7 answers
Christina
Student
Georgetown, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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Where do I begin to start over?
How do I begin?
I am a teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin University. I am looking for a change in careers, and want to pursue my dream of being in the medical field. However, I have no idea where to begin. I first thought of nursing, but now, I am very interested in radiology or pharmacology. Who can tell me where to start? OR Am I too old to start over? I NEED advice, PLEASE!!
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7 answers
Reema Patel
sales associate
86
Answers
Greenwood, South Carolina
Updated
Reema’s Answer
You're never too old to pursue a new career, especially one you're passionate about! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your journey into the medical field, specifically in radiology or pharmacology:
1. Self-Assessment and Research
Evaluate Your Interests and Skills: Reflect on what aspects of radiology or pharmacology excite you the most. This will help you narrow down your focus.
Research Careers: Understand the roles, responsibilities, and education requirements for radiologists and pharmacists. Shadowing professionals or conducting informational interviews can provide insight.
2. Educational Pathway
Prerequisite Courses: Determine if you need to complete any prerequisite courses for your desired program. This often includes subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics.
Radiology Pathway:
Radiologic Technologist: This can be a quicker entry into the field. You can pursue an Associate’s degree or a certificate program in radiologic technology, which typically takes 1-2 years.
Radiologist: Requires a medical degree (MD or DO), followed by a residency in radiology. This is a longer path, taking around 12 years (4 years of medical school, 4-5 years of residency, and possibly a fellowship).
Pharmacology Pathway:
Pharmacist: Requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, which typically takes 4 years to complete. You’ll need to pass the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and apply to accredited pharmacy schools.
3. Application Process
Standardized Tests: Prepare for and take any required standardized tests (e.g., GRE for some graduate programs, PCAT for pharmacy school, or MCAT for medical school).
Application Materials: Prepare your application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and resumes. Highlight your teaching experience, leadership skills, and any relevant coursework or volunteer work.
4. Gain Experience
Volunteer or Work in Healthcare Settings: Gain exposure to the medical field by volunteering or working in hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies. This will not only strengthen your application but also confirm your interest in the field.
Certifications: Consider earning certifications like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to gain hands-on experience.
5. Financial Planning
Scholarships and Grants: Look for scholarships, grants, and financial aid options specifically for career changers or non-traditional students.
Part-Time or Flexible Programs: Some programs offer part-time or flexible schedules to accommodate working professionals.
6. Networking and Support
Join Professional Organizations: Engage with professional organizations related to radiology or pharmacology. Attend conferences, workshops, and networking events.
Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance, support, and advice as you transition into the medical field.
7. Create a Timeline
Set Milestones: Create a realistic timeline with key milestones, such as completing prerequisites, taking standardized tests, applying to programs, and starting your new career.
Additional Considerations
Age and Career Change: Many people successfully change careers later in life. Your experience and maturity can be assets in the medical field.
Career Counseling: Consider seeking advice from career counselors at universities or professional career coaches who specialize in helping individuals transition into new fields.
Getting Started
Contact Admissions: Reach out to admissions offices of schools offering programs in radiology or pharmacology for detailed information on prerequisites and application processes.
Enroll in Prerequisites: If needed, start taking prerequisite courses at a local community college or online.
Volunteering: Start volunteering in healthcare settings to gain experience and confirm your interest.
Transitioning into a new field can be challenging, but with careful planning and determination, you can achieve your dream of working in the medical field.
1. Self-Assessment and Research
Evaluate Your Interests and Skills: Reflect on what aspects of radiology or pharmacology excite you the most. This will help you narrow down your focus.
Research Careers: Understand the roles, responsibilities, and education requirements for radiologists and pharmacists. Shadowing professionals or conducting informational interviews can provide insight.
2. Educational Pathway
Prerequisite Courses: Determine if you need to complete any prerequisite courses for your desired program. This often includes subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics.
Radiology Pathway:
Radiologic Technologist: This can be a quicker entry into the field. You can pursue an Associate’s degree or a certificate program in radiologic technology, which typically takes 1-2 years.
Radiologist: Requires a medical degree (MD or DO), followed by a residency in radiology. This is a longer path, taking around 12 years (4 years of medical school, 4-5 years of residency, and possibly a fellowship).
Pharmacology Pathway:
Pharmacist: Requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, which typically takes 4 years to complete. You’ll need to pass the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and apply to accredited pharmacy schools.
3. Application Process
Standardized Tests: Prepare for and take any required standardized tests (e.g., GRE for some graduate programs, PCAT for pharmacy school, or MCAT for medical school).
Application Materials: Prepare your application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and resumes. Highlight your teaching experience, leadership skills, and any relevant coursework or volunteer work.
4. Gain Experience
Volunteer or Work in Healthcare Settings: Gain exposure to the medical field by volunteering or working in hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies. This will not only strengthen your application but also confirm your interest in the field.
Certifications: Consider earning certifications like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to gain hands-on experience.
5. Financial Planning
Scholarships and Grants: Look for scholarships, grants, and financial aid options specifically for career changers or non-traditional students.
Part-Time or Flexible Programs: Some programs offer part-time or flexible schedules to accommodate working professionals.
6. Networking and Support
Join Professional Organizations: Engage with professional organizations related to radiology or pharmacology. Attend conferences, workshops, and networking events.
Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance, support, and advice as you transition into the medical field.
7. Create a Timeline
Set Milestones: Create a realistic timeline with key milestones, such as completing prerequisites, taking standardized tests, applying to programs, and starting your new career.
Additional Considerations
Age and Career Change: Many people successfully change careers later in life. Your experience and maturity can be assets in the medical field.
Career Counseling: Consider seeking advice from career counselors at universities or professional career coaches who specialize in helping individuals transition into new fields.
Getting Started
Contact Admissions: Reach out to admissions offices of schools offering programs in radiology or pharmacology for detailed information on prerequisites and application processes.
Enroll in Prerequisites: If needed, start taking prerequisite courses at a local community college or online.
Volunteering: Start volunteering in healthcare settings to gain experience and confirm your interest.
Transitioning into a new field can be challenging, but with careful planning and determination, you can achieve your dream of working in the medical field.
Karissa Helton
Teacher
202
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
I'd start with applying to a university and seeing which credits transfer. Usually credits only transfer for 10 years. If you have to take your first two years of college over again this may influence your decision. If you have to declare a major choose Biology. All of the degrees in the medical field will need a few Biology classes.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Christina,
I'd start by having a heart-to-heart with myself, and accepting that this is not "starting over," but rather, making a course correction. It's not too late to do!
I would then do an honest self-assessment about how I ended up in the "wrong" field, and how I came to the determination that it is wrong. Sometimes we are in the right career field, but, the wrong job. Sometimes we are just working with the wrong team-leaders. Is there anything in the Medical Industry that you could do with the training that you have? (Transferrable job skills). How many years of experience do you have?
Then I'd ask what makes me think that medical is the right choice, and have I fully researched it and read any reviews by disgruntled employees?
Once past that point (and, it's okay to explore with the help of a career advisor or therapist), I'd then try to figure out what's next. I don't know your age or physical condition, but, please keep in mind that many medical positions are physically demanding. Of course, some are not. And the aging process starts at a much younger age than we want to admit! Along that line, have you considered going into Physical Therapy? Those offices do a rather high volume of business! I also like radiology, which has so many different pieces of equipment. To me, pharmacology sounds like something removed from human interaction, but, I have no idea if that is true or not. It might be you don't want much human interaction?
Assuming you have the financials and living arrangements covered, you can really take this in any way you want to go. The key is to really want it, to understand us older folks don't learn as fast or retain as much as the younger folks, to study at the appropriate times (when your brain is awake), and not fall behind. This might mean having to ask for help, which some students are reluctant to do. And above all else: Believe in Yourself!! There's no room for negative self-talk on this journey!
Kim
I'd start by having a heart-to-heart with myself, and accepting that this is not "starting over," but rather, making a course correction. It's not too late to do!
I would then do an honest self-assessment about how I ended up in the "wrong" field, and how I came to the determination that it is wrong. Sometimes we are in the right career field, but, the wrong job. Sometimes we are just working with the wrong team-leaders. Is there anything in the Medical Industry that you could do with the training that you have? (Transferrable job skills). How many years of experience do you have?
Then I'd ask what makes me think that medical is the right choice, and have I fully researched it and read any reviews by disgruntled employees?
Once past that point (and, it's okay to explore with the help of a career advisor or therapist), I'd then try to figure out what's next. I don't know your age or physical condition, but, please keep in mind that many medical positions are physically demanding. Of course, some are not. And the aging process starts at a much younger age than we want to admit! Along that line, have you considered going into Physical Therapy? Those offices do a rather high volume of business! I also like radiology, which has so many different pieces of equipment. To me, pharmacology sounds like something removed from human interaction, but, I have no idea if that is true or not. It might be you don't want much human interaction?
Assuming you have the financials and living arrangements covered, you can really take this in any way you want to go. The key is to really want it, to understand us older folks don't learn as fast or retain as much as the younger folks, to study at the appropriate times (when your brain is awake), and not fall behind. This might mean having to ask for help, which some students are reluctant to do. And above all else: Believe in Yourself!! There's no room for negative self-talk on this journey!
Kim
Bailey BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC
Registered Nurse
76
Answers
Updated
Bailey’s Answer
Here is a list of options that I wished someone would have shared with me as a student:
- registered nurse
-nurse practitioner
- physician assistant
- Radiology tech = X-ray tech, MRI tech, CT tech , cath lab tech
- nuclear medicine tech
- ultrasound tech
- echocardiogram tech
- physical therapist
- occupational therapist
- physician
- human resource in hospital
-medical biller /billing department
- pharmacist
-pharmacy tech
- bio-medical engineer (they are responsible for medical equipment and fix any issues)
- IT department for electronic medical record - CERNER/EPIC.
-lab= phlebotomist, microbiology, hematology, blood bank…
- management in any department
- dietician
- administrative /operator
- business administrator/ CEO
- registered nurse
-nurse practitioner
- physician assistant
- Radiology tech = X-ray tech, MRI tech, CT tech , cath lab tech
- nuclear medicine tech
- ultrasound tech
- echocardiogram tech
- physical therapist
- occupational therapist
- physician
- human resource in hospital
-medical biller /billing department
- pharmacist
-pharmacy tech
- bio-medical engineer (they are responsible for medical equipment and fix any issues)
- IT department for electronic medical record - CERNER/EPIC.
-lab= phlebotomist, microbiology, hematology, blood bank…
- management in any department
- dietician
- administrative /operator
- business administrator/ CEO
Hey Bailey, it looks like this user is looking for a career change and is pivoting from education into the medical field. Are there any medical careers that are easier to transition into?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
I think it is very possible to transition to any of the jobs I’ve listed above. I think it is important to know your options and complete some research on the different jobs. Once she narrows down her options she can meet with an academic advisor and determine which classes she will need extra.
Bailey BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC
Joseph Ford
170
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Interesting because I was recently in hospital and my nurse was a previous teacher of Math. After covid he decided to change careers and became a Nurse Practitioner and he loves it. You just have to go back to school and get that new degree in whatever your heart so desire. There is plenty of need in either choice you make for jobs. Good luck and your never to old. There's always a need for nurses or radiologist.
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
201
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Christina, definitely never too old to start. Harrison Ford didn’t start acting until he was around 50. And who said you’re old? That’s just a number that shouldn’t hold us back.
My question is, you’re currently great in your field of work, if you start over you’d be a beginner at something. That’s the second time, are you okay with that? If so, just do it!
How, you ask? Well you don’t have the degree for it right now. So obviously that’s a start. BUT you also don’t know which of three medical areas you’re most interested. I’ve been a huge fan of this approach, go to LinkedIn and find someone in that field. Send them a message, better yet, if they are local ask if you can treat them for a cup of coffee.
That cup of coffee can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of hours later on. You can ask the questions to help you figure out where to go.
But changing course is not something that should worry you. Now days, unfortunately, a lot of people have to change careers because of lay offs or other reasons. You have time and are doing this on your terms.
Now the tough part, the really hard, is finding parking on a college campus now days. That’s the worst part. The other stuff will figure itself out.
Good luck!
My question is, you’re currently great in your field of work, if you start over you’d be a beginner at something. That’s the second time, are you okay with that? If so, just do it!
How, you ask? Well you don’t have the degree for it right now. So obviously that’s a start. BUT you also don’t know which of three medical areas you’re most interested. I’ve been a huge fan of this approach, go to LinkedIn and find someone in that field. Send them a message, better yet, if they are local ask if you can treat them for a cup of coffee.
That cup of coffee can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of hours later on. You can ask the questions to help you figure out where to go.
But changing course is not something that should worry you. Now days, unfortunately, a lot of people have to change careers because of lay offs or other reasons. You have time and are doing this on your terms.
Now the tough part, the really hard, is finding parking on a college campus now days. That’s the worst part. The other stuff will figure itself out.
Good luck!
margaret mchenney
Research Scientist, molecular biology; veterinary technology
14
Answers
Placitas, New Mexico
Updated
margaret’s Answer
Christina,
Another area that you might consider is medical research. My husband and I have retired, but worked for a pharmaceutical company. In research one poses questions and seeks information through internet searches and through experimental data and through professional relationships. A person must develop the use critical thinking. In my experience I had independence, and planned, documented, executed, analyzed, and presented results to a group. Writing comes into play when preparing a paper for publication. This may not be typical with a BS. My background is in microbiology and molecular biology. I also worked in the sequencing laboratory. This was more routine: running reactions to be sequenced, preparing gels, reading sequences for correction. There are some experiments but they are limited. Sequencing lab work is more rote.
My husband has a PhD in organic chemistry. His role was to run a laboratory. He managed two associates (BS level) and he also did physical experiments. As a chemist he designed compounds, generated compound and documented them. He interacted with doctors, and the clinical trials side of research because of the higher level of involvement that senior research scientists (rather than associate scientists) enjoy. He had greater responsibility and was involved in many meetings making decisions. He was much better navigating the political aspects than I was, but both of us were successful in our own right.
The atmosphere: highly political in some ways, less people interaction than many jobs, highly competitive area of study, and in my experience not always pleasant because of that. There are opportunities for cooperation and collaboration if you seek them out. Lots of alone time.
Gathering information (what you are doing right now), and asking yourself what you want or can tolerate in a job is how you can navigate choosing a pathway. I hope that this is helpful.
Kind regards,
Margaret McHenney
Another area that you might consider is medical research. My husband and I have retired, but worked for a pharmaceutical company. In research one poses questions and seeks information through internet searches and through experimental data and through professional relationships. A person must develop the use critical thinking. In my experience I had independence, and planned, documented, executed, analyzed, and presented results to a group. Writing comes into play when preparing a paper for publication. This may not be typical with a BS. My background is in microbiology and molecular biology. I also worked in the sequencing laboratory. This was more routine: running reactions to be sequenced, preparing gels, reading sequences for correction. There are some experiments but they are limited. Sequencing lab work is more rote.
My husband has a PhD in organic chemistry. His role was to run a laboratory. He managed two associates (BS level) and he also did physical experiments. As a chemist he designed compounds, generated compound and documented them. He interacted with doctors, and the clinical trials side of research because of the higher level of involvement that senior research scientists (rather than associate scientists) enjoy. He had greater responsibility and was involved in many meetings making decisions. He was much better navigating the political aspects than I was, but both of us were successful in our own right.
The atmosphere: highly political in some ways, less people interaction than many jobs, highly competitive area of study, and in my experience not always pleasant because of that. There are opportunities for cooperation and collaboration if you seek them out. Lots of alone time.
Gathering information (what you are doing right now), and asking yourself what you want or can tolerate in a job is how you can navigate choosing a pathway. I hope that this is helpful.
Kind regards,
Margaret McHenney