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Naomi
Student
1
Question
Asked
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How do I reach my goals?
I need some advice on what classes i should take in highschool. I want to be a physical therapist, but also a psychiatrist. I am also going to duel enroll in my sophomore year. What classes should i be focusing most on to reach those goals. And what course and classes help to get scholarships in those areas. I am also going to be part of the football management program, because I heard that you can get scholarships that way aswell.
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1 answer
Carolyn Hosenfeld
Medical Laboratory Scientist and Assistant Clinical Professor
11
Answers
Bowling Green, Ohio
Updated
Carolyn’s Answer
Hello Naomi,
Both careers are health care options, so I would focus heavily on your STEM courses. If you are able to take college credit courses that will transfer to most colleges, I highly recommend doing so (saves you time and money in college!). Social sciences like psychology and sociology would be great to include as well, but I know not many high schools offer these courses.
To become a psychiatrist, you need to obtain a bachelor's degree, complete 4 years of medical school, and complete about 4 years of residency. For physical therapy, most places now require a doctorate in PT (moving away from a Master's degree being the requirement). In this case, you would need a bachelor's degree, plus 2-4 years for the doctoral degree (length of time depends on the program).
I would highly recommend shadowing both positions and seeing if there is a good fit. You have plenty of time to decide, and may find something else that interests you. Regardless of what path you decide, college-credit and/or college-prep courses can be helpful in completing your undergraduate degree sooner/at less cost, and for preparing you for future rigorous college courses.
Hope this helps!
Carolyn
Both careers are health care options, so I would focus heavily on your STEM courses. If you are able to take college credit courses that will transfer to most colleges, I highly recommend doing so (saves you time and money in college!). Social sciences like psychology and sociology would be great to include as well, but I know not many high schools offer these courses.
To become a psychiatrist, you need to obtain a bachelor's degree, complete 4 years of medical school, and complete about 4 years of residency. For physical therapy, most places now require a doctorate in PT (moving away from a Master's degree being the requirement). In this case, you would need a bachelor's degree, plus 2-4 years for the doctoral degree (length of time depends on the program).
I would highly recommend shadowing both positions and seeing if there is a good fit. You have plenty of time to decide, and may find something else that interests you. Regardless of what path you decide, college-credit and/or college-prep courses can be helpful in completing your undergraduate degree sooner/at less cost, and for preparing you for future rigorous college courses.
Hope this helps!
Carolyn