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What are medical programs I can do as a 9th grader?
I’m a freshman and currently attend Manhattan Hunter Science High School. I’ve always been interested in having a career in the medical field but I don’t specifically which one I want to do.
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Doc’s Answer
Ifunanya make sure you take all three sciences: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. It doesn’t necessarily matter which of the three sciences you choose to take first, but you must take all three. Medical careers requires knowledge of all three science subjects (even though you may think it’s only about biology and chemistry) so it’s necessary that you gain at least some exposure to them during high school.
MEDICAL POSITIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT BEFORE YOU GRADUATE
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA)
The standard minimum age for those who wish to apply for a CNA license is between 16 to 18 years old. Flexible schedules as a CNA allow students to work part time while finishing their high school education and continuing their education on to a community or four year university. While some states do allow licensure as early as 16 years of age, certain employers may not hire you until you are at least 18. This is important to keep in mind as your CNA license may be suspended if you do not meet minimum employment requirements for maintaining your license in your state.
HOSPITAL RECEPTIONIST
Even though this job is not particularly related to healthcare, it includes helping patients’ families, giving information, answering phone calls, and in some cases emergency room triage and collecting the first pieces of information about a patient’s stage. A great advantage of this job is a chance to be promoted to those jobs closely related to patients or the job of a nurse assistant. Receptionists are always well informed about patients and their condition, so they can learn a lot about medical diagnoses too. In addition, you can always continue being a receptionist at various other institutions and include this experience in your CV for a future job, so this job is in the first place on our list of best healthcare and hospital jobs for 16 year olds.
MEDICAL POSITIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT BEFORE YOU GRADUATE
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA)
The standard minimum age for those who wish to apply for a CNA license is between 16 to 18 years old. Flexible schedules as a CNA allow students to work part time while finishing their high school education and continuing their education on to a community or four year university. While some states do allow licensure as early as 16 years of age, certain employers may not hire you until you are at least 18. This is important to keep in mind as your CNA license may be suspended if you do not meet minimum employment requirements for maintaining your license in your state.
HOSPITAL RECEPTIONIST
Even though this job is not particularly related to healthcare, it includes helping patients’ families, giving information, answering phone calls, and in some cases emergency room triage and collecting the first pieces of information about a patient’s stage. A great advantage of this job is a chance to be promoted to those jobs closely related to patients or the job of a nurse assistant. Receptionists are always well informed about patients and their condition, so they can learn a lot about medical diagnoses too. In addition, you can always continue being a receptionist at various other institutions and include this experience in your CV for a future job, so this job is in the first place on our list of best healthcare and hospital jobs for 16 year olds.
Updated
Aimee’s Answer
You should take the science classes. However, I didn't take physics in high school, because I knew I wasn't going to major in a science. I ended up being a pharmacist. haha! I got to college and struggled in basic physics, because I didn't take it in high school, so definitely take that. If you don't enjoy them, don't let that prevent you from healthcare. You likely won't use it every day as a professional, unless you are in research. Take the advanced math classes, so you can take calculus in high school.
Meet with your school guidance counselor right away and if you can, try to take some college classes in high school, such as PSEO or AP classes. These can prepare you for college or even give you college credits. Don't worry about not doing well or getting an A or B, they are college courses. But they will prepare you for the fast pace of college classes. My kids have taken college classes in high school. One of my kids almost had completed a AA by high school graduation. If pursuing a 4 yr degree, this would shave almost 2 yrs off of generals off of her degree, not to mention the cost! These PSEO classes are free if you take them in high school! (at least in MN). There is generally some type of Medical Terminology class that you can take. But be careful as to which classes you take, because some will transfer to certain colleges and others will not. Your school guidance counselor will know this.
And I agree with Doc's answers about the jobs. Find a part time job in a hospital or clinic, just to get a feel for it. Check with your area hospitals, some have a high school shadow program, where you can spend time with different hospital services, like pharmacy, physical therapy, surgery, medicine, nursing. Even the small rural hospital, I used to work at, had such a program for students that were interested in healthcare.
Meet with your school guidance counselor right away and if you can, try to take some college classes in high school, such as PSEO or AP classes. These can prepare you for college or even give you college credits. Don't worry about not doing well or getting an A or B, they are college courses. But they will prepare you for the fast pace of college classes. My kids have taken college classes in high school. One of my kids almost had completed a AA by high school graduation. If pursuing a 4 yr degree, this would shave almost 2 yrs off of generals off of her degree, not to mention the cost! These PSEO classes are free if you take them in high school! (at least in MN). There is generally some type of Medical Terminology class that you can take. But be careful as to which classes you take, because some will transfer to certain colleges and others will not. Your school guidance counselor will know this.
And I agree with Doc's answers about the jobs. Find a part time job in a hospital or clinic, just to get a feel for it. Check with your area hospitals, some have a high school shadow program, where you can spend time with different hospital services, like pharmacy, physical therapy, surgery, medicine, nursing. Even the small rural hospital, I used to work at, had such a program for students that were interested in healthcare.
I know this is off-topic but how is Manhatten Hunter Science? I'm going to attend during the fall.
Rihana
I am not familiar with Manhatten Hunter Science. I guess I would ask others who have attended? Do some online reviews?
Aimee Turcotte, PharmD, BCGP, CMWA
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Reham’s Answer
there are many careers that you think about; but before you choose or decide , please make a market research regarding the required as well as the highest salary so you will be guided correctly and smoothly ; as I see from my work as a healthcare consultant , Nurses are very required now worldwide,
Updated
Megan’s Answer
I would talk to your high school guidance counselor and see what classes or programs are offered at your school. Some schools have CTE programs where you can do some kind of medical program starting your junior year.
There are other medical programs and jobs that you can do starting at the age of 16 that you can start looking into.
See if any local hospitals do job shadow days, student tours, or anything that helps you explore and learn more.
This website also might be helpful to you https://careerzone.labor.ny.gov/jz/views/careerzone/index.jsf
Hope this helps!
There are other medical programs and jobs that you can do starting at the age of 16 that you can start looking into.
See if any local hospitals do job shadow days, student tours, or anything that helps you explore and learn more.
This website also might be helpful to you https://careerzone.labor.ny.gov/jz/views/careerzone/index.jsf
Hope this helps!