4 answers
Samantha
Student
Greeley, Colorado
1
Question
Updated
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“What questions do you wish students asked more often when they are exploring healthcare careers”?
I am testing this site before sharing it with my students and hoping to provide them a good place to start when using this.
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4 answers
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
123
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
I would like students to ask about potential Healthcare careers that align with their skills and interests rather than focusing only on physicians or nurses. Everyone has certain talents and interests such as solving puzzles, fixing things, researching information, etc., and finding a career path that utilizes those interests leads to greater satisfaction and success.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Samantha
Sidia Wint
CNA/Healthcare Administrative support
4
Answers
Brooklyn Park, MD
Updated
Sidia’s Answer
One question I wish students asked more often when exploring healthcare careers is about the **state certifications required for specific jobs**. Many healthcare positions require certifications or licenses that vary by state, and knowing this early can help students plan their education and training more effectively.
I also wish more students asked about **internship or clinical experience opportunities**. Internships and hands-on training are very important in healthcare because they allow students to gain real-world experience, build professional connections, and better understand the daily responsibilities of the job.
Another important question students should ask is **what type of degree is required to be employed in their chosen field**. Some healthcare careers require an associate degree, while others may require a bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctoral degree. Understanding the educational requirements ahead of time can help students choose the right program and avoid delays in reaching their career goals.
From my personal experience, asking these questions earlier would have helped me better prepare for the steps needed to enter the healthcare field.
I also wish more students asked about **internship or clinical experience opportunities**. Internships and hands-on training are very important in healthcare because they allow students to gain real-world experience, build professional connections, and better understand the daily responsibilities of the job.
Another important question students should ask is **what type of degree is required to be employed in their chosen field**. Some healthcare careers require an associate degree, while others may require a bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctoral degree. Understanding the educational requirements ahead of time can help students choose the right program and avoid delays in reaching their career goals.
From my personal experience, asking these questions earlier would have helped me better prepare for the steps needed to enter the healthcare field.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Samantha
Grace Combellack
Speech & Language Therapist/Pathologist
8
Answers
Nelson, New Zealand
Updated
Grace’s Answer
I wish students were guided through life design considerations. This is harder for youth but generally some people are entering the profession for the title or skill or interest (or all of those) without realising or considering how they’d like their lives to look at least for the next wee while.
Also - how much time in helping professions is actually what it says on the tin. System constraints and administrative burden are significant contributors to dissatisfaction and burn out. Healthcare, teaching, etc - there are so many tasks that are actually different to the ‘face to face’ aspects of the job that new graduates are not realising until they’re in it.
I’d also LOVE to see career education look at skills in career navigation, lifelong learning etc because if we considering the changing world of work inc data and stats - the ability to successfully navigate career and work changes is going to be huge.
Also - how much time in helping professions is actually what it says on the tin. System constraints and administrative burden are significant contributors to dissatisfaction and burn out. Healthcare, teaching, etc - there are so many tasks that are actually different to the ‘face to face’ aspects of the job that new graduates are not realising until they’re in it.
I’d also LOVE to see career education look at skills in career navigation, lifelong learning etc because if we considering the changing world of work inc data and stats - the ability to successfully navigate career and work changes is going to be huge.
A very good point. Thanks!
Samantha
Kelly Donnellan
Associate Professor
26
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Samantha! Thanks for the question.
Having worked in healthcare earlier in my life before eventually moving into a creative field, I would encourage students to ask questions that go beyond the job title. One question I wish students asked more often is how much time professionals actually spend working directly with patients versus doing paperwork or administrative tasks. Many people imagine healthcare as being entirely hands-on, but documentation can take up a surprising amount of the day.
I also think it’s helpful to ask what patient outcomes typically look like. For example, what percentage of patients make a full recovery/return to prior level of activity. Healthcare can be incredibly meaningful work, but it can also be emotionally challenging, so it’s important to understand that side of the profession.
Another important question is how insurance impacts patient care. The healthcare system is complex, and insurance policies can influence what treatments patients are able to receive.
Finally, I would encourage students to ask how many people leave the profession after five or ten years and why. Burnout is a real issue in many healthcare fields, and understanding the long-term realities of a career can help students make more informed decisions.
In my experience, the more students ask about the day-to-day realities and long-term sustainability of a profession, the better equipped they are to decide whether it’s the right path for them.
Having worked in healthcare earlier in my life before eventually moving into a creative field, I would encourage students to ask questions that go beyond the job title. One question I wish students asked more often is how much time professionals actually spend working directly with patients versus doing paperwork or administrative tasks. Many people imagine healthcare as being entirely hands-on, but documentation can take up a surprising amount of the day.
I also think it’s helpful to ask what patient outcomes typically look like. For example, what percentage of patients make a full recovery/return to prior level of activity. Healthcare can be incredibly meaningful work, but it can also be emotionally challenging, so it’s important to understand that side of the profession.
Another important question is how insurance impacts patient care. The healthcare system is complex, and insurance policies can influence what treatments patients are able to receive.
Finally, I would encourage students to ask how many people leave the profession after five or ten years and why. Burnout is a real issue in many healthcare fields, and understanding the long-term realities of a career can help students make more informed decisions.
In my experience, the more students ask about the day-to-day realities and long-term sustainability of a profession, the better equipped they are to decide whether it’s the right path for them.
Thanks for the help.
Samantha