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What are some high paying professions in the medical field that are low stress?

My goal is to become a physician assistant, but to think about the road getting there is very stressful for me. I am interested in dermatology and other medical technician jobs. I am currently majoring in health science. I want to get a bachelor degree no matter what. But I am wondering if there are any other medical jobs that have a good pay, work/life balance, and low stress.

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Liz’s Answer

Hello good morning. This is a wonderful question and I understand what you are saying….work/life balance! This is huge in any field you pursue within healthcare.

But the thing is; all jobs and professions in healthcare can be stressful and the education path can be life consuming for many years although DO NOT let this stop you from being who you want to be.

Fight through the stress with focusing on your compassion to complete education pathways!

If you like work-life balance a Registered Nurse maybe a great option for you, typically work approx 12 days per month with great pay!

Best of Luck!!
LA :)
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Brooke
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome :) Liz Anderson RN, BSN, PHN
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Kim’s Answer

Brooke,

What exactly do you find "stressful?" I saw mention of being introverted in one of your comments. . .

Different people find different things stressful. What I have learned, in the gazillion years I've been roaming this planet, is the more I do something (public speaking) and the more knowledgeable I am on the subject, the less stressful it becomes. I'm somewhat of an introvert myself, but, when I am "playing a role" so to speak, it's easier. I'm not trying to bond with clients, just help them -and they look up to me as the expert. . . It's a different sort of relationship. As to co-workers, I guess they are a necessary evil. But, sometimes you get good ones. A lot of that picture depends on the supervisor - do they promote team work?

I remember the first call I was dispatched to once I finished my police training. It was at an airline ticket counter, with LOTS of on-lookers, and they were looking to ME to solve the situation. None of them knew I was a very green Rookie. So, I just stepped up. . .

I went through my first career letting fear of public speaking hold me back. Now, retired, I speak publicly about twice a month!!

Don't be like me! Learn to tackle your fears, head-on. Of course, try to find the best-suited job, but, don't let the little things become the big things. But, if stress causes severe physical symptoms, see a physician for help.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for this advice! I find the coursework to be stressful specifically. I have a harder time with textbook learning vs hands on and experiencing it myself. For example, I learned most of the anatomical terms like dorsal, ventral, lateral, etc. by working in a clinic helping with X-rays. I have a harder time learning without application, so to think about the higher coursework of going through physician assistant school makes me nervous Brooke
Thank you comment icon I feel your pain! I was taking a Master's level paralegal program, and ran into the same thing. I was not learning from the methods being used by the school. The solution? Computer! I found other resources that made a very dull subject come to life! Heck, they probably have VR technology that lets you "operate" in the comfort of your own home. When life hands you obstacles, go under them, over them, around them, or through them. Just don't turn back. And stop worrying about classes you aren't even taking yet! Everything you learn about "learning" now will help you with those classes. Guaranteed! Kim Igleheart
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! I will look into more ways that I can find better ways to study. I appreciate your motivation! I definitely need to worry less about classes I have not taken yet :) Brooke
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Dianne’s Answer

Hi Brooke!
I'm working as a Medical Technologist in Microbiology at a hospital lab. I am definitely an introvert as well! My coworkers and I on shift have different bench assignments based on sample type so it is very much individual work (blood culture, urine, respiratory, wound). Since Microbiology is heavily based on how well your samples grow I find it to be less stressful compared to other fields in the lab. You definitely get less stat samples. The stressful part of my work is workload volume because we receive samples from 5+ hospitals in our network. Second stressor would be analyzer issues, but tech support will usually be the one to handle it if we are unable to troubleshoot. Microbiology or any specialty department requires quite a bit of knowledge, but that also comes with experience on the job. So don't worry! I work 3 12 hour shifts so that means I have 4 days off! I love my schedule and it allows me to have a life outside of work which is important when working in Healthcare. We take care of patients, but also need to take care of ourselves. Hope this helps.

Dianne recommends the following next steps:

Try a degree as a Medical lab technician. It is a 2 year that gives you insight into the laboratory field. If you like it, continue on to a Bachelors in Medical Technology (Same as Clinical Lab Scientist)
Check local college/universities for program availabilty in Laboratory Science. There are online schooling options also available. (I have colleagues who went to Weber State University and have had a positive experience.)
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Brooke
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Jennifer’s Answer

Have you considered a career in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)? With a degree in MLS you can become a medical technologist and work in a hospital laboratory or veterinary hospital. They perform tests in hematology, chemistry, and blood bank so the physician knows how to treat the patient. The testing is the same for humans and animals. Once you have experience, you can branch out of the lab into infection prevention, information services, instrument design, or hospital administration to name a few. Stress is a part of any job. If you find something you love, you won’t mind the stress so much.

Jennifer recommends the following next steps:

Research Medical Technology online.
Contact the education coordinator at your local hospital for information about the lab
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! I have briefly looked into medical technologist. I did not know the career had so much to offer. I really like the idea working in a laboratory testing! How is the social aspect of this career? Is it more introverted when it comes to working as a team or interacting with other coworkers/etc? Brooke
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Farrell’s Answer

You must consider that a physician's assistant is inherently stressful. You will be extremely busy seeing patients all day long. Certainly the specialty you end up in can help dictate what kind of work/life balance you have. PAs are used a lot in clinics but they can also be found in emergency medicine where you will be working rotating shifts. Ultimately you must understand that with a good salary comes a good amount of responsibility. I will end by saying that, in my mind, there is nothing more rewarding than having intimate interactions with people and improving their lives through healthcare.

Farrell recommends the following next steps:

I would suggest, get your bachelor's degree in biology or health sciences. That will make PA school a little bit easier i.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Brooke
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Kruti’s Answer

Chiropractors have it pretty easy in regards to workload, surgical techs, dental hygienist
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