Trying to choose an Allied Health Career

mommyonamission · Jun 15, 2009

I don't know if I can answer all of your questions without knowing more about your situation. But, my recommendation would be for you to choose a career based on who YOU are as a person and what stimulates YOU most. I say that because I've chosen jobs for the money and for no other reason and found myself miserable. Doesn't mean not to look for financial security but the best career decision you can make for yourself is the decision that goes far beyond money. Consider what type of setting you want to work in (i.e. hospital, non-profit, etc). Consider the physical stressors (i.e. heavy lifting and tons of patient contact vs. no lifting and tons of in-office desk work). Consider volunteering in those areas first to give yourself more insight based on who you are. Consider long term - I know cliche, but where do you see yourself in 10 years?

For example, years ago, when I was less than a year out of undergrad I was heavily considering going into occupational therapy so I volunteered in the OT department of a local hospital for about a month and then worked for next to no pay in an OT department as an aide at a rehabilitation hospital targeting the geriatric department. I got up close and personal with OT on a daily basis (which was my primary goal) and had talks with OTs in my department that completely gave me the help I needed to make my decision. It was invaluable and I'm glad I did it because I would've gone into it with blinders on and just the "dreamy fantasy" of what it would have been like.

I live in Durham and I think the college options for nursing are great. Of course, I'm used to there being a lot more since I'm from the northeast but that's ok. We all adjust right? :)

On a final note, when you make the decision on what you think would be best for you don't let anything get in your way of making it come true. Whether it be day time hours you have to put in or taking out more loans than you expected. In the end, my opinion is that your happiness is the single most important variable in your job that will make your career feel more meaningful and satisfying.

Good luck

nclady31 · Jun 15, 2009

I agree with mommyonamission,

If you go into health care for the pay and job security, you will be miserable. There are so many companies in this area with a strong presence in good times and bad. Why did the move make you change your major? I would think a communications degree would benefit you greatly in this area depending on what you wanted to do.

However, if you are interested in nursing, there are numerous community colleges as well as UNC, NCCU, and Watts School of Nursing. A good web site to find programs that are realistically in your driving range and to look further into the many nursing and allied health educational programs in your area go to

http://gahec.org/nchc/default-old.htm. The programs available does depend on your area. For example, if you live in Durham or Chapel Hill, that could open up the Greensboro- High Point area as well for schools.

Hope that helps and Good Luck!