Have you been thinking about embarking on a career in the medical field? If wearing scrubs and working with people appeal to you, you might want to look into this career path. Though a medical career can be extremely fulfilling and a perfect fit for many, it is recommended by professionals that you do a bit of research before joining the medical profession. Here are some questions you should ask before taking the plunge into a medical career:
Do You Have What it Takes?
One of the first things that you will want to do before embarking into the medical field is to determine if you have what it takes to be a success. For instance, if you are someone who likes to interact with people, entering into the medical field will probably be a great match. The same can be said if you are someone who likes research and learning. Medical professionals should consider themselves lifelong learners as there is always more to discover.
Do You Have Time to Go to School?
Another thing that you should keep in mind before setting your sights on a medical career is if you have time for the schooling. Some medical jobs, like a medical assistant, will only require a high school education or perhaps a year of formal education. Other careers in the medical field, such as a nurse practitioner, might take six to eight years of formal education following high school.
Do You Mind Working Long Hours?
Though all professions in the medical field will not have awkward hours, many are not typical nine-to-five jobs. You might find yourself working holidays and weekends or even overnight. Before considering a field in the medical career, this is something that you will need to keep in mind, or choose one of the job paths that have more traditional hours like medical administration.
Do You Know Where You Want to Work?
Most people assume that medical professionals only work in hospitals or doctor’s offices, but this isn’t true. Consider a job as a registered nurse, for instance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 61 percent of registered nurses work in hospitals, but that means about 40 percent work elsewhere. Schools, government agencies, amusement parks and even cruise ships need nurses aboard. This is one of the benefits of a career in the medical field. You can find work in many different environments.
If you currently feel that a job in the medical field is right for you, you are probably right. However, it is always a good idea to look at the one which you are about to take before you begin. Many find the medical field to be a perfect fit for them, and these are the individuals who succeed. If you aren’t sure, consider doing more research on your own or reaching out to a career counselor. It can also help to speak with someone who currently works in the medical field. This way, you get an insider’s view of this dynamic career path.