4 answers
Alyssa
Student
Elizabethtown, Kentucky
1
Question
Asked
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How can I determine what career path I should take within biomedical sciences?
I am currently a high school senior exploring colleges and my possible career paths. I have been applying to institutions under biomedical sciences for my undergraduate degree. However, I am not sure what direction in the workforce I would like to go. I know I enjoy biology and would like to go into healthcare, but I am not sure whether I would like a hands-on career like nursing or a research-intensive job in a lab.
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4 answers
LaTausha Myers
Medical Laboratory scientist
55
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
LaTausha’s Answer
You will have time to explore when you get to college. Keep an open mind and take a variety of classes that interest you. You may have opportunities to do internships or shadow different professions which I highly recommend so you get a sense of the duties and environment of various careers. Attend a career fair to get perspective on different careers within biomedical field. It's a great field that has a lot of promise.
All the best.
All the best.
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
109
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
You're thinking along the right lines. There are many options within the biomedical field. Consider your abilities and the things you enjoy. Do you like working with people as a team, or are you more of a solo worker? Do you like mechanics?Technology? Experiments? Solving puzzles? Researching and documenting information? Do you enjoy people of all ages or just a specific group? Knowing your strengths can help you determine a direction. When you can, volunteer in a hospital or clinic to see what the day to day is like in different areas. Try to interview some people in positions that appeal to you. You have plenty of time and can change your path if you discover a better fit.
Best to you!
Best to you!
Yasmin Mohamed Alamin
Clinical Nutrition Student
63
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Yasmin’s Answer
Hi Karin 👋🏻...
It helps to think of choosing a path in biomedical sciences the same way you’d explore a new city. You don’t need to know the exact destination yet. You just need a sense of what feels right as you walk through it.
If you’re torn between hands-on patient care and research, try giving yourself small “tests” in both worlds. You can shadow a nurse or physician for a day, volunteer in a clinic, or join a hospital’s youth program to see how it feels to work directly with people. You can also try a research internship, talk to lab mentors at the universities you’re applying to, or join a school science club that runs real experiments. You’ll notice quickly which environment energizes you instead of draining you.
Think about your daily rhythm too. Do you enjoy structured routines, quick decisions, and being around people all day? Healthcare roles like nursing, physician assistant, or physical therapy tend to fit that. If you prefer slow problem-solving, experimenting, and quiet focus, research might feel more natural.
College will give you more clarity than you expect. Intro courses, lab rotations, talking to professors, and meeting students from different health paths will narrow things down without forcing a rushed decision.
You’re not behind and you’re not expected to “know” everything at seventeen. You’re doing exactly what you should: paying attention to what you enjoy, and staying open. The right direction usually becomes obvious once you start moving.
It helps to think of choosing a path in biomedical sciences the same way you’d explore a new city. You don’t need to know the exact destination yet. You just need a sense of what feels right as you walk through it.
If you’re torn between hands-on patient care and research, try giving yourself small “tests” in both worlds. You can shadow a nurse or physician for a day, volunteer in a clinic, or join a hospital’s youth program to see how it feels to work directly with people. You can also try a research internship, talk to lab mentors at the universities you’re applying to, or join a school science club that runs real experiments. You’ll notice quickly which environment energizes you instead of draining you.
Think about your daily rhythm too. Do you enjoy structured routines, quick decisions, and being around people all day? Healthcare roles like nursing, physician assistant, or physical therapy tend to fit that. If you prefer slow problem-solving, experimenting, and quiet focus, research might feel more natural.
College will give you more clarity than you expect. Intro courses, lab rotations, talking to professors, and meeting students from different health paths will narrow things down without forcing a rushed decision.
You’re not behind and you’re not expected to “know” everything at seventeen. You’re doing exactly what you should: paying attention to what you enjoy, and staying open. The right direction usually becomes obvious once you start moving.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
I wouldn't worry too much about the exact direction you want to take at this point. You don't know anything about the major yet. You'll learn about different specialties and career paths when you start taking classes, and chances are you'll find a favorite direction or several.
If you are thinking about the healthcare field, I would recommend you get some hospital experience under your belt. You should also join some research activities so you'll get a taste of that too.
I hope that helps! All the best to yoy!
KP
I wouldn't worry too much about the exact direction you want to take at this point. You don't know anything about the major yet. You'll learn about different specialties and career paths when you start taking classes, and chances are you'll find a favorite direction or several.
If you are thinking about the healthcare field, I would recommend you get some hospital experience under your belt. You should also join some research activities so you'll get a taste of that too.
I hope that helps! All the best to yoy!
KP