4 answers
Angelina
Student
Athol, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Updated
257 views
How can I study ahead for career?
I've been doing well in my grades and I think I've a lot of free time where I can make good use of it.I want to become a nurse or a medical doctor and I'm still deciding but I don't know what exactly is required of me to start my journey before I enter college.#Fall24
Login to comment
4 answers
Justin Shapiro
Accounting | Finance | Financial Systems | Non-Profit Volunteer
49
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Angelina,
It’s fantastic that you’re thinking ahead! Here are some steps to prepare for a career in nursing or medicine:
1. Focus on Science and Math Courses
• Medical and nursing programs often have prerequisites in biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
• Take advanced courses if available, like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or statistics, which will give you a strong foundation.
2. Develop Strong Study and Time-Management Skills
• Medical fields require intensive study. Building effective study techniques now, such as active recall and spaced repetition, will prepare you for the rigorous coursework ahead.
3. Gain Exposure to Healthcare Settings
• Volunteer or find part-time work in a healthcare environment like a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. Look for roles like patient transport or administrative support.
• Many hospitals also have youth volunteer programs that can give you a feel for the environment and help you start building a network.
4. Shadow Healthcare Professionals
• Try to shadow both nurses and doctors to understand the day-to-day responsibilities and find out what interests you most.
• Reach out to healthcare providers or local clinics to see if they offer shadowing opportunities.
5. Strengthen Your Communication Skills
• Medical and nursing careers require effective communication with patients, families, and colleagues. Volunteering in roles that involve helping people, like crisis hotlines or community programs, can help develop these skills.
6. Get Involved in Science Clubs or Organizations
• Participate in science clubs, pre-medical or health clubs, or organizations like HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) if available.
• These can give you additional learning opportunities and let you meet others interested in healthcare careers.
7. Start Reading Medical Content
• Familiarize yourself with basic anatomy, medical terminology, or recent health studies through books, articles, or websites.
• Websites like MedlinePlus and the NIH are reliable sources for health-related topics and news.
8. Learn About the College Pathway Requirements
• Research programs for both nursing and medical schools to understand their prerequisites. Many schools provide this information online.
• If you’re leaning towards medicine, understanding the requirements for pre-med programs and eventually the MCAT exam is a good start.
It’s fantastic that you’re thinking ahead! Here are some steps to prepare for a career in nursing or medicine:
1. Focus on Science and Math Courses
• Medical and nursing programs often have prerequisites in biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
• Take advanced courses if available, like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or statistics, which will give you a strong foundation.
2. Develop Strong Study and Time-Management Skills
• Medical fields require intensive study. Building effective study techniques now, such as active recall and spaced repetition, will prepare you for the rigorous coursework ahead.
3. Gain Exposure to Healthcare Settings
• Volunteer or find part-time work in a healthcare environment like a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. Look for roles like patient transport or administrative support.
• Many hospitals also have youth volunteer programs that can give you a feel for the environment and help you start building a network.
4. Shadow Healthcare Professionals
• Try to shadow both nurses and doctors to understand the day-to-day responsibilities and find out what interests you most.
• Reach out to healthcare providers or local clinics to see if they offer shadowing opportunities.
5. Strengthen Your Communication Skills
• Medical and nursing careers require effective communication with patients, families, and colleagues. Volunteering in roles that involve helping people, like crisis hotlines or community programs, can help develop these skills.
6. Get Involved in Science Clubs or Organizations
• Participate in science clubs, pre-medical or health clubs, or organizations like HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) if available.
• These can give you additional learning opportunities and let you meet others interested in healthcare careers.
7. Start Reading Medical Content
• Familiarize yourself with basic anatomy, medical terminology, or recent health studies through books, articles, or websites.
• Websites like MedlinePlus and the NIH are reliable sources for health-related topics and news.
8. Learn About the College Pathway Requirements
• Research programs for both nursing and medical schools to understand their prerequisites. Many schools provide this information online.
• If you’re leaning towards medicine, understanding the requirements for pre-med programs and eventually the MCAT exam is a good start.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Angelina
Sahida Khatun
Software Developer
68
Answers
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Updated
Sahida’s Answer
That’s fantastic that you want to start early! Preparing ahead can give you a strong foundation and make college a smoother experience. Here are some steps you can take to get started:
1. Build a Strong Science Foundation
Biology and Chemistry: Since these are core areas in both nursing and medical programs, get comfortable with them now. You could dive into topics like human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and basic chemistry.
Math Skills: Statistics and general math skills are helpful for both nursing and medical studies, especially when interpreting data or doing dosage calculations.
2. Take Advanced Courses (if available)
Look into AP or honors courses in biology, chemistry, or even psychology. These subjects will give you college-level exposure and might allow you to skip introductory courses once you’re in college.
3. Gain Relevant Experience
Volunteering: Many hospitals and clinics have volunteer programs, even for high school students. Observing healthcare professionals in action will help you get a feel for the environment and give you a realistic view of both nursing and doctor roles.
Shadowing: If possible, shadow a nurse or doctor. Some hospitals or private practices allow students to spend a day observing professionals. This experience can provide insights into their daily routines, the skills needed, and the challenges they face.
4. Focus on Extracurriculars
Participating in health-related clubs, like a HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter if your school has one, can deepen your knowledge of the field and look great on college applications.
5. Develop Study and Time Management Skills
Both nursing and medical programs are rigorous, so developing solid study habits, time management, and self-discipline now will be a huge benefit. Consider practicing with study tools like flashcards, note-taking techniques, and organization strategies.
6. Explore Career Paths in Healthcare
As you’re deciding between nursing and being a doctor, researching both career paths and understanding their daily responsibilities, required education, and different specialties can help you make a more informed decision.
If you'd like more specific resources or tips for particular subjects, I’d be happy to help!
1. Build a Strong Science Foundation
Biology and Chemistry: Since these are core areas in both nursing and medical programs, get comfortable with them now. You could dive into topics like human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and basic chemistry.
Math Skills: Statistics and general math skills are helpful for both nursing and medical studies, especially when interpreting data or doing dosage calculations.
2. Take Advanced Courses (if available)
Look into AP or honors courses in biology, chemistry, or even psychology. These subjects will give you college-level exposure and might allow you to skip introductory courses once you’re in college.
3. Gain Relevant Experience
Volunteering: Many hospitals and clinics have volunteer programs, even for high school students. Observing healthcare professionals in action will help you get a feel for the environment and give you a realistic view of both nursing and doctor roles.
Shadowing: If possible, shadow a nurse or doctor. Some hospitals or private practices allow students to spend a day observing professionals. This experience can provide insights into their daily routines, the skills needed, and the challenges they face.
4. Focus on Extracurriculars
Participating in health-related clubs, like a HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter if your school has one, can deepen your knowledge of the field and look great on college applications.
5. Develop Study and Time Management Skills
Both nursing and medical programs are rigorous, so developing solid study habits, time management, and self-discipline now will be a huge benefit. Consider practicing with study tools like flashcards, note-taking techniques, and organization strategies.
6. Explore Career Paths in Healthcare
As you’re deciding between nursing and being a doctor, researching both career paths and understanding their daily responsibilities, required education, and different specialties can help you make a more informed decision.
If you'd like more specific resources or tips for particular subjects, I’d be happy to help!
I appreciate your support, Sahida
Angelina
Rachel Kibby
Physician
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hello. Doctor here. I want to start by saying I think the most important thing you can do at this time is figure out which path you want to go down. While they're in the same field of healthcare, the roles are SO different and figuring out which one you would be more suited for is absolutely paramount. I knew very early on that I would not be a great nurse and I would be unhappy in that role. I have the most respect for nurses and my job would be entirely impossible without them. A big difference is figuring out whether you want to be the one actually acting on the orders prescribed by a physician or if you want to be the one making those decisions. I would HIGHLY recommend shadowing both and getting a better perspective on your own goals when it comes to patient care. Unfortunately, nurses are subjected to more abuse (whether it be physical or verbal) from the patients and it is a pretty thankless job for what they put up with. However, nurses typically have more flexibility when it comes to their schedule and autonomy, which is an absolute advantage over physicians. It also depends on your goals/priorities in life as well. I know this wasn't exactly your question, however, without more information about yourself/what you want long-term, it is very difficult to answer simply because the roles and expectations of each career path are so different. Again, I would recommend shadowing both nurses and doctors so you can figure out which path would be most fulfilling. (In my experience, the easiest way to accomplish this is having personal connections to people in the field and just asking the question about shadowing.) Feel free to ask any follow-up questions. -Dr. K
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Angelina
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
118
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Hello,
Learning how to learn is a great way to build up your mental muscles for your career path. If you can train your mind to enjoy learning new things, things that are even difficult to understand, you will overcome doubts on your abilities. Aside from your normal studies learn a new language or in particular, learn Latin because of all the medical terminology that is based in Latin. Always ask open ended questions to people you know who are currently in the profession you are seeking. Such as "What would you do in my situation if you wanted to become a doctor." Good luck, you will do well.
Learning how to learn is a great way to build up your mental muscles for your career path. If you can train your mind to enjoy learning new things, things that are even difficult to understand, you will overcome doubts on your abilities. Aside from your normal studies learn a new language or in particular, learn Latin because of all the medical terminology that is based in Latin. Always ask open ended questions to people you know who are currently in the profession you are seeking. Such as "What would you do in my situation if you wanted to become a doctor." Good luck, you will do well.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Angelina
Thank you so much for the tips
Angelina
You are welcome. Look into CLEP testing to test out of some basic courses for college. It is a great way to save time and money.
TRAVIS UPCHURCH