Questions to Help You Choose a Medical Career Path

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Questions to Help You Choose a Medical Career Path-Chispa MagazineThere are many jobs in the medical field, from surgeons to EMTs. Many people are attracted to the idea of helping people and learning about the human body. There are other benefits to working in the medical field too, including high salaries in some areas. If you’re interested in working in medicine, it can be tough to decide which path to take. Whether you start looking at one of these careers in school or later in life, you have to consider a number of factors. Working in healthcare can be demanding, and you have to decide your priorities. Considering what you’re capable of is important too. It takes brains and dedication to become a doctor or other highly-trained medical professional. Try these tips to work out which route is the best for you to take.

What Sort of Career Do You Want?
You need to consider what you’re looking for from your career. You need to dedicate a lot of yourself to most jobs in the medical field. They’re unlikely to be 9-5 positions with a clear definition between your work and home life. While some will offer more conventional working patterns, others have long hours and varying work patterns. You should think about why you’re interested in a medical career. Helping others is likely to be a factor, but it’s probably not the only one. Are you looking for high pay or lots of opportunities to climb through the ranks?

What Type of Setting Are You Looking For?
Working in the medical field can involve being in lots of different positions. You won’t necessarily be in a hospital or a doctor’s clinic. You could end up working in a laboratory, a nursing home, or a free clinic. You should consider what sort of environment you want to work in. Some people want somewhere that’s always busy with lots of pressure. Others wish to be in a more sedate setting where they’re still challenged. Think about things like whether you’ll have to interact with a lot of people or deal with administration.

Can You Complete the Education or Training?
Some medical careers require years of training, but others don’t have such stringent requirements. For example, if you’re interested in emergency response, EMT certification doesn’t take long. However, training to become a doctor or even a nurse takes longer. You need the time, money and dedication to make it through the necessary education.

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
You need to think about what you’re good at, and what your weaknesses are too. There are some things you can improve on, but others are harder to change. For example, you might be smart but lacking in bedside manner. Some people will be able to learn to be more sensitive, whereas others will struggle. Choose a career that plays to your strengths, whether it’s book smarts or something else.

You have lots of things to think about if you want to have a career in the medical field. Don’t rush to make any decisions if you want to pick the right path.

Photo by Wesley Wilson

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Milo Senalle

Milo Senalle

Managing Editor at Chispa Magazine
As one of the managing editors of Chispa Magazine, Milo Senalle is the go-to man for all things technology, ethical, and financial concerns. Providing laughs with his style of writing and problem-solving techniques, Milo is a voice of reason among the girly staff at Chispa. Married with children, living in Atlanta, he works 24/7 on becoming a man of courage and believes honor begins at home.

Milo Senalle

As one of the managing editors of Chispa Magazine, Milo Senalle is the go-to man for all things technology, ethical, and financial concerns. Providing laughs with his style of writing and problem-solving techniques, Milo is a voice of reason among the girly staff at Chispa. Married with children, living in Atlanta, he works 24/7 on becoming a man of courage and believes honor begins at home.