4 answers
Julia
Student
Cicero, New York
1
Question
Asked
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What career in the medical field is best for me?
I am a senior in highschool and I love helping people in a hands on way that’s why I want to work in the medical field. My only concern is that i won’t be able to find a job I love because I only want to do 4 years of college.
Thank you so much,
Julia
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4 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
What an interesting question, Julia! I initially thought about nursing, but found an article including many other options - see link below. Like nursing, many of these are hands-on with patients, which is what you said you liked.
I might still emphasize nursing because your nursing experience can vary based on the type of organization (e.g., hospital, clinic, school, doctor's office, etc.) and population you serve (e.g., emergency, pediatric, geriatric, etc.). In addition, demand for nurses has been high for many years, and is likely to stay that way. Third, if you decide that you want more responsibility (and higher salary), you could continue your education later. There are many in-person and online options, and your employer might even be willing to pay for that.
That said, I encourage you to explore all the options and hope that you find your calling.
Good luck!
Review medical jobs you can get after finishing undergrad - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/medical-jobs-with-bachelors-degree
I might still emphasize nursing because your nursing experience can vary based on the type of organization (e.g., hospital, clinic, school, doctor's office, etc.) and population you serve (e.g., emergency, pediatric, geriatric, etc.). In addition, demand for nurses has been high for many years, and is likely to stay that way. Third, if you decide that you want more responsibility (and higher salary), you could continue your education later. There are many in-person and online options, and your employer might even be willing to pay for that.
That said, I encourage you to explore all the options and hope that you find your calling.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Lindley Avanzi
Mri technologist
1
Answer
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Lindley’s Answer
There are many areas of healthcare you can go into with 4 years or less of schooling. I am a radiology technologist; I did a 4 year degree but a two year program is all that is needed to enter the field. Nursing, respiratory therapy, dietitian, occupational therapy, and physical therapy assistant are all careers that require 4 or less years of schooling that are all hands on with patient care.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Julia thank you for reaching out and asking your questions regarding a potential career in the medical profession. I hope the information that I have below provides you some insight and/or help. It's fantastic to hear about your passion for helping people in a hands-on way within the medical field. Your dedication to making a positive impact is truly commendable. As a senior in high school, you're at an exciting stage where you can chart a course towards a fulfilling career. Considering your preference for a four-year college duration, here are some impactful medical career options for you:
• Registered Nurse (RN) – Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) allows you to become a registered nurse. RNs play a crucial role in patient care, and the demand for skilled nurses is consistently high. It's a rewarding career that aligns with your desire for hands-on assistance.
• Radiologic Technologist – If you're interested in diagnostic imaging procedures, becoming a radiologic technologist might be an excellent fit. This role involves performing X-rays and other imaging tests to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. You can typically enter this field with a four-year degree.
• Respiratory Therapist – As a respiratory therapist, you'll be involved in helping individuals with breathing difficulties. This role often requires a bachelor's degree, and you'll work closely with patients to provide respiratory care treatments.
• Medical Laboratory Technologist – If you have an interest in analyzing medical samples and contributing to diagnostics, becoming a medical laboratory technologist could be a great choice. This role involves conducting tests and experiments in a laboratory setting.
• Health Educator – Consider a career as a health educator where you can work on promoting wellness and educating communities about health-related issues. While a bachelor's degree is typically required, this field offers diverse opportunities to make a positive impact on public health.
Julia you should remember, the key is to explore these options further, perhaps through internships or informational interviews, to get a better sense of each profession. Your passion for hands-on assistance and your commitment to a four-year college duration can be well-aligned with these fulfilling medical careers.
• Registered Nurse (RN) – Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) allows you to become a registered nurse. RNs play a crucial role in patient care, and the demand for skilled nurses is consistently high. It's a rewarding career that aligns with your desire for hands-on assistance.
• Radiologic Technologist – If you're interested in diagnostic imaging procedures, becoming a radiologic technologist might be an excellent fit. This role involves performing X-rays and other imaging tests to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. You can typically enter this field with a four-year degree.
• Respiratory Therapist – As a respiratory therapist, you'll be involved in helping individuals with breathing difficulties. This role often requires a bachelor's degree, and you'll work closely with patients to provide respiratory care treatments.
• Medical Laboratory Technologist – If you have an interest in analyzing medical samples and contributing to diagnostics, becoming a medical laboratory technologist could be a great choice. This role involves conducting tests and experiments in a laboratory setting.
• Health Educator – Consider a career as a health educator where you can work on promoting wellness and educating communities about health-related issues. While a bachelor's degree is typically required, this field offers diverse opportunities to make a positive impact on public health.
Julia you should remember, the key is to explore these options further, perhaps through internships or informational interviews, to get a better sense of each profession. Your passion for hands-on assistance and your commitment to a four-year college duration can be well-aligned with these fulfilling medical careers.
James Acri
Contracts Management
1
Answer
Annapolis, Maryland
Updated
James’s Answer
Hi Julia. Others before me have offered some very good advice. I think that careers in medicine can be very demanding but are also very rewarding. Your desire to limit schooling also should not stand in the way of you finding something interesting in the medical field.
- If you're willing to invest a little time beyond beyond 4 years of college, I believe there are many schools that offer dual degree programs that include a pharmacy degree in reduced time - for example 2 years beyond college. Do some research on dual PharmD programs or talk to your guidance counselor.
- Pharmacy technician could be another career worth looking at.
- Another option would be to pursue a career as a Physician's Assistant. PAs are becoming very popular.
To learn more, you might consider asking if your local pharmacist is willing to speak with you about their experience or may want to shadow a medical professional for a day if that is an option
Good Luck, Julia!
Research Pharmacy and PA careers online.
Talk to your guidance counselor about your ideas.
- If you're willing to invest a little time beyond beyond 4 years of college, I believe there are many schools that offer dual degree programs that include a pharmacy degree in reduced time - for example 2 years beyond college. Do some research on dual PharmD programs or talk to your guidance counselor.
- Pharmacy technician could be another career worth looking at.
- Another option would be to pursue a career as a Physician's Assistant. PAs are becoming very popular.
To learn more, you might consider asking if your local pharmacist is willing to speak with you about their experience or may want to shadow a medical professional for a day if that is an option
Good Luck, Julia!
James recommends the following next steps:
I second the pharmacy technician idea. Being a tech would be a good first step into the world of healthcare. Many different types of pharmacy to work in (retail, hospital, long-term care, etc). An underappreciated profession, but you still feel you're important. There can often be many other departments you work with, so you can learn of other healthcare professions you may not have known about, aka more opportunities for growth. Don't need to have a college degree, but you would need to become certified within 1-3 years depending on the state you live/work in. Most pharmacies are flexible with scheduling, if you were planning on working AND going to school at the same time.
Emily Kedzie