2 answers
Taylor
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What if I realize that working in healthcare is too hard/not my dream and how do I go on from there?
I've been interested in occupational therapy along with speech pathology and physical therapy for some time but I've always disliked science classes which I know I'd have to take a lot of. My study habits aren't always the best and I fear that I will struggle a lot in college and end up not achieving my goals. The possibility to realize that I want nothing to do with these careers is high and I fear that I will have nowhere to go after. I hope that I am more prepared for college than I think.
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2 answers
Stephanie Smith
Occupational Therapist
17
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
If you are concerned about the science classes, you may want to look at the pre-requisites for each of the programs you are looking at going in to. For OT, I didn’t have to take as many science classes as what was required for PT. I had to do more psychology along with anatomy and kinesiology. PT had to also do biology and chemistry. I would consider which of those types of subjects are most interesting to you. You could also consider an associate’s degree and becoming an assistant which would only be two years of school and no pre-requisites. Also if you decide you don’t like it, there is less time and money spent getting your degree.
I would also encourage you to see if there are some people in your potential field that you could talk to and ask questions of to have a better idea of what they do and whether you may like it. With the HIPPA regulations it is more difficult to shadow, but not impossible. That can be an option as well. Therapists do work in places other than healthcare as well. They work in schools, prisons (more OT than the others), outpatient clinics, private practices, and many other areas. I know therapists that work in biomedical sales, safety/quality positions, and many other options if you figure out that direct patient care isn’t for you.
I would also encourage you to see if there are some people in your potential field that you could talk to and ask questions of to have a better idea of what they do and whether you may like it. With the HIPPA regulations it is more difficult to shadow, but not impossible. That can be an option as well. Therapists do work in places other than healthcare as well. They work in schools, prisons (more OT than the others), outpatient clinics, private practices, and many other areas. I know therapists that work in biomedical sales, safety/quality positions, and many other options if you figure out that direct patient care isn’t for you.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Taylor
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1210
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Taylor,
Firstly, I want to congratulate you for being so open about your current situation. Many kids share your feelings, but many are too scared to express them verbally. It already shows maturity, self-awareness, and bravery that you are asking this issue before enrolling in a challenging major.
I want to reassure you about a few key points:
- It’s completely okay if healthcare isn’t your dream.
Healthcare is appealing to many people because it seems meaningful, and it is. However, this does not guarantee that it is the best course for every individual. It's important knowledge, not a sign of failure, if you've already noticed that the science-heavy sections exhaust you. You're discovering what works and what doesn't.
- Disliking science doesn’t mean you’re not smart or capable.
It just implies that you can have different interests and strengths. Many people succeed in professions that don't require rigorous science courses, including jobs that are still related to helping people.
- You’re not “stuck” if you walk away from OT, PT, or Speech Pathology.
The purpose of college is to explore. The majority of students switch majors at least once, if not more than once. There won't be "nowhere to go" for you. There are a lot of options, particularly if you enjoy interacting with people, assisting them, or learning about their thoughts and behaviors.
Some options that still allow you to assist others but call for less science are as follows:
- Psychology (non-clinical)
- Human development & family studies
- Social work
- Rehabilitation services (non-medical tracks)
- Education or special education
- Public health (community health focus)
- Counseling (later in grad school if you choose)
- Human services or case management
These are fulfilling professions that depend less on rigorous science labs and more on empathy, communication, and behavior understanding.
- Your study habits CAN grow—and college gives you support.
You expressed concern about having academic difficulties. This is not an indication that you are incapable; rather, it simply indicates that you need skills and organization, which you can learn. Everybody's study habits change when they go to college because of the new atmosphere.
Support from the college consists of:
- free tutoring
- academic coaching
- study skills workshops
- writing centers
- disability support services (if needed)
You won’t be navigating it alone.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. With the knowledge you presently possess, you are making a decision, and as you develop, you will continue to improve it. That is typical. You are free to explore, ask questions, change your mind, or even go back to healthcare in the future if you find fresh interest.
Here’s what I’d suggest as a next step:
In your first year, choose a broad major (like psychology, human development, or general studies).
- Take intro classes to explore different fields—not just healthcare.
- Pay attention to what energizes you and what drains you.
- Meet with an academic advisor early on.
- Try career assessments offered by your school.
By following these guidelines, you can make an informed choice without being forced into an uncomfortable choice.
Most important: You’re not failing. You’re figuring yourself out. You're going to be fine since you're planning ahead. Careers are developed gradually through little choices, curiosity, and self-discovery rather than being selected all at once.
You have time. You have choices. Additionally, you will discover a path that makes you feel at home.
Best wishes!
Firstly, I want to congratulate you for being so open about your current situation. Many kids share your feelings, but many are too scared to express them verbally. It already shows maturity, self-awareness, and bravery that you are asking this issue before enrolling in a challenging major.
I want to reassure you about a few key points:
- It’s completely okay if healthcare isn’t your dream.
Healthcare is appealing to many people because it seems meaningful, and it is. However, this does not guarantee that it is the best course for every individual. It's important knowledge, not a sign of failure, if you've already noticed that the science-heavy sections exhaust you. You're discovering what works and what doesn't.
- Disliking science doesn’t mean you’re not smart or capable.
It just implies that you can have different interests and strengths. Many people succeed in professions that don't require rigorous science courses, including jobs that are still related to helping people.
- You’re not “stuck” if you walk away from OT, PT, or Speech Pathology.
The purpose of college is to explore. The majority of students switch majors at least once, if not more than once. There won't be "nowhere to go" for you. There are a lot of options, particularly if you enjoy interacting with people, assisting them, or learning about their thoughts and behaviors.
Some options that still allow you to assist others but call for less science are as follows:
- Psychology (non-clinical)
- Human development & family studies
- Social work
- Rehabilitation services (non-medical tracks)
- Education or special education
- Public health (community health focus)
- Counseling (later in grad school if you choose)
- Human services or case management
These are fulfilling professions that depend less on rigorous science labs and more on empathy, communication, and behavior understanding.
- Your study habits CAN grow—and college gives you support.
You expressed concern about having academic difficulties. This is not an indication that you are incapable; rather, it simply indicates that you need skills and organization, which you can learn. Everybody's study habits change when they go to college because of the new atmosphere.
Support from the college consists of:
- free tutoring
- academic coaching
- study skills workshops
- writing centers
- disability support services (if needed)
You won’t be navigating it alone.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. With the knowledge you presently possess, you are making a decision, and as you develop, you will continue to improve it. That is typical. You are free to explore, ask questions, change your mind, or even go back to healthcare in the future if you find fresh interest.
Here’s what I’d suggest as a next step:
In your first year, choose a broad major (like psychology, human development, or general studies).
- Take intro classes to explore different fields—not just healthcare.
- Pay attention to what energizes you and what drains you.
- Meet with an academic advisor early on.
- Try career assessments offered by your school.
By following these guidelines, you can make an informed choice without being forced into an uncomfortable choice.
Most important: You’re not failing. You’re figuring yourself out. You're going to be fine since you're planning ahead. Careers are developed gradually through little choices, curiosity, and self-discovery rather than being selected all at once.
You have time. You have choices. Additionally, you will discover a path that makes you feel at home.
Best wishes!