3 answers
Pragnya
Student
Cumming, Georgia
3
Questions
Asked
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I would like to go into the medical field, as a high schooler what are some certifications I can do?
I am an upcoming high school senior, so I have not had the opportunity to shadow or volunteer at hospitals. I am looking to do some medical/health-related courses to put me in a higher spot. I already did CPR/AED and first aid.
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3 answers
John Levesque
Clinical Quality Nurse
75
Answers
Waterville, Maine
Updated
John’s Answer
If you're keen on expanding your qualifications, an EMT course could be a fantastic next step for you. High schools, community colleges, and local EMS systems often offer these courses. By becoming an EMT, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the field, gain valuable experience, and discover if there's a particular aspect of healthcare that sparks your interest.
Alternatively, if the EMT course doesn't align with your aspirations and you're more inclined towards volunteering, consider reaching out to your local nursing home, assisted living facility, or rehabilitation unit. They often have volunteer roles that could provide you with a taste of the healthcare environment. Your local hospital is another great place to look for volunteer opportunities.
Remember, every step you take is a step towards discovering your passion and potential. Best of luck as you embark on this exciting exploration of possibilities.
Alternatively, if the EMT course doesn't align with your aspirations and you're more inclined towards volunteering, consider reaching out to your local nursing home, assisted living facility, or rehabilitation unit. They often have volunteer roles that could provide you with a taste of the healthcare environment. Your local hospital is another great place to look for volunteer opportunities.
Remember, every step you take is a step towards discovering your passion and potential. Best of luck as you embark on this exciting exploration of possibilities.
Thank you for the advice.
Pragnya
Audrey Eakman
MS-2, Biochemistry BS
37
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
Hi Pragnya,
I agree with Jogn that EMS certifications are fantastic for prospective medical students, and there are plenty of volunteer opportunities. I think any volunteering or community service, not just healthcare-related, will be a positive on an application. Ultimately, medical schools are looking for students committed to public service and community engagement, not just healthcare and biomedical science.
Another huge aspect of modern medicine is research, so if you could find a way to be involved with research, either now or during your first year of undergrad, it would help you in the long term. I signed up to be a data analyst during my first semester of college, and the training I had to do to be certified I continue to use now as a medical student pursuing my own research projects. Usually, you have to do these trainings through an institution, which is why they might not be available to you until college, but the CITI program training for research is fairly universal.
Best of luck!
I agree with Jogn that EMS certifications are fantastic for prospective medical students, and there are plenty of volunteer opportunities. I think any volunteering or community service, not just healthcare-related, will be a positive on an application. Ultimately, medical schools are looking for students committed to public service and community engagement, not just healthcare and biomedical science.
Another huge aspect of modern medicine is research, so if you could find a way to be involved with research, either now or during your first year of undergrad, it would help you in the long term. I signed up to be a data analyst during my first semester of college, and the training I had to do to be certified I continue to use now as a medical student pursuing my own research projects. Usually, you have to do these trainings through an institution, which is why they might not be available to you until college, but the CITI program training for research is fairly universal.
Best of luck!
Thank you so much!
Pragnya
Sandra Sims
Occupational Health
2
Answers
Loganville, Georgia
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
Hi Pragnya,
I have been a nurse for 29 years and there is no other career path that I would have chosen. I would recommend volunteering at your local hospital to get a glimpse at the healthcare world. You could also become a medical assistant or nursing assistant relatively quickly. You would get experience, work with other healthcare disciplines and get a good idea about your future direction.
I have been a nurse for 29 years and there is no other career path that I would have chosen. I would recommend volunteering at your local hospital to get a glimpse at the healthcare world. You could also become a medical assistant or nursing assistant relatively quickly. You would get experience, work with other healthcare disciplines and get a good idea about your future direction.