What Healthcare Students Should Know About College
Resources, Majors, and Scholarships for Aspiring Healthcare Students
As a student interested in pursuing an education in healthcare and medicine, you may not be sure what direction to take during your studies. Studying this type of science may appeal to you for a wide range of reasons. Maybe you have always excelled at science classes, have family members in the healthcare field, or are simply passionate about helping others. No matter your motivation for wanting to work within healthcare, we know that it is important for you to find the field of medicine that is right for you.
For college students interested in medicine, My College Companion is here to help. By showcasing a variety of fields of study and career paths, we provide an overview of the areas that may interest you while also looking at the many reasons to pursue a career in healthcare in the first place.
Reasons to Study Healthcare in College
There are many reasons students choose to study healthcare and medicine. A student may have thrived in classes such as anatomy, biology, and chemistry, and they may want to continue these studies. People who wish to become healthcare workers may have an intrinsic and lifelong passion for caring for others and making a profound difference in people's lives.
Possibly just as important, jobs in the healthcare field often provide lifelong stability, an abundance of opportunities, competitive salaries, and a multitude of learning experiences. Healthcare workers frequently report a high level of job satisfaction, and they find fulfillment in helping others and tackling challenges every day.
Different Types of Healthcare Majors to Pursue
When people think of studying healthcare in college, they often assume that a student hopes to be a nurse or doctor. However, there are a multitude of directions one can take during and after college.
Anatomy, biology, and chemistry are standard fields of study that can be beneficial for a career in healthcare. Other potential majors include:
- Exercise and Wellness majors are often interested in becoming physical therapists.
- Psychology majors may plan to pursue careers in therapy, psychiatry, and similar avenues.
- Aspiring dietitians may select Nutrition as their field of study.
- Other students may focus their studies on public health, dental hygiene, or healthcare administration.
In many cases, especially when the student hopes to be some sort of doctor one day, many colleges offer a "pre-med" track that focuses on the prerequisites needed to continue a medical education after completing undergraduate courses. This is likely the best route to become a surgeon, physician, podiatrist, pharmacist, or optometrist.
It must be acknowledged that some of the most talented and hardest-working healthcare workers never obtain a bachelor's degree. If you are interested in this type of career, but do not have the desire or means to obtain that high level of education, an Associate's Degree may suffice. Careers that fit this academic path include pharmacy technicians, medical coding, and medical laboratory technicians.
While course rigor and time investment may be high on the list of factors to consider when determining your academic path, another crucial factor is the types of skills and jobs needed in the medical field. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are nearly always in high demand at hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Other roles that have a crucial need throughout the industry may involve more unique paths, including Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Psychiatric Technicians.
Scholarships for Healthcare Students
It is common knowledge that pursuing nearly any degree in medicine or healthcare is an expensive endeavor. With that in mind, My College Companion recognizes how important it is to make resources accessible to these students. To help alleviate some of the financial burden of achieving this ambitious goal, we encourage students to explore scholarships such as the Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. Healthcare Professional Scholarship.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
How do I find scholarships that match my major and background?
There are many scholarships available for students from different backgrounds or who are pursuing specific degrees. By searching online, you can find scholarships for specific majors, as well as scholarships for specific types of students, such as single parents or members of the military. My College Companion can help you find a scholarship that will meet your needs.
Can I still apply for financial aid if I missed the FAFSA deadline?
You will typically want to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) while you are planning to attend college. Submitting this form before you enroll in college can help ensure that you have financial aid lined up. However, even if you have missed the FAFSA deadline, you may have other options, since states and colleges have their own timelines. You may also apply for private scholarships or find other options for financial aid.
How Can I Improve My Time Management Skills in College?
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed as you begin attending college. Attending classes and completing homework and projects may be your main focus, but you will probably also want to maintain a social life and participate in activities, and you may also need to work. Finding the right balance can be tricky, but with the proper preparation, you can set yourself up for success.
To make sure you are managing your time effectively, you may want to set up a calendar to help you keep track of when you need to attend classes or labs while also blocking out time for homework, meetings with professors or advisors, study groups, social events, activities at school, or other events. You can set reminders for yourself, making sure you will not miss any deadlines and will be prepared for exams. Finding ways to prioritize what is important while still making time for yourself when necessary can help you get the most out of your college experience.
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