7 answers
Lola
Student
Penticton, British Columbia, Canada
1
Question
Asked
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How can I start?
I am 14 and I am really interested in the medical field, nurse practicioner,pediatrician or ob/gyn. I have still 3 years of high school but i want to now more about it all to have my mind set when i graduate form high school. I want to help in hospitals strarting at this age. What can i do? #medicine #young # #doctor #nursing
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7 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
FOUR STEPS TO PREPARE YOU FOR A PROFESSIONAL NURSING CAREER
Lola with the large number of people entering the healthcare industry, there is a need for experienced, qualified professors to educate the new generation of nurses and other healthcare professionals. Becoming a nursing professor is a unique and rewarding opportunity for nursing experts to share the knowledge and skills they have acquired through years of experience while embarking on their own research and academic endeavors.
STEP 1.) TAKE THE RIGHT CLASSES NOW – Because nursing relies heavily on an understanding of math and science, students should prioritize these at the high school level. They should also take as many AP courses as possible in these subjects, as this can help them meet requirements while still in high school and become familiar with college-level topics.
STEP 2.) VOLUNTEER – Spending a couple of hours each weekend at a hospital, assisted living facility, or in another healthcare setting can help students learn more about the profession and understand whether it offers a good fit for their personal and professional needs. Volunteer work hours also look great on a college application.
STEP 3.) BECOME A HOSA MEMBER – Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) provides an opportunity for future health leaders – including nurses – to take advantage of professional and academic resources while still in high school. The group offers events, competitions, scholarships, and plenty of resources to help connect learners with the nursing world while still in high school.
STEP 4.) RESEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES – Many different nursing degrees exist at various levels, making it important for prospective students to get a clear sense of the path that best serves their needs. Those who are unsure about a lifelong nursing career may pursue a licensed practical nurse qualification or an associate degree in nursing. Others who feel confident in their decision may move directly to a bachelor of science program in nursing.
• NURSE PRACTITIONER JOB DESCRIPTION
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse that helps with all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatments and consultations. They may work in both inpatient and outpatient situations and can perform independently or as part of a treatment team. Generally, nurse practitioners perform the important task of educating patients about preventative care and prescribed treatments. They may also conduct physicals, order tests and serve as a patient's primary healthcare provider. Some nurse practitioners are also able to prescribe medications.
• OB/GYN PHYSICIANS EDUCATIONAL & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
The road to an OB/GYN career begins with earning an accredited undergraduate degree, which is usually a requirement for entrance to medical school and subsequent OB/GYN training programs. The candidate must also pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) before being admitted to a medical school. During their time at medical school, students will complete academic and practical coursework, and work with patients (under supervision) before entering a residency program, during which the medical student works at a hospital and masters the essential procedures of their chosen practice. An OB/GYN residency program will usually last about four years and cover a range of areas related to women's health and obstetrics. During the residency and afterwards, the medical student must sit for a series of board examinations to become a licensed physician. A prospective OB/GYN may also earn specialty certification, such as from the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ABOG). Additional requirements may vary in Canada.
Hope this was Helpful Lola
Lola with the large number of people entering the healthcare industry, there is a need for experienced, qualified professors to educate the new generation of nurses and other healthcare professionals. Becoming a nursing professor is a unique and rewarding opportunity for nursing experts to share the knowledge and skills they have acquired through years of experience while embarking on their own research and academic endeavors.
STEP 1.) TAKE THE RIGHT CLASSES NOW – Because nursing relies heavily on an understanding of math and science, students should prioritize these at the high school level. They should also take as many AP courses as possible in these subjects, as this can help them meet requirements while still in high school and become familiar with college-level topics.
STEP 2.) VOLUNTEER – Spending a couple of hours each weekend at a hospital, assisted living facility, or in another healthcare setting can help students learn more about the profession and understand whether it offers a good fit for their personal and professional needs. Volunteer work hours also look great on a college application.
STEP 3.) BECOME A HOSA MEMBER – Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) provides an opportunity for future health leaders – including nurses – to take advantage of professional and academic resources while still in high school. The group offers events, competitions, scholarships, and plenty of resources to help connect learners with the nursing world while still in high school.
STEP 4.) RESEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES – Many different nursing degrees exist at various levels, making it important for prospective students to get a clear sense of the path that best serves their needs. Those who are unsure about a lifelong nursing career may pursue a licensed practical nurse qualification or an associate degree in nursing. Others who feel confident in their decision may move directly to a bachelor of science program in nursing.
• NURSE PRACTITIONER JOB DESCRIPTION
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse that helps with all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatments and consultations. They may work in both inpatient and outpatient situations and can perform independently or as part of a treatment team. Generally, nurse practitioners perform the important task of educating patients about preventative care and prescribed treatments. They may also conduct physicals, order tests and serve as a patient's primary healthcare provider. Some nurse practitioners are also able to prescribe medications.
• OB/GYN PHYSICIANS EDUCATIONAL & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
The road to an OB/GYN career begins with earning an accredited undergraduate degree, which is usually a requirement for entrance to medical school and subsequent OB/GYN training programs. The candidate must also pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) before being admitted to a medical school. During their time at medical school, students will complete academic and practical coursework, and work with patients (under supervision) before entering a residency program, during which the medical student works at a hospital and masters the essential procedures of their chosen practice. An OB/GYN residency program will usually last about four years and cover a range of areas related to women's health and obstetrics. During the residency and afterwards, the medical student must sit for a series of board examinations to become a licensed physician. A prospective OB/GYN may also earn specialty certification, such as from the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ABOG). Additional requirements may vary in Canada.
Hope this was Helpful Lola
Thank You Nicole. “Our generation has the ability and the responsibility to make our ever-more connected world a more hopeful, stable and peaceful place.” — Natalie Portman
Doc Frick
Nicole Neiman
Clinical Research Coordinator
3
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Lola! I would recommend looking at the volunteer websites for your local hospitals or hospices. I know volunteering in health settings is almost impossible right now due to COVID, but I know some hospices are still asking for volunteers to write letters to patients/ virutal help. I would ask your college and career counselor if there is any career technical education (CTE) classes that would be available to you. You are never too young to shadow, so I would reach out to your connections or call local clinics about shadowing or having conversations with individuals of different careers.
I was a medical scribe for a year and would recommend looking for scribe jobs while you are in college. Many college students have done ER scribing on weekends due to flexible schedules. I know others who have received their EMT and worked to get medical experience throughout college as well. If there are local universities, you could see if there is any research of interest by the faculty and you could reach out if there are ways to volunteer.
I am currently a clinical research coordinator and applying to medical school this year. Most importantly, I would recommend exploring as many different careers as possible and to be open minded! Good luck!
I was a medical scribe for a year and would recommend looking for scribe jobs while you are in college. Many college students have done ER scribing on weekends due to flexible schedules. I know others who have received their EMT and worked to get medical experience throughout college as well. If there are local universities, you could see if there is any research of interest by the faculty and you could reach out if there are ways to volunteer.
I am currently a clinical research coordinator and applying to medical school this year. Most importantly, I would recommend exploring as many different careers as possible and to be open minded! Good luck!
Wojciech Babij
regulatory Compliance Engineer
12
Answers
Haverhill, Massachusetts
Updated
Wojciech’s Answer
My wife started medical career in USA as volunteer per diem at the local hospital. See if the hospitals in your area have any volunteer opportunities.
Harpreet Sarna
Doctor
4
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Harpreet’s Answer
Hi Lola,
It sounds like you are really interested in a healthcare career - which is great news! It is really rewarding, and opens up lots of opportunities. I'm based in the UK, so I can't tell you about the practical steps of applying/studying in the US. I think one of the most important things to do is to decide whether this is really the career path for you and, if it is, which direction you want to go in (nursing, medicine, an allied healthcare role etc). You have time on your side, so spend time doing whatever you can to learn more about each role, e.g. reading online, volunteering, talking to people with different healthcare careers (even for 5 minutes!).
Good luck!
It sounds like you are really interested in a healthcare career - which is great news! It is really rewarding, and opens up lots of opportunities. I'm based in the UK, so I can't tell you about the practical steps of applying/studying in the US. I think one of the most important things to do is to decide whether this is really the career path for you and, if it is, which direction you want to go in (nursing, medicine, an allied healthcare role etc). You have time on your side, so spend time doing whatever you can to learn more about each role, e.g. reading online, volunteering, talking to people with different healthcare careers (even for 5 minutes!).
Good luck!
Dan H
Pharmacist
11
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Dan’s Answer
I think one easy way to start is by taking a career personality test. You enter in some simple responses about what you’re looking for, what kind of personality you have, and a few others items and it comes up with a suggested field or occupation. Give it a try!
Ao Cynthia
sales
16
Answers
Macau
Updated
Ao’s Answer
Your idea is so great!
You are still young and there is a lot of room for advancement; now you can pay more attention to nursing or related professional books 📚. Where are you studying now? Are there any relevant universities in your area? For example: I am in Macao, and I have a Bachelor of Nursing degree in Nursing School of Mirror Lake in Macau, and I can find some institutions outside where I can obtain a certificate or diploma of professional qualifications, and a postgraduate course in nursing to develop my own knowledge. Come on! If you have aspirations, it will happen!
You are still young and there is a lot of room for advancement; now you can pay more attention to nursing or related professional books 📚. Where are you studying now? Are there any relevant universities in your area? For example: I am in Macao, and I have a Bachelor of Nursing degree in Nursing School of Mirror Lake in Macau, and I can find some institutions outside where I can obtain a certificate or diploma of professional qualifications, and a postgraduate course in nursing to develop my own knowledge. Come on! If you have aspirations, it will happen!
Estelle Archer
Gynecologist
1321
Answers
United States
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
Lola, I think it's great that you are so motivated and thinking ahead!
Good for your for planning for your future. I think it is very important for you to work and volunteer in the hospital or in a clinic. I'm afraid that you might need to be 18 years old to actually get a job, but it's never too early to start planning.
As far as education, in the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a college that suits your personality and a major that interests you. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
Good for your for planning for your future. I think it is very important for you to work and volunteer in the hospital or in a clinic. I'm afraid that you might need to be 18 years old to actually get a job, but it's never too early to start planning.
As far as education, in the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a college that suits your personality and a major that interests you. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters