8 answers
Aissatou
Student
Bloomington, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get into healthcare after being in my last year of undergrad ?
Im in my last year of undergrad and it’s hitting me that I’ve always been interested in healthcare but never thought of a focus. I want to pursue a 2 year program. Any tips?
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8 answers
Marko Ekladious
Pharmacy technician
1
Answer
Newark, Delaware
Updated
Marko’s Answer
I strongly suggest setting aside some time to explore and observe different two-year healthcare programs. Observing these programs can give you a precious glimpse into whether this field is truly your calling. Plus, it gives you the chance to interact with healthcare professionals and get a real taste of the program settings. You might consider observing a Physician Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Dental Hygienist, and so on.
Marian Griffin
Medical Laboratory Scientist
3
Answers
Koforidua, Eastern Region
Updated
Marian’s Answer
As you approach the end of your undergraduate studies and realize your passion for healthcare, it’s a great time to consider your next steps. Start by reflecting on which areas of healthcare intrigue you the most, such as healthcare administration, public health, or clinical research. Once you have an idea of your interests, research 2-year programs that align with them, such as a Master’s in Public Health or Healthcare Administration.
Make sure you meet the requirements for these programs by checking prerequisites and preparing your application materials. Gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work in healthcare settings can strengthen your application and provide valuable insights. Networking with professionals and attending industry events can also be beneficial.
Finally, explore financial options like scholarships and assistantships to manage the costs. With careful planning and preparation, you can smoothly transition into a fulfilling healthcare career and find a program that fits your goals.
Make sure you meet the requirements for these programs by checking prerequisites and preparing your application materials. Gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work in healthcare settings can strengthen your application and provide valuable insights. Networking with professionals and attending industry events can also be beneficial.
Finally, explore financial options like scholarships and assistantships to manage the costs. With careful planning and preparation, you can smoothly transition into a fulfilling healthcare career and find a program that fits your goals.
Stephen Dziadik
Physician Assistant
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
Physician Assistant is by far the best choice young lady. It has been listed in money magazine as the top profession pretty much every year. Taking care of patients is both challenging and rewarding. I’ve been a PA for over 25 years in Cardiothoracic Surgery and I wouldn’t have done it differently. Best of luck to you!
Aleah Harris
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
26
Answers
California, Missouri
Updated
Aleah’s Answer
Aissatou,
If you are already almost done with a bachelor’s degree you have a great head start! It really depends what your degree is in however, what would be the best option for you, so I would recommend talking to your Navigator at your college. If your degree is in healthcare or a health related field, you would be an excellent candidate for e Physician Assistant (PA) program, and would be a provider who could prescribe medications, order lab work and imaging, etc. and make six figures a year. If your degree is not in healthcare, you wouldn’t be eligible for PA school but could attend nursing school and become an RN, medical assisting school and become a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), dental hygiene school and become a Dental Hygienist, radiology tech school and become a Radiology Technician, etc. Regardless of what your degree is currently in you have a great head start and are an excellent candidate for almost any program you apply to. I would recommend researching the job description and pay scale of each profession before making your decision. Best of luck to you!
Talk to your Navigator at your current college!
If you are already almost done with a bachelor’s degree you have a great head start! It really depends what your degree is in however, what would be the best option for you, so I would recommend talking to your Navigator at your college. If your degree is in healthcare or a health related field, you would be an excellent candidate for e Physician Assistant (PA) program, and would be a provider who could prescribe medications, order lab work and imaging, etc. and make six figures a year. If your degree is not in healthcare, you wouldn’t be eligible for PA school but could attend nursing school and become an RN, medical assisting school and become a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), dental hygiene school and become a Dental Hygienist, radiology tech school and become a Radiology Technician, etc. Regardless of what your degree is currently in you have a great head start and are an excellent candidate for almost any program you apply to. I would recommend researching the job description and pay scale of each profession before making your decision. Best of luck to you!
Aleah recommends the following next steps:
Martin Schoen
APRN
279
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
There's a vast array of fields you can dive into within just two years, but it all starts with a choice. Are you drawn towards administration, clinical work, or perhaps the dynamic world of sales and marketing? If the clinical realm appeals to you, you're in luck. You can earn your RN, delve into numerous specialties like radiology, physiology, research, pathology, and more, all within the realm of medicine. And this is just scratching the surface at the Associate's degree or certification level.
Beyond that, a multitude of Master's programs await you, such as physiology, PA, Public Health, and others. The direction you take is entirely up to you, and the opportunities are abundant. Yes, there might be a learning curve to conquer, but remember, if the field sparks joy in you, every step of the journey will be rewarding.
Beyond that, a multitude of Master's programs await you, such as physiology, PA, Public Health, and others. The direction you take is entirely up to you, and the opportunities are abundant. Yes, there might be a learning curve to conquer, but remember, if the field sparks joy in you, every step of the journey will be rewarding.
Rachel Gilmer
RN, Labor & Delivery; College Faculty
20
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hello!
Healthcare is such a broad area, you will need to take a little more time to determine your focus.
As you are completing your undergrad you likely have taken some sciences courses so that will assist you in getting into a program.
Healthcare: nursing ( nursing assistant, licensed vocational nurse, associate degree RN, bachelor degree RN, nurse practitioner)? Radiology (ultrasound, xray, CT scan, MRI tech)? Laboratory sciences ( phlebotomy, lab tech)? Respiratory ( respiratory therapist)? Physical therapy (physical therapist aide, physical therapist)? Dietitian? Occupational therapy? Pharmacy ( pharmacy tech, pharmacist)? Medicine ( physician assistant, physician)? Surgical tech?
These are all areas within healthcare, and some of them you can complete in an additional 2-3 years.
As I said take a little time to decide which you will like to explore and then visit your school's counseling services to determine which one may fit your desires, personality and time line.
Good luck and welcome to the diverse career of healthcare!!
Healthcare is such a broad area, you will need to take a little more time to determine your focus.
As you are completing your undergrad you likely have taken some sciences courses so that will assist you in getting into a program.
Healthcare: nursing ( nursing assistant, licensed vocational nurse, associate degree RN, bachelor degree RN, nurse practitioner)? Radiology (ultrasound, xray, CT scan, MRI tech)? Laboratory sciences ( phlebotomy, lab tech)? Respiratory ( respiratory therapist)? Physical therapy (physical therapist aide, physical therapist)? Dietitian? Occupational therapy? Pharmacy ( pharmacy tech, pharmacist)? Medicine ( physician assistant, physician)? Surgical tech?
These are all areas within healthcare, and some of them you can complete in an additional 2-3 years.
As I said take a little time to decide which you will like to explore and then visit your school's counseling services to determine which one may fit your desires, personality and time line.
Good luck and welcome to the diverse career of healthcare!!
Stephanie Wiest
Registered Nurse
1
Answer
Challenge-Brownsville, CA
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
There are two year Associate Degree Registered Nurse programs available. You might want to investigate them. However, BSN RNs are more marketable these days, if you have the time to invest in a BSN program. I hope this is helpful.
Marisa Beatty
Nurse
1
Answer
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Marisa’s Answer
Hi there!
There are various pathways into healthcare. It just depends on what you may be interested in. I specialize in nursing, which is what I know the most about. If you finish your current degree, you can complete an ABSN or Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing by having said degree. That would be your quickest way into nursing.
There is also sonography, phlebotomy, nurse aide (1 and 2), administration, and translator in hospitals and clinics. The list goes on. Lots of community colleges will also offer courses or programs for these positions, so you can do it at a cheaper cost and potentially locally.
Hope this helps!
There are various pathways into healthcare. It just depends on what you may be interested in. I specialize in nursing, which is what I know the most about. If you finish your current degree, you can complete an ABSN or Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing by having said degree. That would be your quickest way into nursing.
There is also sonography, phlebotomy, nurse aide (1 and 2), administration, and translator in hospitals and clinics. The list goes on. Lots of community colleges will also offer courses or programs for these positions, so you can do it at a cheaper cost and potentially locally.
Hope this helps!