7 answers
Averi
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
4
Questions
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Medical Careers?
There are so many health science careers. How do I chose the one that is right for me? I feel like I am interested in so many things in this field (Nursing, sports medicine, physical therapy, etc.) but each career is very specific to only one thing.
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7 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Averi,
Choosing the Right Health Science Career
When it comes to choosing a health science career, it can indeed be overwhelming due to the wide range of options available. Nursing, sports medicine, physical therapy, and many other fields offer unique opportunities and require specific skill sets. To determine which career is right for you, it is essential to consider several factors such as your interests, skills, values, and long-term goals. Here are some steps you can take to help narrow down your options and make an informed decision:
Self-Assessment: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, and passions. Consider what aspects of healthcare appeal to you the most. Are you interested in direct patient care or prefer a more research-oriented role? Do you enjoy working with individuals of all ages or have a particular interest in a specific population? Identifying your preferences will help guide you towards a suitable career path.
Research: Once you have identified your interests, conduct thorough research on different health science careers. Explore the educational requirements, job responsibilities, work environments, and potential career paths for each profession. Look into professional organizations and associations related to these careers as they often provide valuable resources and insights.
Shadowing and Volunteering: To gain firsthand experience and a better understanding of various health science careers, consider shadowing professionals or volunteering in healthcare settings. This will allow you to observe different roles in action and interact with professionals in the field. Shadowing and volunteering can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges associated with each career.
Networking: Connect with professionals working in the health science fields you are considering. Attend career fairs, conferences, or join online communities where you can interact with individuals already established in these careers. Networking can provide valuable advice, mentorship opportunities, and help you gain a deeper understanding of different professions.
Consider Long-Term Goals: Think about your long-term career goals and how each health science career aligns with them. Some professions offer more opportunities for advancement or specialization, while others may provide a broader scope of practice. Consider the potential for growth, job stability, and work-life balance when making your decision.
Seek Guidance: If you are still unsure about which health science career to pursue, seek guidance from career counselors, academic advisors, or professionals in the field. They can help you explore your options further, assess your skills and interests, and provide valuable insights based on their experience.
Remember that choosing a health science career is a personal decision, and it is essential to find a profession that aligns with your interests, values, and long-term goals. Take the time to thoroughly research and explore different options before making a final decision.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive information on various healthcare occupations, including job outlook, educational requirements, median salaries, and more. Their data is considered highly reliable and up-to-date.
American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA is a reputable organization that offers resources and information on different medical careers. They provide insights into the medical field, including specialties, training pathways, and professional development opportunities.
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): The APTA is a leading professional organization for physical therapists. Their website offers valuable information on the field of physical therapy, including educational requirements, licensure, practice areas, and career advancement opportunities.
These sources were used to gather factual information and provide authoritative insights into the process of choosing a health science career.
Do not forget to look at my autobiography which will have the entitled on the top of the page about James Constantine. Here you will find a list of foods that enhance your performance psychologically and mentally. You will find that you complete twice the study in half the time and get better results in exams. Thank you
Choosing the Right Health Science Career
When it comes to choosing a health science career, it can indeed be overwhelming due to the wide range of options available. Nursing, sports medicine, physical therapy, and many other fields offer unique opportunities and require specific skill sets. To determine which career is right for you, it is essential to consider several factors such as your interests, skills, values, and long-term goals. Here are some steps you can take to help narrow down your options and make an informed decision:
Self-Assessment: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, and passions. Consider what aspects of healthcare appeal to you the most. Are you interested in direct patient care or prefer a more research-oriented role? Do you enjoy working with individuals of all ages or have a particular interest in a specific population? Identifying your preferences will help guide you towards a suitable career path.
Research: Once you have identified your interests, conduct thorough research on different health science careers. Explore the educational requirements, job responsibilities, work environments, and potential career paths for each profession. Look into professional organizations and associations related to these careers as they often provide valuable resources and insights.
Shadowing and Volunteering: To gain firsthand experience and a better understanding of various health science careers, consider shadowing professionals or volunteering in healthcare settings. This will allow you to observe different roles in action and interact with professionals in the field. Shadowing and volunteering can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges associated with each career.
Networking: Connect with professionals working in the health science fields you are considering. Attend career fairs, conferences, or join online communities where you can interact with individuals already established in these careers. Networking can provide valuable advice, mentorship opportunities, and help you gain a deeper understanding of different professions.
Consider Long-Term Goals: Think about your long-term career goals and how each health science career aligns with them. Some professions offer more opportunities for advancement or specialization, while others may provide a broader scope of practice. Consider the potential for growth, job stability, and work-life balance when making your decision.
Seek Guidance: If you are still unsure about which health science career to pursue, seek guidance from career counselors, academic advisors, or professionals in the field. They can help you explore your options further, assess your skills and interests, and provide valuable insights based on their experience.
Remember that choosing a health science career is a personal decision, and it is essential to find a profession that aligns with your interests, values, and long-term goals. Take the time to thoroughly research and explore different options before making a final decision.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive information on various healthcare occupations, including job outlook, educational requirements, median salaries, and more. Their data is considered highly reliable and up-to-date.
American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA is a reputable organization that offers resources and information on different medical careers. They provide insights into the medical field, including specialties, training pathways, and professional development opportunities.
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): The APTA is a leading professional organization for physical therapists. Their website offers valuable information on the field of physical therapy, including educational requirements, licensure, practice areas, and career advancement opportunities.
These sources were used to gather factual information and provide authoritative insights into the process of choosing a health science career.
Do not forget to look at my autobiography which will have the entitled on the top of the page about James Constantine. Here you will find a list of foods that enhance your performance psychologically and mentally. You will find that you complete twice the study in half the time and get better results in exams. Thank you
Kendra W.
Data Analytics/ Operations
19
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Kendra’s Answer
Hi Averi-
The good news is that *many* healthcare professions require the same education (science, biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology classes). As you go on your path to figuring out what you want to do, remember it's okay to change your mind! I know several people that graduated with one degree, and went back to school to become something else.
You don't have to have it figured out right now. I would encourage you to:
1. Job shadow or volunteer at a hospital or clinic
2. Check out the programs offered at your local community colleges (ultrasound, Radiology, EMT, nursing, OT assistant, PT assistant)- they are 2 year degrees that can help you get on the right path! This will help you get going on a path, fulfill education requirements, and reduce the amount of loans while figuring it out.
That's where most adults get in trouble- they went straight to a 4 year school and got a degree just to have one- and now have trouble paying back loans on something they never wanted.
So, take your time and get as much exposure as you can- volunteer, job shadow, internships, informational interviews will all help you!
The good news is that *many* healthcare professions require the same education (science, biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology classes). As you go on your path to figuring out what you want to do, remember it's okay to change your mind! I know several people that graduated with one degree, and went back to school to become something else.
You don't have to have it figured out right now. I would encourage you to:
1. Job shadow or volunteer at a hospital or clinic
2. Check out the programs offered at your local community colleges (ultrasound, Radiology, EMT, nursing, OT assistant, PT assistant)- they are 2 year degrees that can help you get on the right path! This will help you get going on a path, fulfill education requirements, and reduce the amount of loans while figuring it out.
That's where most adults get in trouble- they went straight to a 4 year school and got a degree just to have one- and now have trouble paying back loans on something they never wanted.
So, take your time and get as much exposure as you can- volunteer, job shadow, internships, informational interviews will all help you!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Averi
jennifer chou
acupuncturist, hypnotist, teacher
9
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
jennifer’s Answer
It's great that you are interested in a variety of health science careers! Choosing the right career can be a challenging decision, but there are a few steps you can take to help narrow down your options:
Research the different careers in more detail: Look into what each career involves, the typical tasks and responsibilities, and the required education and training. This will help you understand what each career entails and whether it aligns with your interests and goals.
Consider your strengths and preferences: Think about what you are good at and enjoy doing. Do you prefer working with patients one-on-one, or do you enjoy more administrative tasks? Do you prefer working with a specific age group or population? These factors can help you identify which careers might be a good fit for you.
Talk to people in the field: Reach out to people who work in the careers you are interested in and ask them about their experiences. You can also shadow someone in their job or do an internship to get a better sense of what the work is like.
Get advice from a career counselor: A career counselor can help you explore your options and identify which careers might be the best fit for you based on your interests, strengths, and goals.
Ultimately, it's important to choose a career that aligns with your values and interests and that you will find fulfilling and rewarding. It may take some time to figure out which career is right for you, but the effort you put into researching and exploring your options will be worth it in the long run.
Research the different careers in more detail: Look into what each career involves, the typical tasks and responsibilities, and the required education and training. This will help you understand what each career entails and whether it aligns with your interests and goals.
Consider your strengths and preferences: Think about what you are good at and enjoy doing. Do you prefer working with patients one-on-one, or do you enjoy more administrative tasks? Do you prefer working with a specific age group or population? These factors can help you identify which careers might be a good fit for you.
Talk to people in the field: Reach out to people who work in the careers you are interested in and ask them about their experiences. You can also shadow someone in their job or do an internship to get a better sense of what the work is like.
Get advice from a career counselor: A career counselor can help you explore your options and identify which careers might be the best fit for you based on your interests, strengths, and goals.
Ultimately, it's important to choose a career that aligns with your values and interests and that you will find fulfilling and rewarding. It may take some time to figure out which career is right for you, but the effort you put into researching and exploring your options will be worth it in the long run.
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Averi:
It's awesome that you have so many interests in healthcare. One option that my son did while in medical school was to participate in an "un-paid" summer internship program. Although he did not get paid for his time he focused on the experience and knowledge he gained while working directly with a private medical practice. To this day, he's still friends with the doctor, nurses, and staff. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
It's awesome that you have so many interests in healthcare. One option that my son did while in medical school was to participate in an "un-paid" summer internship program. Although he did not get paid for his time he focused on the experience and knowledge he gained while working directly with a private medical practice. To this day, he's still friends with the doctor, nurses, and staff. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Karyn Ivancich
OB Sonographer (ultrasound)
7
Answers
Tinley Park, Illinois
Updated
Karyn’s Answer
I think you have many healthcare interests. You have to exam your goals and real interests. Do you want to go to school for 2 years, 4, 6 or more?? You mention nursing, PT and sports medicine. Nursing can open many doors with many different career opportunities within. PT and sports medicine are a little related. You might want to contact a college near you and make an appointment with an admission counselor or someone from the department of your field of interest.
Alexa Dzubak
Dental assistant
75
Answers
Carmel, New York
Updated
Alexa’s Answer
Hi Averi,
It would be a great idea to shadow doctors, physical therapists, etc while you are in college. A great time to do this is on your summer breaks. I would also research each occupation, which can be as simple as a YouTube video! I also think the compensation ($$$) is a important aspect to consider as well. Goodluck.
It would be a great idea to shadow doctors, physical therapists, etc while you are in college. A great time to do this is on your summer breaks. I would also research each occupation, which can be as simple as a YouTube video! I also think the compensation ($$$) is a important aspect to consider as well. Goodluck.
Angelin Shamili Leo Pradeep Chandran
Doctor
7
Answers
Kenner, Louisiana
Updated
Angelin Shamili’s Answer
Hi Averi,
I have been there before so i can understand that totally. The best thing is to go for Job Shadowing option.
1. Firstly, you have to reach out to the local hospitals or clinics for volunteering opportunities.
2. From there you can reach out to the professionals and ask for a shadowing opportunity.
3. You can even see some youtube videos where they share their experience of being a professional (Nursing, sports medicine, physical therapy) and their daily routine.
4. You can ask friends or family who is already in the field about their experiences.
5. You can look for local Medical Society of your place and get involved in the events, so that you can meet more professionals and you can form a network. They can help you better.
Goodluck!
I have been there before so i can understand that totally. The best thing is to go for Job Shadowing option.
1. Firstly, you have to reach out to the local hospitals or clinics for volunteering opportunities.
2. From there you can reach out to the professionals and ask for a shadowing opportunity.
3. You can even see some youtube videos where they share their experience of being a professional (Nursing, sports medicine, physical therapy) and their daily routine.
4. You can ask friends or family who is already in the field about their experiences.
5. You can look for local Medical Society of your place and get involved in the events, so that you can meet more professionals and you can form a network. They can help you better.
Goodluck!