadow a healthcare worker (nurse, physical therapist, etc.) if you can.
Apply to programs with solid health sciences tracks — even if it’s a smaller school or community college.
Keep being a leader — that makes you stand out for scholarships and programs.
Hope this helps.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Meshach