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Contemplating what field of medicine to pursue
Hi! I recently got out of the military. I want to start my schooling, but don't what to major in. I know a job in the medical field would give me great satisfaction. Of course there are so many jobs and specialties to choose from. I want to ultimately pursue a career as a dermatologist. Because the schooling is extensive, and standard for grades high, it can be intimidating. I considered a registered nursing degree. This is a popular profession nowadays and the programs are VERY competetive. I don't know what to do.
Thank you for your help!!!
Jillian
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Want to answer more questions in the Work & School category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Colleges & Universities?
Nursing is a VERY high-demand field, and offers a medical career that does not require a full 8-12 years of schooling (which is what you would be looking at if you went into dermatology).
Pretty much, nursing will get you a job, guaranteed!
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Eye doctor or orthodontist. It seems like fun and the schooling is not as intence as others; much shorter. As a registered nurse you could probably either work at a hospital or school - both have pretty good pay actually. You can still go for dermatology, it actually does seem to be a second favorite to most doctors I know. Hope that helped and good luck.
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There are a few things to consider. What kind of hours would you like to work? Generally, unless a nurse works in a doctor's office, they can end up working any shift, especially if you're new. If working a regular 9-5 is your goal, then you might consider being a medical assistant, pharmacy technician or a medical billing technician. Can you handle blood and other body fluids? If not, then nursing might not be the best field for you. Are you able to detach yourself from the situation? If you're soft-hearted and have a tendency to feel everyone's pain, you might want to go with a career that involves less patient interaction.
Since you mentioned the financial aspect, I'll try to help a little there. First, since you were in the military, you may be eligible for the GI bill, which will help pay for college. You can find information by visiting the link below.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
Second, you may want to consider a community college. The tuition tends to be much cheaper and classes are generally smaller, which allows for more one-on-one attention. I'm not sure about all community colleges, but I know my local one offers several medical training programs, including nursing.
Three, check with your local nursing board or hospital. Some states do offer nursing scholarships that don't have to be paid back if you agree to work in the state for a certain amount of time. Some hospitals offer the same thing if you agree to work for them for a certain amount of time.
Four, do a search for scholarships you might be eligible for. I'm giving you a couple links to scholarship search engines to get you started.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
Last, but not least, make sure to complete the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid). Most colleges require this be completed so they can determine what financial aid you're eligible for. You can get information about the FAFSA and complete it online by visiting the link below.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
Good luck.
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Jillian -
I have two suggestions that you may want to take into consideration: dentistry and pharmacy.
With these two career fields, it is not required of you to declare a major. You will only need to fulfill the pre-requisites like chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, english, the basics. After completing these, you are eligible to apply to dentistry/pharmacy school. If you are not accepted, you may want to declare a major; I hear that it is encouraged.
Both are very competitive also, but I know for sure that in pharmacy that you will almost be guaranteed a job not long after completing pharmacy school. The demand is high, and probably always will be with the ever-changing pharmaceutical industry.
And a bonus is that both of these careers pay exceptionally well!
Hope this helps!
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