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What type of degrees do you need to become something in the medical field?
I'm exploring my options
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7 answers
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Pamela’s Answer
Hi Fatumata,
While you need the science background to fulfill prerequisites (chemistry, biology, math, physics) and help you take the necessary entry exams to get into a clinical field, you should make sure to also take classes that interest you and feed your soul (music, languages, photography, history, etc). You want to be prepared intellectually for your work, but also feel fulfilled as a human being with interests outside your immediate field of study. So the degree itself is not the most important thing (you can have a French literature or music degree and still fulfill the requirements to get into medical or dental school for example, and possibly be an even more sought-out candidate because of these outside interests).
It's good to also remember that extracurriculars and hobbies are also part of your applications and people will want to know about you as a human being, not just a student with a degree in mind. Having interviewed many prospective OBGYN residents, I know I look for team sports, hobbies, etc as a means to connect to the applicant.
Hope this helps!
Pam
While you need the science background to fulfill prerequisites (chemistry, biology, math, physics) and help you take the necessary entry exams to get into a clinical field, you should make sure to also take classes that interest you and feed your soul (music, languages, photography, history, etc). You want to be prepared intellectually for your work, but also feel fulfilled as a human being with interests outside your immediate field of study. So the degree itself is not the most important thing (you can have a French literature or music degree and still fulfill the requirements to get into medical or dental school for example, and possibly be an even more sought-out candidate because of these outside interests).
It's good to also remember that extracurriculars and hobbies are also part of your applications and people will want to know about you as a human being, not just a student with a degree in mind. Having interviewed many prospective OBGYN residents, I know I look for team sports, hobbies, etc as a means to connect to the applicant.
Hope this helps!
Pam
Updated
Michel’s Answer
It is great to be prepared for what sorts of degrees you will need in different fields. This has a lot of variability depending on what you are interested in. Doctors get four year degrees spend four years in medical school then three to seven years in residency. Nurses have many different levels you can become an LVN with two years of schooling. An RN through a community college program. A BSN with a four year degree then you have variability if you spend time getting a masters and/or doctorate. PA’s have a four year degree then three years of PA school. Pharmacists have a four year degree then they complete four more years of pharmacy school. Physical therapist are the same way. There are many degrees and it can be daunting to look at all of them. If you are interested in medicine it can be helpful to volunteer or shadow people in the hospital to get an idea of what aspects of medicine interest you. Each path will give you access to lots of education and opportunity to help people. Hopefully this is helpful good on you for being so prepared already. You are going to do great.
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Wow, the good news here is there is no wrong answer! When I was in school, there were folks taking engineering classes as part of their pre med degree if becoming a doctor is your goal. And to the previous person's answer, nursing has varying levels of certifications requiring different levels of education (and cost/time). My mother is a nurse practitioner but she progressively worked her way through the varying degrees she needed while she worked as a nurse. It took a number of years but it did not cost her much at all (many hospitals pay for further education) and she felt it was well worth it.
Identify what goal you have (and if it's attainable)
What are your paths, their costs in both time and money
Do any paths allow you to pivot to a different role in the field
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Melanie’s Answer
Hi Fatumata! I believe the type of degree, accreditations, licensures, etc. depend on the field of study. Take nursing for example; depending on the level of involvement with the patient, the higher the level of education which is required. A field like nursing can include CNA's - Certified Nursing Assistants, LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse, RN, BSN - Registered Nurse with a Bachelors of Science Degree.
Consider how involved you would like to be with a patient's care
Reach out to the admissions department of a college which specializes in Nursing to get additional information
Request a tour of the campus and nursing department
Melanie recommends the following next steps:
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Catrina’s Answer
I am a pediatric psychologist. I have a PhD in clinical psychology, and work in a pediatrician’s office. I’ve been in various healthcare settings my entire training and career. If you’re interested in learning more about what pediatric psychologists do check out https://www.apa.org/about/division/div54
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John’s Answer
I'll also add here that beyond physicians and nurses, there are other areas like radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, occupational / physical therapists, behavioral health counselors, and social workers. There is no shortage of need for any of these roles and several only require a 2 year degree to start working.
Tammy Miller
Cardiovascular invasive specialist and radiologic technologist
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Tammy’s Answer
Hey there. I am a radiology tech (radiologic technologist is the formal term) first and went right out of highschool. I got my two year associates degree and started working. It was cool because as a radiology tech you can go into any other modality like CT, MRI or even radiation therapy with a lil extra schooling. I decided interventional was right for me. So I now after 20 years an a registered cardiovascular invasive specialist as well. You can go to school just for that too. It’s more often called RCIS tech. Who work in a cardiac Catherine toon lab or Cath lab. To be honest with you my daughter wants to do this and I told her to go to school for RCIS Test then come back home and live work over the weekend doing that job because it pays very very well at a school and get her associates in nursing. I work next to nurses every day that Aren’t a savvy veteran like myself, but get the job opportunities over a tech. It’s that whole a nurse Hass to have a nurse boss mentality even though there is a chief nursing officer at most facilities, and at least hospitals. After all this time, I’ve even thought to go back to do nursing just for those opportunities alone but I’m just too stubborn. Lol so do it now. if you have the grades go be an anesthesiologist that’s really the way to go. You don’t have to stay and build your own clinic as you usually work for a bigger company is that source you out to the hospitals and other outpatient centers where you’re needed. Anyhow, hope this helps. as long as you’re thinking about going to college in general, you’ll do great.