3 answers
Amelia
Student
Rock Island, Illinois
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I decide what job in the medical field is right for me?
I am very interested in going into some kind of job in the medical field, although I feel overwhelmed by all of the options. I love helping people and working with all kinds of people. I am interested in neuroscience, and becoming a therapist. Although, I don''t feel its as simple as that, there are many subcategories. So I was wondering two things, what majors / minors should I look into for neuroscience and becoming a therapist. And with my interests (working with teens, helping people who are being abused, or struggling with addiction) what specif jobs would i possibly be a fit for?
Thanks!
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like taking career assessments, at a local job or employment center. This will help you determine where your greatest strengths are, whether it be in things like Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and Medical and Health Science concentrations and other careers.
Next, research different potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with people like college professors and people at the career center, and investigating national and regional job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to be undecided and be willing to change things around as you get more experience and learn more about yourself and different fields. As we grow older we should definitely be willing to seek more education and engage in activities that will enable us to progress in life.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a college major or even a future occupation. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Next, research different potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with people like college professors and people at the career center, and investigating national and regional job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to be undecided and be willing to change things around as you get more experience and learn more about yourself and different fields. As we grow older we should definitely be willing to seek more education and engage in activities that will enable us to progress in life.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a college major or even a future occupation. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Amelia !
Well, you are very clear as to the work you want to do and it's not very hard to say that it points to a career as a Psychiatrist. That would mean that you'd have to go to Medical School, so that's what you'd have to decide. First decide how many years you'd want to go to school. This is the career in which you could be involved in both Neuroscience as well as do behavioral health therapy. In Illinois, it takes between 13 and 15 years to become a Psychiatrist. You would obtain your Bachelors Degree in Neuroscience (you do not need a Minor) and then go to Medical School. Some colleges that offer a Bachelors degree in Neuroscience are University of Alabama at Birmingham, Arizona State University, the University of California, Los Angeles, Syracuse University, and the University of Maryland but you can explore others,
Before choosing a Major and looking at college programs, you will have to explore mental health careers and decide exactly what you want to do. You'll need the actual degree that will qualify you for the career. Normally, most mental health careers such as Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist or Mental Health Counselor require or are best achieved by majoring in Psychology for the Bachelors and then going for the Masters Degree in the field you want to work in. It is crucial to obtain the correct degree in order to qualify for a specific career.
You also mentioned the type of clients you want, but it doesn't work that way. Chances are high that you will get some patients or clients in the categories you've mentioned, but you will need to be open to serving all people for all issues. With good intentions, you seek to help people, but that's not what the mental health field is all about. You'd be working with people that are ill, injured or need testing (depending on the career you choose) and it's just a matter of doing your job without expectations and monitoring the patient's/client's progress.
Explore what the work is for being a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker or a mental health counselor and see which work you see yourself doing. In your state of Illinois, it takes 8 to 10 years after high school to be a Psychologist, though it can extend to 10–12 years depending on the educational path and individual circumstances. For Social Work, it's 6 years as well, for mental health counseling it's 6 years of college. So it's best to decide how many years you want to or can attend the path needed. To get a clear idea of the work, read about the careers online from the links I've provided below.
You will have to decide which niche will be best for you, so now would be a great time to explore. I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best !
WHAT DOES A PSYCHIATRIST DO ? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22702-psychiatrist
WHAT DOES A PSYCHOLOGIST DO ? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22679-psychologist
WHAT DOES A CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER DO ? https://www.abcsw.org/what-is-clinical-social-work
WHAT DO MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS DO ? https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/mental-health-counselors#what-they-do
Well, you are very clear as to the work you want to do and it's not very hard to say that it points to a career as a Psychiatrist. That would mean that you'd have to go to Medical School, so that's what you'd have to decide. First decide how many years you'd want to go to school. This is the career in which you could be involved in both Neuroscience as well as do behavioral health therapy. In Illinois, it takes between 13 and 15 years to become a Psychiatrist. You would obtain your Bachelors Degree in Neuroscience (you do not need a Minor) and then go to Medical School. Some colleges that offer a Bachelors degree in Neuroscience are University of Alabama at Birmingham, Arizona State University, the University of California, Los Angeles, Syracuse University, and the University of Maryland but you can explore others,
Before choosing a Major and looking at college programs, you will have to explore mental health careers and decide exactly what you want to do. You'll need the actual degree that will qualify you for the career. Normally, most mental health careers such as Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist or Mental Health Counselor require or are best achieved by majoring in Psychology for the Bachelors and then going for the Masters Degree in the field you want to work in. It is crucial to obtain the correct degree in order to qualify for a specific career.
You also mentioned the type of clients you want, but it doesn't work that way. Chances are high that you will get some patients or clients in the categories you've mentioned, but you will need to be open to serving all people for all issues. With good intentions, you seek to help people, but that's not what the mental health field is all about. You'd be working with people that are ill, injured or need testing (depending on the career you choose) and it's just a matter of doing your job without expectations and monitoring the patient's/client's progress.
Explore what the work is for being a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker or a mental health counselor and see which work you see yourself doing. In your state of Illinois, it takes 8 to 10 years after high school to be a Psychologist, though it can extend to 10–12 years depending on the educational path and individual circumstances. For Social Work, it's 6 years as well, for mental health counseling it's 6 years of college. So it's best to decide how many years you want to or can attend the path needed. To get a clear idea of the work, read about the careers online from the links I've provided below.
You will have to decide which niche will be best for you, so now would be a great time to explore. I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Amelia
You are welcome for the advice, Amelia !
Michelle M.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest in neurology and would to become a therapist.
Below are my suggestions:
1. You find out more neuroscience related careers eg, neurosurgeon, psychologist, speech therapist, psychiatrist,etc. you can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Attend the information session hosts by medical department of colleges . Speak to the professors if possible
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents
5. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. You find out more neuroscience related careers eg, neurosurgeon, psychologist, speech therapist, psychiatrist,etc. you can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Attend the information session hosts by medical department of colleges . Speak to the professors if possible
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents
5. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Amelia