5 answers
LaRissa
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
13
Questions
Asked
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If I'm in between careers what advice can you give me to help decide between the two?
I am a junior in high school who lives in Virginia. I want to go into the Air force for the benefits but I am already on track to becoming a high school graduating CNA I don't know exactly what the best option is for me and I am on the fence about everything. I want to know more about both fields before I jump head first into either career. I know that while being in the air-force I can also work as a CNA but I am not sure if there are any better options out there for me.
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5 answers
Bridget Sherman
Recruiting Associate - HR & Administrative Services
16
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Bridget’s Answer
Hi LaRissa! It makes total sense that you're feeling pulled in a couple different directions right now. I would suggest trying to set up informational calls with people currently in both the Air Force and as a CNA to get a more comprehensive idea of what the day to day looks like. The good news is that there are no wrong answers here, but that can make it feel even more overwhelming. This is the time to do some soul searching and figure out what's most important to you right now. Neither the Air Force nor nursing is going anywhere anytime soon and they both have their pros and cons. I think the best move right now is to start talking to people who are actually doing it to gain some perspective so you can feel more confident choosing a direction to move in for now. Remember that whatever you choose now does not lock you in for life and most people have several careers throughout their working years!
Aman Kumar
Software engineer
161
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Hi LaRissa,
Your situation is really intriguing, and I think it's great that you're evaluating your options carefully. Both the Air Force and a career as a CNA have strong merits, so let’s break them down a bit further.
Joining the Air Force can be an incredible adventure. You get to travel, gain experiences that most people never have, and the educational benefits can be life-changing. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover most of your college tuition if you choose to continue your education after serving. Plus, veterans often have an edge in hiring once they're out due to their discipline and skills. During your service, you could also leverage your CNA training by looking into medical roles within the Air Force, which can lead to specialization in areas like trauma care or surgical support.
However, if you’re leaning more towards immediate healthcare roles, becoming a CNA can also be incredibly rewarding. In Virginia, there's a growing demand for CNAs, and you can often land a job right after graduation, giving you some financial independence. Working as a CNA allows you to directly impact patients' lives and build crucial skills in patient care that are invaluable, no matter where you go.
What you might want to consider is blending both options. After getting your CNA certification, you can work in healthcare for a year or two. This could give you solid experience and a clearer idea of whether you want to commit to a full career in healthcare or pivot towards the Air Force. Plus, when you're ready, transitioning into the Air Force with experience under your belt could make you a strong candidate for healthcare positions. Don’t hesitate to check out programs through your school that connect you with local healthcare facilities or veteran resources that could provide workshops on military careers.
Whichever path you choose, make sure it aligns with what you genuinely enjoy doing. You're in a pivotal stage of life - embrace it!
Your situation is really intriguing, and I think it's great that you're evaluating your options carefully. Both the Air Force and a career as a CNA have strong merits, so let’s break them down a bit further.
Joining the Air Force can be an incredible adventure. You get to travel, gain experiences that most people never have, and the educational benefits can be life-changing. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover most of your college tuition if you choose to continue your education after serving. Plus, veterans often have an edge in hiring once they're out due to their discipline and skills. During your service, you could also leverage your CNA training by looking into medical roles within the Air Force, which can lead to specialization in areas like trauma care or surgical support.
However, if you’re leaning more towards immediate healthcare roles, becoming a CNA can also be incredibly rewarding. In Virginia, there's a growing demand for CNAs, and you can often land a job right after graduation, giving you some financial independence. Working as a CNA allows you to directly impact patients' lives and build crucial skills in patient care that are invaluable, no matter where you go.
What you might want to consider is blending both options. After getting your CNA certification, you can work in healthcare for a year or two. This could give you solid experience and a clearer idea of whether you want to commit to a full career in healthcare or pivot towards the Air Force. Plus, when you're ready, transitioning into the Air Force with experience under your belt could make you a strong candidate for healthcare positions. Don’t hesitate to check out programs through your school that connect you with local healthcare facilities or veteran resources that could provide workshops on military careers.
Whichever path you choose, make sure it aligns with what you genuinely enjoy doing. You're in a pivotal stage of life - embrace it!
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
104
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello LaRissa. Thanks for your interest in two careers that center around service. Although I've never been an CNA, I do work as an EMT and I previously served in the Air Force. It is true that talking to as many people in these career fields as you can would be beneficial. At the end of the day though, it is your choice. That said, I remember in high school feeling like there was a lot of pressure to pick THE career for you. As a now old man (33, lol) I can tell you just about everyone changes career at some point and it's totally okay. You don't need all the answers right now.
In my completely personal opinion, I would recommend the Air Force route - and that's coming from someone who wanted to be career Air Force and left after one contract for a career in health emergency services! The Air Force will give you a bunch of character development, leadership development, education and certifications, travel opportunities, and life skills - all for free. If you decide you like it, you can stay in and pursue ample career advancement opportunities and other adventures. You become retirement eligible after 20-years (that's only 38-years old if you go in right after high school!) which is plenty of time for a second career. If you decide it's not for you (like I did), you can get out after 3-6 years (ask a recruiter about current contract length options) with a great resume, possibly an associates degree, GI Bill benefits, and the honor of being called a veteran for the rest of your life.
While it's absolutely awesome that your about to get your CNA at 17 and start getting that work/life experience, my personal opinion based on observation is that most people view working as a CNA as more of a "job" and less of a "career". There is not a ton of room of promotion or advancement, and from what I understand the pay is fairly low. A lot of CNAs and former CNAs that I've met used that role as a stepping stone to gain experience before becoming EMTs or LPN/RNs. While you always have the option of going Air Force after a few years as a CNA, it can be more challenging in a number of ways. (After high school a lot of people get out of shape, lose study skills, start families, put down roots, etc.).
Again, those are all my opinions and experiences. Trust your gut and don't feel pressured to the make the "right decision". Just make a good decision for the right reasons, and whichever way you go give it 100% effort.
Let me know if I can answer any more questions about the Air Force or EMS! Good luck.
In my completely personal opinion, I would recommend the Air Force route - and that's coming from someone who wanted to be career Air Force and left after one contract for a career in health emergency services! The Air Force will give you a bunch of character development, leadership development, education and certifications, travel opportunities, and life skills - all for free. If you decide you like it, you can stay in and pursue ample career advancement opportunities and other adventures. You become retirement eligible after 20-years (that's only 38-years old if you go in right after high school!) which is plenty of time for a second career. If you decide it's not for you (like I did), you can get out after 3-6 years (ask a recruiter about current contract length options) with a great resume, possibly an associates degree, GI Bill benefits, and the honor of being called a veteran for the rest of your life.
While it's absolutely awesome that your about to get your CNA at 17 and start getting that work/life experience, my personal opinion based on observation is that most people view working as a CNA as more of a "job" and less of a "career". There is not a ton of room of promotion or advancement, and from what I understand the pay is fairly low. A lot of CNAs and former CNAs that I've met used that role as a stepping stone to gain experience before becoming EMTs or LPN/RNs. While you always have the option of going Air Force after a few years as a CNA, it can be more challenging in a number of ways. (After high school a lot of people get out of shape, lose study skills, start families, put down roots, etc.).
Again, those are all my opinions and experiences. Trust your gut and don't feel pressured to the make the "right decision". Just make a good decision for the right reasons, and whichever way you go give it 100% effort.
Let me know if I can answer any more questions about the Air Force or EMS! Good luck.
Lauren Ralston
Marketing
2
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi LaRissa! The best way to understand each career path is to speak to people in the field. Using tools such as LinkedIn (or CareerVillage) can help you connect with people who have explored these career paths and can share pros/cons. I recommend creating a LinkedIn profile and connecting with people with the job titles you're interested in. Then, ask them for a 15min call. Make sure to prepare specific questions and act as if you're interviewing them!
Q's for Air Force Professionals:
1. What inspired your Air Force career and your experience so far?
2. What are your day-to-day responsibilities in the Air Force?
3. How does the Air Force support career advancement?
4. Benefits & challenges of serving in the Air Force?
5. How does the Air Force accommodate education outside military duties?
Q's for Healthcare Professionals/CNAs:
1. What motivated you to become a CNA and what's fulfilling about your work?
2. Describe a typical day in your role as a CNA. What career paths are available in healthcare for CNAs?
3. Any additional training needed?
4. What are common misconceptions about the healthcare field?
5. Advice for those considering a healthcare career and essential skills?
Q's for Air Force Professionals:
1. What inspired your Air Force career and your experience so far?
2. What are your day-to-day responsibilities in the Air Force?
3. How does the Air Force support career advancement?
4. Benefits & challenges of serving in the Air Force?
5. How does the Air Force accommodate education outside military duties?
Q's for Healthcare Professionals/CNAs:
1. What motivated you to become a CNA and what's fulfilling about your work?
2. Describe a typical day in your role as a CNA. What career paths are available in healthcare for CNAs?
3. Any additional training needed?
4. What are common misconceptions about the healthcare field?
5. Advice for those considering a healthcare career and essential skills?
Giselle Valdez
Data Analyst/Accountatnt
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Giselle’s Answer
Hi Larissa! I think its great that your thinking about your future already and weighing out your options. As someone who changed their majors at least 6 times in college, I would say to really research about each career or option. Similar to others who have answered above, I would reach out to people (usually LinkedIn) to see what their career is like, pros/cons and just to get more insight into what its actually like. Besides connecting with other people to gain insight, I would focus more on the following below
1. What skills/interest do you see yourself having/using for a the future?
2. What pros/cons of each option align more with your goals/skills?
3. What is the progression look like for each path?
4. Lastly, its your decision and everyone is different, so ask yourself. Does this job feel right? Can you envision actually doing the work? Can you envision going down that path?
I would really think out both options and see which one best suits you now and in the future. Wish you luck!
1. What skills/interest do you see yourself having/using for a the future?
2. What pros/cons of each option align more with your goals/skills?
3. What is the progression look like for each path?
4. Lastly, its your decision and everyone is different, so ask yourself. Does this job feel right? Can you envision actually doing the work? Can you envision going down that path?
I would really think out both options and see which one best suits you now and in the future. Wish you luck!