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shalanda
Student
New Iberia, Louisiana
1
Question
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What are some good classes to take in college for medical reasons What did you major in ??
Is college expensive?
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2317
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Shalanda !
If you are considering going to college for a degree to prepare for a medical career, there are many classes you can take that would be helpful. You would first need to know exactly what you'd want to do, what career you're thinking about as the medical field covers a very wide range including both physical as well as mental health components. So your first step would be to focus on a career interest.
Your second step, once you've ascertained the career you're aiming for, would be to pick a college Major that specifically relates to the career you want. Once you have done this, you can read what courses are required for that major. That information is decided by and provided to you by the college.
If you are still in high school, it is important to get a foundation by taking as many classes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Anatomy. If you can take these most years in high school, it will prepare you for college. If you want to go into the mental health realm, Psychology, Sociology and Health Science would be beneficial to prepare you for college. I would also say that since the medical field demands a lot of writing and communication and presentational skills, you should take English and Public Speaking while in high school. Once you choose a college, the college catalogue/website will tell you what classes to take in college based on your major.
Yes, college is expensive but well worth it. Houses and cars are expensive too, but that doesn't stop people from owning them. The college experience, education and degree is something you will have for your whole life. Community colleges cost less than State Universities and State Universities cost less than private Universities. There is also financial assistance in the way of Federal Student Financial Aid, the Work Study Program, Scholarships and Grants to help with college costs.
I majored in Theatre with a Minor in Social Science which proved very useful because I went in and out of an acting career, into a career in Social Services and then back to Acting. No one ever knows how their career will go, but there are always exciting opportunities if one keeps their eyes open and is true to themselves.
Best wishes in discovering your path for your career !
If you are considering going to college for a degree to prepare for a medical career, there are many classes you can take that would be helpful. You would first need to know exactly what you'd want to do, what career you're thinking about as the medical field covers a very wide range including both physical as well as mental health components. So your first step would be to focus on a career interest.
Your second step, once you've ascertained the career you're aiming for, would be to pick a college Major that specifically relates to the career you want. Once you have done this, you can read what courses are required for that major. That information is decided by and provided to you by the college.
If you are still in high school, it is important to get a foundation by taking as many classes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Anatomy. If you can take these most years in high school, it will prepare you for college. If you want to go into the mental health realm, Psychology, Sociology and Health Science would be beneficial to prepare you for college. I would also say that since the medical field demands a lot of writing and communication and presentational skills, you should take English and Public Speaking while in high school. Once you choose a college, the college catalogue/website will tell you what classes to take in college based on your major.
Yes, college is expensive but well worth it. Houses and cars are expensive too, but that doesn't stop people from owning them. The college experience, education and degree is something you will have for your whole life. Community colleges cost less than State Universities and State Universities cost less than private Universities. There is also financial assistance in the way of Federal Student Financial Aid, the Work Study Program, Scholarships and Grants to help with college costs.
I majored in Theatre with a Minor in Social Science which proved very useful because I went in and out of an acting career, into a career in Social Services and then back to Acting. No one ever knows how their career will go, but there are always exciting opportunities if one keeps their eyes open and is true to themselves.
Best wishes in discovering your path for your career !
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
407
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Shalanda, these are excellent questions. Let's address them one at a time.
There are required courses to apply to medical school, but not required majors. Generally, pre-med students major in the sciences such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or neuroscience so the required courses count toward their majors also. But the American Medical Association (AMA) list below shows that successful students can major in related areas, such as Public Health or Psychology, or Humanities courses. All of these courses can hone your reading, analytical, and communications skills, which would help you be a better doctor.
Your second question addresses the cost of college. It can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost. For example, you could seek merit (where financial need doesn't matter) or need-based scholarships. You could look at public universities in your state or take introductory courses at a community college to reduce the number of years in a 4-year institution. You could also consider "honors colleges" at lesser-known universities that often offer scholarships and/or specialized services or experiences.
Good luck!
American Medical Association - https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/preparing-medical-school/which-undergrad-majors-are-best-med-school
There are required courses to apply to medical school, but not required majors. Generally, pre-med students major in the sciences such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or neuroscience so the required courses count toward their majors also. But the American Medical Association (AMA) list below shows that successful students can major in related areas, such as Public Health or Psychology, or Humanities courses. All of these courses can hone your reading, analytical, and communications skills, which would help you be a better doctor.
Your second question addresses the cost of college. It can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost. For example, you could seek merit (where financial need doesn't matter) or need-based scholarships. You could look at public universities in your state or take introductory courses at a community college to reduce the number of years in a 4-year institution. You could also consider "honors colleges" at lesser-known universities that often offer scholarships and/or specialized services or experiences.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
941
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Shalanda, please understand that when considering college classes for a career in the medical field, it's important to choose courses that align with your specific career goals. If you're aiming for a clinical role, such as a physician, nurse, or physical therapist, foundational classes in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology are essential. These subjects provide the scientific foundation necessary for understanding human health and disease processes. For students interested in medical research or medical technology, classes in biochemistry, genetics, and biomedical engineering can be beneficial. Additionally, taking courses in medical ethics, public health, and healthcare administration can offer valuable insights into the broader healthcare system, which is crucial for those aiming to work in management or policy roles within healthcare.
As for my personal background, Shalanda, I don't have a specific medical major, but if I were to advise a student considering medical studies, I would recommend a major in Biology, Health Sciences, or a similar pre-medical program. This major typically incorporates the courses necessary for medical school or other health-related graduate programs. For those interested in non-clinical roles in healthcare, programs like Health Informatics, Healthcare Administration, or Medical Technology offer a robust mix of science and business that could lead to roles in hospital management, healthcare IT, or medical data analysis.
Regarding the cost of college, yes, it can be expensive, particularly for students pursuing medical careers due to the extended education required. My aunt and uncle are both in the medical profession (both are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Nurse Practitioners(NP)). They wanted to pursue it so badly they joined the Army and had the Army pay for their schooling. Nonetheless, Medical programs typically include undergraduate, graduate, and often postgraduate education, each with its own tuition fees. The cost of tuition can vary widely depending on the institution, location, and whether it's a public or private university. In the U.S., for example, the average annual cost of tuition at a public four-year university is around $10,000 for in-state students and can exceed $30,000 for out-of-state students. Private universities can charge $30,000 to $50,000 per year or more. However, many students offset costs through scholarships, financial aid, and student loans. For those pursuing medical school, the costs increase significantly, and most students rely on federal loans, scholarships, and grants to help fund their education. Websites like Scholarships.com (https://www.scholarships.com) and Fastweb (https://www.fastweb.com) are great resources for finding financial aid and scholarships.
Shalanda, while the financial investment in medical education can be substantial, it's important to consider the long-term return on investment. Careers in healthcare often offer high earning potential and job stability, which can make the initial cost of education worthwhile. Additionally, many medical schools and healthcare programs offer flexible options for funding and repayment, such as income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs for those who work in underserved areas.
As for my personal background, Shalanda, I don't have a specific medical major, but if I were to advise a student considering medical studies, I would recommend a major in Biology, Health Sciences, or a similar pre-medical program. This major typically incorporates the courses necessary for medical school or other health-related graduate programs. For those interested in non-clinical roles in healthcare, programs like Health Informatics, Healthcare Administration, or Medical Technology offer a robust mix of science and business that could lead to roles in hospital management, healthcare IT, or medical data analysis.
Regarding the cost of college, yes, it can be expensive, particularly for students pursuing medical careers due to the extended education required. My aunt and uncle are both in the medical profession (both are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Nurse Practitioners(NP)). They wanted to pursue it so badly they joined the Army and had the Army pay for their schooling. Nonetheless, Medical programs typically include undergraduate, graduate, and often postgraduate education, each with its own tuition fees. The cost of tuition can vary widely depending on the institution, location, and whether it's a public or private university. In the U.S., for example, the average annual cost of tuition at a public four-year university is around $10,000 for in-state students and can exceed $30,000 for out-of-state students. Private universities can charge $30,000 to $50,000 per year or more. However, many students offset costs through scholarships, financial aid, and student loans. For those pursuing medical school, the costs increase significantly, and most students rely on federal loans, scholarships, and grants to help fund their education. Websites like Scholarships.com (https://www.scholarships.com) and Fastweb (https://www.fastweb.com) are great resources for finding financial aid and scholarships.
Shalanda, while the financial investment in medical education can be substantial, it's important to consider the long-term return on investment. Careers in healthcare often offer high earning potential and job stability, which can make the initial cost of education worthwhile. Additionally, many medical schools and healthcare programs offer flexible options for funding and repayment, such as income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs for those who work in underserved areas.
Sergio Guzman
1
Answer
New Iberia, Louisiana
Updated
Sergio’s Answer
Always listen to your great teacher!