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What's the best route to go through in the medical feild?
#medicine #doctor #medical #healthcare
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Sana’s Answer
There are no easy answers, unfortunately. What I can suggest is shadowing a nurse, a doctor, an EMT/paramedic, etc. and see what interests you.
I chose nursing. Initially, I wanted to become a doctor, a primary care physician to be specific. However, I did not want to be in school for 8-10 years, I didn't want to complete an additional 3-4 year residency, and medical school was more than I could afford. I shadowed both a nurse and a doctor while completing pre-med courses at a community college and I fell in love with nursing, specifically becoming a family nurse practitioner or FNP. What I love about the role of an FNP is that our practice is similar to that of a doctor, without the 3-4 year residency and only about 6-8 years of schooling. FNP's also make a great salary, with some NP specialties making more than primary care doctors.
I also have many friends who are EMTs, paramedics, respiratory therapists, diagnostic medical sonographers, occupational therapists, surgical technologists, pharmacists.. the list can go on. Research the fields that sound interesting to you, look up the educational routes or talk to a school counselor about ways to achieve your goals, and spend a day shadowing someone from those fields to see where your heart lies. Good luck!
I chose nursing. Initially, I wanted to become a doctor, a primary care physician to be specific. However, I did not want to be in school for 8-10 years, I didn't want to complete an additional 3-4 year residency, and medical school was more than I could afford. I shadowed both a nurse and a doctor while completing pre-med courses at a community college and I fell in love with nursing, specifically becoming a family nurse practitioner or FNP. What I love about the role of an FNP is that our practice is similar to that of a doctor, without the 3-4 year residency and only about 6-8 years of schooling. FNP's also make a great salary, with some NP specialties making more than primary care doctors.
I also have many friends who are EMTs, paramedics, respiratory therapists, diagnostic medical sonographers, occupational therapists, surgical technologists, pharmacists.. the list can go on. Research the fields that sound interesting to you, look up the educational routes or talk to a school counselor about ways to achieve your goals, and spend a day shadowing someone from those fields to see where your heart lies. Good luck!
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Thomas’s Answer
Totally depends on what you want to accomplish in the field, doctor, nurse, emt, paramedic. Community College offers a wide variety of courses for these types of careers.
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Heather’s Answer
Agree with Thomas and like Sana I chose the path of nursing. What do you want In Healthcare? How much responsibility do you want to have as you go into the workforce? Physicians and RNs have high responsibility but in different aspects but just as high.
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Richard’s Answer
For me it was to become a physician. To help decide, shadow professionals and decide how long you wish your education to be.
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Rachel’s Answer
Hi Sebastian,
I agree with above. The best route for you into the medical field depends on what role you would like to play and how long you want to spend in school. In order to apply to medical school, you will have to complete college with a bachelor’s degree as well as all of the Pre-med requirements. GPA should probably be 3.5 or better. You will also have to score well on the MCAT. Once you complete 4 years of medical school, you may apply for a minimum of a 3-year residency. Following that, you will have the opportunity to apply for a fellowship that is often 3 more years. We are looking at 14 years of training after high school, but the reward of being a physician and caring for patients is unmatched.
I agree with above. The best route for you into the medical field depends on what role you would like to play and how long you want to spend in school. In order to apply to medical school, you will have to complete college with a bachelor’s degree as well as all of the Pre-med requirements. GPA should probably be 3.5 or better. You will also have to score well on the MCAT. Once you complete 4 years of medical school, you may apply for a minimum of a 3-year residency. Following that, you will have the opportunity to apply for a fellowship that is often 3 more years. We are looking at 14 years of training after high school, but the reward of being a physician and caring for patients is unmatched.
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Estelle’s Answer
Setting your sights on becoming a physician is terrific. Plan to work hard and stay focused. The rewards are unmatched. Physicians have excellent job opportunities and fulfilling work. I agree with Richard, try shadowing some doctors to make sure the job feels right. If the educational process is too long, consider becoming a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant.