After 18 years in the auto industry and yet another bad layoff, I have concluded that I made a horrible career decision long ago. Once upon a time, I had a dream of pursuing a medical education in college (perhaps physical or occupational therapy), but somewhere down the line I went with my second choice and obtained a Business Admin degree. My question now is this: What can I reasonably look at as far as a career change and reschooling (possibly in a master’s program)? Can I even be accepted into say a physician assistant program with a business background, or am I stuck on this deadend path indefinitely?
#1 by Diane A on February 25, 2010 - 7:49 am
Every job in the medical field needs certification of licensure. So no matter what your decided to do you would have to attend some sort of training program; and take all the necessary pre-reqs to do that. You would have to narrow down specifically what type of career in the medical field you were trying to go into. You could start off taking pre-reqs. For the PA program, you would need all the pre-med type pre-reqs and then apply to a masters level PA program (and take GRE etc). However, you really need to get some medical experience in some form or you will be at a pretty severe disadvantage both in the application process (which is as competitive as med school) and in the schooling. Start with a medical terminology course at a community college; then volunteer at a hospital & see how you like that & then make a concrete plan.
#2 by Nestor on February 25, 2010 - 1:52 pm
The medical industry holds a rich vein of different professions from the obvious nurse and doctor professions to adminstrative professions. My sister wanted to work in this area, but she wasn’t sure perfectly what she wanted to do. She found the site in the resource box below, it has lots of tips and tricks, and it guided her to settle what she wanted to do. They have guidance with other jobs too.