Starting out in the medical field

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Hi all!

For the past couple of years I have been interested in the medical field, and I feel like I may be being called to this. I have no prior experience in this field nor does anyone in my family.

What would be a good way to start out, to see if this is a good fit for me? Right now I am looking around at local schools and seeing what type of programs they offer.

Any recommendations on the next step? I know that their are all kinds of avenues, medical assistants, LNA, LPN, RN, etc...

Thanks for your time!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Are you looking at the medical field, as in being a doctor? Or health care?These are two different things.What do you want to be specifically? If you are interested in nursing you could perhaps start off by becoming a CNA to see if you enjoy patient care. Patient care is the basis for a lot of things and it will help you to get your feet wet.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

If you're interested in a health profession, there are a ton of options besides nursing. Take a look at this link Healthcare Occupations : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Many of these careers have a very good long-term career outlook and are much less stressful than nursing.

Best of luck to you!

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Thanks HouTx so much for your encouragement! I looked through that webpage and the Phlebotomy tech looked interesting. I have donated blood quite a bit for the Red Cross, so I am familiar with the procedure.

I guess what I am looking for the most in this field is to be a help, an extra set of hands. Would this be a good field to start part time?

Thanks, again!

junegirl

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Thanks, Loriangel14! Do you think that I could work as a CNA on a part time basis?

junegirl

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Very likely you could find a part time job.It will expose you to some professions in health care besides nursing.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

CNA is a great place to start, since you can really be exposed to patient care, and the various roles. Phlebs spend a lot of time in the lab, and are on the floor for short periods (I speak from experience), so you don't get to see what all of the disciplines really do.

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Thanks RunBabyRun! Do most CNA programs offer on site training?

All the best,

junegirl

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You can shadow an RN at any hospital to see what an RN does and that way you can decide if you want to be a nurse. You can also ride along on the ambulance and see what they do as well.

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