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I want to go to the healthcare system but do not know if, that's what I want to do for the rest of my life?
Can you change your major at some point or do you have to follow it for the rest of your life
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5 answers
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Megan’s Answer
Absolutely, it's perfectly fine if you're unsure about your future career. Remember, even many grown-ups are still figuring out what they want to do. Why not explore various areas in the medical field? You might discover something that truly sparks your interest or excitement. Don't worry about starting school without a decided major - it's a common situation and it gives you the freedom to explore different paths. And remember, there's no embarrassment in switching majors in college. It's all part of the journey to finding what truly suits you.
Updated
Kendra’s Answer
Hi Gideon, start small with a certification before spending $50,000+ on a degree that you may end up regretting.
One option I highly recommend for anyone wanting to go into healthcare is get certified as a CNA, a medical scribe, a CMA, or a healthcare tech position (Radiology, ultrasound), etc.
Usually these certification programs that take less than a few months to get, and once your certified- you gain real world exposure to the different medical professions. On top of that, a lot of medical programs (nursing, medical school, PA school) require insane amounts of shadowing hours.
Do your research as you shadow, and you'll navigate a fantastic career!
One option I highly recommend for anyone wanting to go into healthcare is get certified as a CNA, a medical scribe, a CMA, or a healthcare tech position (Radiology, ultrasound), etc.
Usually these certification programs that take less than a few months to get, and once your certified- you gain real world exposure to the different medical professions. On top of that, a lot of medical programs (nursing, medical school, PA school) require insane amounts of shadowing hours.
Do your research as you shadow, and you'll navigate a fantastic career!
Thank you so much, Kendra!
Gideon
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Majors are only for when you are attending university. Post university, that is just your job.
Can you change jobs? Of course.
Would that mean you might need a new degree? Maybe.
If you earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry for example, and then maybe got your Masters in Pharmacology, or maybe attended an Registered Nurse (RN) school, and got certified, and then went to work as a Pharmacist or Nurse, did the job for a few years, and decided you hated it, that BS in Chemistry would allow you to change to pretty much any science related field that touches on Chemistry (including teaching at the K-12 level).
However, if you earn a BS in Music or Communications, and decide you then wan to be a Doctor, yeah, you will have to go back to university and pick up an undergrad degree in a pre-med field (usually Chem or Bio), then go to med school. If you majored in Math, and went into medicine (maybe as a researcher for example), that Math major would transfer to a LOT of jobs. If you majored in Computer Science, and somehow got a job in medicine (again, I am thinking researcher), that major would also transfer to a lot of jobs in the tech industry. Etc.
So it really depends on what you might want to pivot to post degree. Some degrees would let you pivot much more easily than others. But the answer to your question is: Majors do not exist outside of university, and yes, some jobs would require a different degree with a different major, if you want to change to that job if you decided medicine is not for you.
I STRONGLY recommend interning and trying out a field before completing a major in that field in university for that very reason.
Can you change jobs? Of course.
Would that mean you might need a new degree? Maybe.
If you earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry for example, and then maybe got your Masters in Pharmacology, or maybe attended an Registered Nurse (RN) school, and got certified, and then went to work as a Pharmacist or Nurse, did the job for a few years, and decided you hated it, that BS in Chemistry would allow you to change to pretty much any science related field that touches on Chemistry (including teaching at the K-12 level).
However, if you earn a BS in Music or Communications, and decide you then wan to be a Doctor, yeah, you will have to go back to university and pick up an undergrad degree in a pre-med field (usually Chem or Bio), then go to med school. If you majored in Math, and went into medicine (maybe as a researcher for example), that Math major would transfer to a LOT of jobs. If you majored in Computer Science, and somehow got a job in medicine (again, I am thinking researcher), that major would also transfer to a lot of jobs in the tech industry. Etc.
So it really depends on what you might want to pivot to post degree. Some degrees would let you pivot much more easily than others. But the answer to your question is: Majors do not exist outside of university, and yes, some jobs would require a different degree with a different major, if you want to change to that job if you decided medicine is not for you.
I STRONGLY recommend interning and trying out a field before completing a major in that field in university for that very reason.
Updated
Dawn’s Answer
It's normal to feel uncertain about a long-term career in healthcare - or any career. Remember, your initial choice isn't set in stone. Many people shift their majors or careers, exploring different paths as they grow personally and professionally.
In healthcare, which offers diverse opportunities, consider these key points:
1. Explore Broadly: Healthcare has many facets. Early in your studies, try various courses to see what truly interests you.
2. Gain Real-World Experience: Internships or volunteering in healthcare settings can offer invaluable insights and help you make informed decisions.
3. Reflect on Your Strengths: Think about what draws you to healthcare. Is it patient care, research, or perhaps the public health aspect? Your interests and strengths are important guides.
4. Continue to Seek Guidance: Conversations with professionals already in the field can provide realistic perspectives and valuable advice.
5. Be Open to Change: Changing your mind or career path is part of the journey. Embrace it as a natural step in finding what’s right for you.
6. Consider the Commitment: Understand the demands, especially for fields like medicine, including time and financial aspects.
Choosing a career is about aligning with your values and what you wish to contribute to the world. It's okay to start in one direction and find your true calling elsewhere. There is a great resource - " What Color Is Your Parachute? 2022: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success". by Richard N. Boles. This book has been around for many years and still one of the best resources out there. It has been updated in 2022 and still relevant today. There are a number of workbooks and related materials available that leverage the content and help you explore what you want to do.
In healthcare, which offers diverse opportunities, consider these key points:
1. Explore Broadly: Healthcare has many facets. Early in your studies, try various courses to see what truly interests you.
2. Gain Real-World Experience: Internships or volunteering in healthcare settings can offer invaluable insights and help you make informed decisions.
3. Reflect on Your Strengths: Think about what draws you to healthcare. Is it patient care, research, or perhaps the public health aspect? Your interests and strengths are important guides.
4. Continue to Seek Guidance: Conversations with professionals already in the field can provide realistic perspectives and valuable advice.
5. Be Open to Change: Changing your mind or career path is part of the journey. Embrace it as a natural step in finding what’s right for you.
6. Consider the Commitment: Understand the demands, especially for fields like medicine, including time and financial aspects.
Choosing a career is about aligning with your values and what you wish to contribute to the world. It's okay to start in one direction and find your true calling elsewhere. There is a great resource - " What Color Is Your Parachute? 2022: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success". by Richard N. Boles. This book has been around for many years and still one of the best resources out there. It has been updated in 2022 and still relevant today. There are a number of workbooks and related materials available that leverage the content and help you explore what you want to do.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Gideon
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
Health care system is great as it strives to strengthen the health sector as a whole .
It has different majors which I believe you can change if you want for exple you can shift from being a health care administrator to either health and occupational health safety officer and many other ,for sure I believe it's possible and mark you there are new upcoming medical careers coming up every day to basically try to improve health system that we all strive for in realization of global health
It has different majors which I believe you can change if you want for exple you can shift from being a health care administrator to either health and occupational health safety officer and many other ,for sure I believe it's possible and mark you there are new upcoming medical careers coming up every day to basically try to improve health system that we all strive for in realization of global health
This was super helpful, thank you!
Gideon