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What kind of careers can I pursue in health and medicine?

I want to be a medical assistant but I am also thinking of being a registered nurse but I want to be certain on what I want to do.

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Thank you comment icon I also really had no idea what I wanted to do when I was 17. I thought I wanted to do law enforcement, got a degree in Criminal Justice and worked in Federal Security for a number of years before going back to school part-time to pursue a Dietetics career. In the pursuit of that, I also joined the Army National Guard and learned about the Military's Physician Assistant program. Here I am at 38, starting a career as a PA. It's never too late to change your mind. I recommend if you want to do something in healthcare, just start doing something. Even if it's not want you want to do forever, it can lead to something you'll want to do down the line. There is something to learn from every stage of the game. Also, find some different types of jobs to shadow. Most people love having students shadow them to learn more about their job. Jamie Nigito
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Laura’s Answer

At 17, I had no idea what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I started my career as a medical assistant and worked my way up to become a nurse practitioner.
If you’re unsure but interested in helping people, this was the best thing I ever did.
It gave me a great foundation to build on. It also taught me how to work as a team player and remember where I came from. Keeps me grounded and always learning.
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Cinthya’s Answer

There are so many options in health and medicine. What you want to do is research what a MAs and RNs are allowed to do in your state.
In California, most MA run the front or back office of a Doctors practice. They do things like immunizations, wellness checks, taking VS, and assisting the Doctor with clinic procedures (usually set up and processing of specimens). In Corrections, MA work under the doctors and see their own patients as well assist the doctor with documentation. As an RN you have a bigger scope of practice. RNs will usually see their patients and have more autonomy in their practice. As an RN you will start IVs and administer IV medication. Your assessments and documentation is unique and detailed. You are able to assess plan implement and educate your patient on the care and make adjustments to treatments as you see the progress.
But you can always build on MA and become an LVN or an RN. It would be great starting point to see if you will really like it. Any of these will be a rewarding and challenging career choice.
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Chelsea’s Answer

Pharmacy is also a great option! You could start out as a tech in training then move to a technician position and see if maybe one day you want to be a pharmacist! Hope this helps!
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Jolene’s Answer

There is no limit to what you can do, and no one is rushing you. You're allowed to change your mind, go for a different career path, whatever it takes to figure out what you want to be.

So first? Do some research! Find some good, reputable schools, go through the majors they offer, weigh the do's and dont's, and have choices for yourself. The good thing about life is you don't have to be certain right away. There are ways and directions that you can take, no matter how far you are into your education. Life, and certainly education, is not linear! Do it the way you feel the most comfortable.
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