10 answers
Madeleine
Student
Shoreline, Washington
1
Question
Updated
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What healthcare pathway should I decide to major in?
I'm going into my Junior year of high school, and although I know I still have some time before applying to college, I was wondering if there was a way that could narrow down some of my options. Some options that I'm considering are
- emergency medical paramedic
- emergency medical technician (emt)
- labor and delivery nurse
- physicians assistant
- surgical first assistant
- neurosurgeon (or assistant)
- sports medic
I don't get really nauseous at seeing blood, or anything like that. I honestly just don't know that much about each of those careers. I've done some research already, but it would be helpful if there's any first-hand experience of those careers that you guys could share with me, or if there were any classes that you think would be extremely important for me to take during my Senior year.
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10 answers
Rajat Bajaj
Engineer
6
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Rajat’s Answer
It is awesome that you’re thinking about this now. You've got a great mix of high-adrenaline, surgical, and specialized roles here. Since blood doesn't phase you, you're already ahead of the game!
To narrow this down, we can group your interests into three distinct "vibes" based on how they actually feel day-to-day:
1. The "Action & Adrenaline" Pathway
The Roles: EMT, Paramedic, Sports Medic.
The Vibe: You are the first line of defense. You work in shifting environments (ambulances, football fields), stabilize patients in high-stress moments, and hand them off.
The Catch: Shift work can be brutal, and it’s physically demanding. EMT is a great stepping stone (often just a few months of certification) before committing to Paramedic or PA school.
2. The "Operating Room & Procedure" Pathway
The Roles: Neurosurgeon, Surgical First Assistant, Physician Assistant (PA) in surgery.
The Vibe: Highly technical, meticulous, and structured. Neurosurgeons spend 10–14 years in training post-high school and carry massive responsibility. PAs and Surgical First Assistants get to do the hands-on surgery parts without the decade-long residency or the ultimate liability.
The Catch: You need extreme stamina to stand in one spot for 6+ hours focusing on a tiny area.
3. The "Patient Connection" Pathway
The Roles: Labor & Delivery (L&D) Nurse, PA.
The Vibe: You are coaching people through major life events. L&D nursing is a beautiful mix of high stakes (emergencies happen fast) and deep, intimate patient bonding.
The Catch: It is emotionally intense. You see the highest highs, but also the lowest lows.
Your Senior Year Game Plan
To figure out which vibe fits you best, use your Senior year to test the waters:
The Classes to Take: * AP Biology or Anatomy & Physiology: Absolute non-negotiables. If you hate memorizing muscles and pathways, the neuro/surgical route will be a slog.
AP Psychology: Crucial for bedside manner, especially in L&D or emergency settings.
The Secret Weapon: Job Shadowing & Volunteering. Don't just read about it. Call a local ambulance corps and ask to do a "ride-along." Contact a local hospital's volunteer coordinator. Seeing the fluorescent lights and smelling the hospital at 2:00 AM will tell you more than any Google search ever could.
To narrow this down, we can group your interests into three distinct "vibes" based on how they actually feel day-to-day:
1. The "Action & Adrenaline" Pathway
The Roles: EMT, Paramedic, Sports Medic.
The Vibe: You are the first line of defense. You work in shifting environments (ambulances, football fields), stabilize patients in high-stress moments, and hand them off.
The Catch: Shift work can be brutal, and it’s physically demanding. EMT is a great stepping stone (often just a few months of certification) before committing to Paramedic or PA school.
2. The "Operating Room & Procedure" Pathway
The Roles: Neurosurgeon, Surgical First Assistant, Physician Assistant (PA) in surgery.
The Vibe: Highly technical, meticulous, and structured. Neurosurgeons spend 10–14 years in training post-high school and carry massive responsibility. PAs and Surgical First Assistants get to do the hands-on surgery parts without the decade-long residency or the ultimate liability.
The Catch: You need extreme stamina to stand in one spot for 6+ hours focusing on a tiny area.
3. The "Patient Connection" Pathway
The Roles: Labor & Delivery (L&D) Nurse, PA.
The Vibe: You are coaching people through major life events. L&D nursing is a beautiful mix of high stakes (emergencies happen fast) and deep, intimate patient bonding.
The Catch: It is emotionally intense. You see the highest highs, but also the lowest lows.
Your Senior Year Game Plan
To figure out which vibe fits you best, use your Senior year to test the waters:
The Classes to Take: * AP Biology or Anatomy & Physiology: Absolute non-negotiables. If you hate memorizing muscles and pathways, the neuro/surgical route will be a slog.
AP Psychology: Crucial for bedside manner, especially in L&D or emergency settings.
The Secret Weapon: Job Shadowing & Volunteering. Don't just read about it. Call a local ambulance corps and ask to do a "ride-along." Contact a local hospital's volunteer coordinator. Seeing the fluorescent lights and smelling the hospital at 2:00 AM will tell you more than any Google search ever could.
These specifications were extremely helpful. Thanks for the advice!
Madeleine
Megan Jackson MSN,APRN, FNP-C
Registered Nurse
64
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Wow, that’s quite a range of interests! It can be overwhelming trying to choose a career, but one thing is clear—you enjoy the medical field, which is an amazing , Here’s a quick overview of the careers you listed:
EMT / Paramedic
These go together since you must become an EMT before a paramedic. EMT programs usually take a few months and focus on basic emergency care. Paramedic training adds about another year and allows you to provide advanced lifesaving care such as intubation, IVs, medications, CPR, and managing critical emergencies. Average pay: $22–27/hour.
Labor & Delivery Nurse
You must first complete a nursing degree (typically 4–5 years). Labor & Delivery is a competitive specialty, so it can be difficult to enter immediately after graduation. While rewarding, it can also be emotionally challenging due to high-risk pregnancies and tragic outcomes. Average pay: ~$41/hour.
Physician Assistant (PA)
Requires a bachelor’s degree, clinical experience, and admission into a competitive master’s program (about 2 years). PAs diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, order tests, treat patients, and may assist in surgery. Average pay: ~$65/hour, depending on specialty and location.
Surgical First Assistant
This isn’t a standalone career. Surgical first assistants are typically experienced OR nurses, PAs, or nurse practitioners who complete additional training and certification. Responsibilities and pay vary depending on the profession.
Neurosurgeon
This is the longest and most competitive path. It requires a bachelor’s degree, medical school, a 7-year neurosurgery residency (with only about 240 residency positions nationwide each year), and sometimes an additional fellowship. Total training is about 15–16 years. Neurosurgeons perform brain and spine surgery and can earn $1 million or more annually.
Sports Medicine
There isn’t a specific “sports medic” career, but there are several sports medicine professions. Physicians and orthopedic surgeons specialize through medical school and residency. Athletic trainers complete a master’s degree (5–6 years total) and treat sports injuries, develop rehabilitation plans, and educate athletes. Average pay: $35–40/hour.
Hope this helps
EMT / Paramedic
These go together since you must become an EMT before a paramedic. EMT programs usually take a few months and focus on basic emergency care. Paramedic training adds about another year and allows you to provide advanced lifesaving care such as intubation, IVs, medications, CPR, and managing critical emergencies. Average pay: $22–27/hour.
Labor & Delivery Nurse
You must first complete a nursing degree (typically 4–5 years). Labor & Delivery is a competitive specialty, so it can be difficult to enter immediately after graduation. While rewarding, it can also be emotionally challenging due to high-risk pregnancies and tragic outcomes. Average pay: ~$41/hour.
Physician Assistant (PA)
Requires a bachelor’s degree, clinical experience, and admission into a competitive master’s program (about 2 years). PAs diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, order tests, treat patients, and may assist in surgery. Average pay: ~$65/hour, depending on specialty and location.
Surgical First Assistant
This isn’t a standalone career. Surgical first assistants are typically experienced OR nurses, PAs, or nurse practitioners who complete additional training and certification. Responsibilities and pay vary depending on the profession.
Neurosurgeon
This is the longest and most competitive path. It requires a bachelor’s degree, medical school, a 7-year neurosurgery residency (with only about 240 residency positions nationwide each year), and sometimes an additional fellowship. Total training is about 15–16 years. Neurosurgeons perform brain and spine surgery and can earn $1 million or more annually.
Sports Medicine
There isn’t a specific “sports medic” career, but there are several sports medicine professions. Physicians and orthopedic surgeons specialize through medical school and residency. Athletic trainers complete a master’s degree (5–6 years total) and treat sports injuries, develop rehabilitation plans, and educate athletes. Average pay: $35–40/hour.
Hope this helps
Narrowing down those options helped to clarify some things for me. Thank you for the input!
Madeleine
Crystal M. Visco Wadsworth
RN BSN
10
Answers
Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Updated
Crystal M. ’s Answer
How long do you want to go to school? Neurosurgeon is over 10 years. Nurse will get you a decent salary in the shortest time.
Physician assistant will make more than a nurse in about 6 years if you go straight through. Sports medicine doctor will make enough money to live comfortably in less than Neurosurgeon time.
I would say sports medicine doctors never seem to look overworked or unhappy. So if you can, I would say do that.
Physician assistant will make more than a nurse in about 6 years if you go straight through. Sports medicine doctor will make enough money to live comfortably in less than Neurosurgeon time.
I would say sports medicine doctors never seem to look overworked or unhappy. So if you can, I would say do that.
Thanks for highlighting the timeline of different career options. That will help narrow down the decision making process!
Madeleine
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
317
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
A smart approach is to combine exploration with evidence. Choose a few career options, test each through mini projects, informational interviews, and short internships, then track what fits your strengths and interests. This helps you make confident choices while building transferable skills.
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
317
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
The Healthcare Career BreakdownTo help you organize these options, we can group them by their environment and educational timeline:1. The Pre-Hospital / Fast-Paced PathwayIf you want immediate action, love unpredictability, and want to enter the workforce quickly, this is your zone.EMT (Emergency Medical Technician): * What they do: EMTs are the first responders on an ambulance. They provide basic life support (CPR, bandaging, splinting, oxygen) and stabilize patients on the way to the hospital.Schooling: 3 to 6 months (often a certificate program at a community college).Emergency Medical Paramedic: * What they do: This is the advanced level up from an EMT. Paramedics can perform invasive procedures, start IVs, read EKGs, intubate patients, and administer heavy emergency medications.Schooling: You must be an EMT first, followed by 1 to 2 years of intensive paramedic training (often resulting in an Associate degree).2. The Nursing PathwayLabor & Delivery (L&D) Nurse:What they do: L&D nurses support mothers through labor, assist doctors during childbirth (including C-sections), and care for newborns immediately after birth. It is a highly emotional, beautiful, but sometimes incredibly high-stress environment when complications arise.Schooling: 2 to 4 years to get your Associate (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), plus passing a licensing exam (NCLEX).3. The Surgical & Specialty Care PathwayIf you love the Operating Room (OR) and want a highly controlled, meticulous environment, look here.Surgical First Assistant:What they do: They work directly under the surgeon during an operation. They help control bleeding, retract tissue to give the surgeon a clear view, and suture (stitch) incisions closed. They do not diagnose patients or prescribe medicine; they are pure hands-on technical support in the OR. Schooling: 2 to 4 years (often starting as a surgical tech and getting a post-grad certificate).Physician Assistant (PA) – Surgical or Neurosurgery Focus:What they do: PAs are highly versatile medical professionals. A surgical or neurosurgical PA examines patients in the clinic before surgery, acts as the primary "first assist" during the surgery, and manages the patient's recovery in the hospital afterward. They can prescribe medicine and diagnose illnesses.Schooling: 4 years of college (Bachelor's) + 2 to 3 years of highly competitive PA Master's school.4. The Long-Haul Elite PathwaysThese roles require total dedication to school, high stamina, and many years of training.Neurosurgeon:What they do: They are medical doctors who perform intricate surgery on the brain, spine, and nervous system. They carry massive responsibility, make high-stakes decisions, and often work grueling, long hours with unpredictable emergencies.Schooling: 4 years of college + 4 years of medical school + 7 years of residency training. (15 years total after high school).Sports Medic (Sports Medicine Physician):What they do: They treat musculoskeletal injuries (like tears, concussions, and fractures) for athletes. Unless they choose to be an orthopedic surgeon, most sports medicine doctors do not do surgery—they treat patients in a clinic using physical therapy, injections, and rehabilitation plans. Schooling: 4 years of college + 4 years of medical school + 3 to 4 years of residency/fellowship.Senior Year Checklist: What Classes Should You Take?To narrow down your choices and strengthen your future college or program applications, your senior year of high school should focus heavily on these sciences:AP Biology or Advanced Biology: This is the bedrock for nursing, PA, and medical school. Understanding the human body at a cellular level is non-negotiable.Anatomy & Physiology: If your high school offers this, take it. Learning bones, muscles, and organ systems will instantly tell you if you enjoy medical science.AP Chemistry: Vital for understanding pharmaceuticals and fluid balances (crucial for paramedics, nurses, and doctors).Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or certified CNA classes: Some high schools offer vocational programs where you can graduate high school with a basic nursing assistant or emergency responder certificate. Check with your guidance counselor!
Next Steps to Narrow It Down
The absolute best way to figure this out is to see it first-hand.
Do a Ride-Along: Most local ambulance companies allow high school students (usually 16 or 18+) to do a "ride-along" for a shift. This will show you exactly what EMTs and Paramedics do.
Shadow a Professional: Ask your family doctor or look into local hospital volunteer programs. Ask if you can shadow a nurse or a physician assistant for a day.
Next Steps to Narrow It Down
The absolute best way to figure this out is to see it first-hand.
Do a Ride-Along: Most local ambulance companies allow high school students (usually 16 or 18+) to do a "ride-along" for a shift. This will show you exactly what EMTs and Paramedics do.
Shadow a Professional: Ask your family doctor or look into local hospital volunteer programs. Ask if you can shadow a nurse or a physician assistant for a day.
Thank you so much for that specificity. I think this will absolutely help narrow down some things for me.!
Madeleine
Anilkumar Hanchinal
Learning and Development
89
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anilkumar’s Answer
Nursing offers great pay, and labor and delivery nurses are some of the most amazing professionals I've had the pleasure to work with. Emergency department nurses are fantastic as well. Working as an EMT or Medic during college is a wonderful way to explore and get a feel for the job.
Thank you for highlighting EMT/Medic work as something to do early on in college. It will absolutely help me gain some good experience!
Madeleine
Thomas Moriarty
Paramedic
4
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Nursing pays better, labor and delivery nurses are some of the best nurses I've worked with. ED nurses are dope too. EMT and Medic during college is a great chance to feel out the job.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It's helpful to hear from someone in the field!
Madeleine
Kumar Rishav
Engineer
49
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Kumar’s Answer
To narrow down your choices, you need to weigh how much time you want to spend in school against the environment you want to work in. For fast-paced, high-adrenaline, out-of-hospital care, becoming an EMT or Paramedic takes anywhere from a few months to two years and serves as an excellent foundation for any health career. If you prefer a structured hospital setting with deep patient connections, Labor and Delivery Nursing requires a four-year BSN, while the Physician Assistant (PA) and Surgical First Assistant tracks offer highly technical, collaborative roles in surgeries or clinics with about six to eight years of total schooling. On the extreme end, a Neurosurgeon requires a grueling 14-plus years of higher education and residency, whereas Sports Medicine usually paths through physical therapy or a medical degree. Since you aren't squeamish around blood, you'd thrive in any of these, but for your senior year, you should absolutely prioritize AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology to see which specific biological systems spark your interest, while also trying to shadow local professionals or volunteer at a hospital to see these daily routines firsthand.
Thank you for the course recommendations and career timeline. Those will definitely help me get started on my journey!
Madeleine
Avinash Ghule
i am AI engineer
126
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Avinash’s Answer
Since blood doesn't bother you, narrow your options down by evaluating your ideal timeline: EMT/Paramedic paths provide fast, high-adrenaline, hands-on field training. A Physician Assistant (PA) track grants significant diagnostic power with less schooling than a doctor, whereas a Neurosurgeon track demands a deep, 12+ year commitment. Consider taking AP Biology, Anatomy, or shadowing a local nurse during your high school Senior year to see these roles in action.
Thank you so much for those course recommendations!
Madeleine
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1225
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Madeleine,
It's great that you have a passion for the medical field. You got a lot of good information already from Megan and Rajat, so I am not going to repeat that.
You have identified a lot of interesting options in the medical field. In terms of educational requirements, you have a range from very short training (a few months for an EMT) all the way up to some of the longest educational pathways for neurosurgery. So, one of your considerations should be how long you are willing and able to go to school to reach your goal. That also comes with financial considerations such as how are you going to afford the education you want and what kind of salary expectations do you have to be happy in life.
Another consideration should be to what level you want to understand medical issues and how much you want to be the one who is in charge. That's a personality trait. Nurses who contemplate going to medical school often mention that they wish to understand more of the underlying medical conditions and want to be more in charge. As a nurse, they work under a doctor and have little autonomy. As a nurse practitioner, of course, there would be more autonomy. But as a doctor they would be the one in charge, the one doing diagnosis and treatment plans.
Since you are still in high-school, you don't need to decide on a path just yet. In high-school, you should take all the math and science classes you can get (biology, chemistry, physics, math) to prepare you well for college. If your high-school offers any health-related classes (anatomy, psychology etc), take those as well. Take on challenging classes (AP, IB, dual enrollment) to show that you are ready for college-level work.
The best way to find out which medical career you want to pursue is to shadow professionals in different healthcare professions to see what their work is really like. Look for internships or jobs in a medical setting too. Also, some of your possible career paths can be done at different stages in your life. For example, EMT training is fairly short (a few months). It would give you some real insights into the medical field, medical experience that you would need when you apply to medical school and also a possible income stream while you are doing your undergrad.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's great that you have a passion for the medical field. You got a lot of good information already from Megan and Rajat, so I am not going to repeat that.
You have identified a lot of interesting options in the medical field. In terms of educational requirements, you have a range from very short training (a few months for an EMT) all the way up to some of the longest educational pathways for neurosurgery. So, one of your considerations should be how long you are willing and able to go to school to reach your goal. That also comes with financial considerations such as how are you going to afford the education you want and what kind of salary expectations do you have to be happy in life.
Another consideration should be to what level you want to understand medical issues and how much you want to be the one who is in charge. That's a personality trait. Nurses who contemplate going to medical school often mention that they wish to understand more of the underlying medical conditions and want to be more in charge. As a nurse, they work under a doctor and have little autonomy. As a nurse practitioner, of course, there would be more autonomy. But as a doctor they would be the one in charge, the one doing diagnosis and treatment plans.
Since you are still in high-school, you don't need to decide on a path just yet. In high-school, you should take all the math and science classes you can get (biology, chemistry, physics, math) to prepare you well for college. If your high-school offers any health-related classes (anatomy, psychology etc), take those as well. Take on challenging classes (AP, IB, dual enrollment) to show that you are ready for college-level work.
The best way to find out which medical career you want to pursue is to shadow professionals in different healthcare professions to see what their work is really like. Look for internships or jobs in a medical setting too. Also, some of your possible career paths can be done at different stages in your life. For example, EMT training is fairly short (a few months). It would give you some real insights into the medical field, medical experience that you would need when you apply to medical school and also a possible income stream while you are doing your undergrad.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP