3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I've told every student to wants to go into medicine to work as a scribe. A scribe is a person who types out the notes while the doctor sees the patients. You will have time to see how the doctor functions, you get paid, and you can probably speak with the doctor about if they like medicine. You actually get paid to experience life as a doctor. The good news is that they are already training you so when you go to medical school or practice medicine, you are a lot better. I have medical students who do their rotations with me and the ones that are scribes are so much sharper.
Updated
Rashmi’s Answer
To pursue a major in the medical field in college, such as pre-med, nursing, or any other medical specialty, you should start planning and taking certain steps while you're in high school. Here's what you can do to accomplish your goal:
Maintain a Strong Academic Record:
Focus on your high school coursework and aim for a high GPA. Take challenging courses in science (biology, chemistry, physics), math, and English.
Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities:
Join clubs and activities related to science and healthcare, such as a science club, health professions club, or volunteering at a local hospital or clinic. These experiences can strengthen your college application.
Prepare for Standardized Tests:
Many colleges require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Consider preparing for and taking these tests. Some colleges may also require SAT Subject Tests.
Research Colleges and Programs:
Start researching colleges and universities that offer strong programs in the medical field. Look for schools known for their pre-med, nursing, or health sciences programs.
Shadow Healthcare Professionals:
Shadowing doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals can give you insight into the medical field and help you confirm your career choice.
Attend College Fairs and Information Sessions:
Participate in college fairs and information sessions to learn more about colleges and their healthcare programs.
Seek Out Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Look for scholarships and financial aid opportunities for students pursuing careers in the medical field. Many organizations and colleges offer scholarships to aspiring healthcare professionals.
Prepare a Personal Statement:
Many colleges require a personal statement as part of your application. Start thinking about your personal statement and how you can convey your passion for the medical field.
Build Strong Relationships with Teachers:
Cultivate relationships with teachers, particularly those in science and math, who can provide strong letters of recommendation for your college applications.
Consider Dual Enrollment or AP Courses:
If your high school offers dual enrollment or Advanced Placement (AP) courses related to the medical field, consider enrolling in them to earn college credit.
Participate in Research or Internships:
If possible, get involved in research projects or internships in healthcare or related fields. These experiences can set you apart in college applications.
Stay Informed About Healthcare Trends:
Keep up to date with developments in the medical field by reading medical journals, attending seminars, or following healthcare news.
Visit College Campuses:
If you have the opportunity, visit college campuses to get a feel for the environment and the programs they offer.
Plan Your College Application Timeline:
Familiarize yourself with college application deadlines and requirements. Start working on your application materials well in advance.
Seek Guidance:
Talk to your school's guidance counselor or career advisor for advice on your college and career goals.
Maintain a Strong Academic Record:
Focus on your high school coursework and aim for a high GPA. Take challenging courses in science (biology, chemistry, physics), math, and English.
Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities:
Join clubs and activities related to science and healthcare, such as a science club, health professions club, or volunteering at a local hospital or clinic. These experiences can strengthen your college application.
Prepare for Standardized Tests:
Many colleges require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Consider preparing for and taking these tests. Some colleges may also require SAT Subject Tests.
Research Colleges and Programs:
Start researching colleges and universities that offer strong programs in the medical field. Look for schools known for their pre-med, nursing, or health sciences programs.
Shadow Healthcare Professionals:
Shadowing doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals can give you insight into the medical field and help you confirm your career choice.
Attend College Fairs and Information Sessions:
Participate in college fairs and information sessions to learn more about colleges and their healthcare programs.
Seek Out Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Look for scholarships and financial aid opportunities for students pursuing careers in the medical field. Many organizations and colleges offer scholarships to aspiring healthcare professionals.
Prepare a Personal Statement:
Many colleges require a personal statement as part of your application. Start thinking about your personal statement and how you can convey your passion for the medical field.
Build Strong Relationships with Teachers:
Cultivate relationships with teachers, particularly those in science and math, who can provide strong letters of recommendation for your college applications.
Consider Dual Enrollment or AP Courses:
If your high school offers dual enrollment or Advanced Placement (AP) courses related to the medical field, consider enrolling in them to earn college credit.
Participate in Research or Internships:
If possible, get involved in research projects or internships in healthcare or related fields. These experiences can set you apart in college applications.
Stay Informed About Healthcare Trends:
Keep up to date with developments in the medical field by reading medical journals, attending seminars, or following healthcare news.
Visit College Campuses:
If you have the opportunity, visit college campuses to get a feel for the environment and the programs they offer.
Plan Your College Application Timeline:
Familiarize yourself with college application deadlines and requirements. Start working on your application materials well in advance.
Seek Guidance:
Talk to your school's guidance counselor or career advisor for advice on your college and career goals.
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Taniya,
Health care and medicine have such a huge variety of opportunities and it can be difficult (but exciting!) to think about all the possible choices available to you. I would recommend that as a starting point, you check out this most recent list of best health care jobs, reported every year by the U.S. News and World Report:
https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-healthcare-jobs
Number two on list above is the PA profession, and I'm a family medicine PA myself. As an example, you may find this list of steps to become a PA interesting, listed on the AAPA (American Academy of PAs) website:
https://www.aapa.org/career-central/become-a-pa/
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with. Good luck!
Hwal
Health care and medicine have such a huge variety of opportunities and it can be difficult (but exciting!) to think about all the possible choices available to you. I would recommend that as a starting point, you check out this most recent list of best health care jobs, reported every year by the U.S. News and World Report:
https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-healthcare-jobs
Number two on list above is the PA profession, and I'm a family medicine PA myself. As an example, you may find this list of steps to become a PA interesting, listed on the AAPA (American Academy of PAs) website:
https://www.aapa.org/career-central/become-a-pa/
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with. Good luck!
Hwal