TEN Steps High School Students Can Take to Prepare for a Career in Medicine

TEN Steps High School Students Can Take to Prepare for a Career in Medicine

Pursuing a career in medicine, whether as a physician, physical therapist, physician’s assistant, dentist, nurse, or even a veterinarian, is widely recognized as a long and challenging journey. However, the rewards—personal fulfillment and financial stability—can be significant. That said, the more students know, the better equipped they will be when the time comes to apply to undergraduate programs. For example, aspiring medical professionals often hope to pursue competitive science majors to ensure they can fulfill all of the medical school prerequisites or for direct admission into nursing programs, thus, taking challenging STEM classes in high school is recommended. Students who hope for access to ultra-selective BSMD or direct admit nursing programs must do even more. 

What Can High School Students Can Take to Prepare for a Career in Healthcare? 

ONE: ASK yourself why you want to enter the medical field.

• Do you want to help people?
• Are you ready for extensive schooling?
• Will you enjoy an intense career?
• What attributes do you have that will make you a quality medical professional?  
• Do enjoy science? 

TWO: KNOW what being a medical professional is and is NOT.

•  Becoming a medical professional is a calling, a passion
• It is not a quick and easy way to make a lot of money
• Medical professionals must have the grit and determination to complete several years of education 

THREE: CULTIVATE important attributes.

•  Empathy
• Active listening 
• Compassion
• Passion
• Curiosity 
• Confidence 
• Humility
• Grit
• Balance
• A strong work ethic
• Effective time management skills

FOUR: EXPLORE the profession.

•  Research specific specialties 
• Shadow a doctor, physical therapist, physician’s assistant, dentist, veterinarian, etc.
• Volunteer in a hospital, healthcare facility, medical or veterinary practice  
• Join relevant school clubs
• Explore medical careers and decide which are the best fit

 FIVE: CHALLENGE yourself academically.

• Take the most rigorous classes you can succeed in while not being overwhelmed.
• Make high grades in science and math classes
• Conduct research

SIX: STRIVE for excellence.

• Work hard at everything you do
• Stand out as a leader
• Assume leadership positions

SEVEN: IDENTIFY colleges that are a strong fit.

• Academic (i.e., where you can get high grades)
       -  3.5-3.6 PA in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, & Math
       -  A major that interests you and ensures you meet all medical school, etc. prerequisites
• Experiential (i.e., internships, research, and clinical)
• Social (i.e., where you will find your people and be happy)
• Emotional (i.e., where you feel safe & supported)
• Financial (i.e., where you don’t need excessive loans since medical school is a significant financial investment)
• Support: (i.e., pre-health advising to keep you on track)

EIGHT: COMMUNICATE with admissions personnel regarding admissions criteria, if appropriate.

• BSMD Programs (click HERE for a list)
• Direct Admit Nursing Programs (click HERE for a list)
• Accelerated Physical Therapy Programs
• Other

NINE: APPLY to college.

• Make sure you apply only to schools that are a good fit for you
• Ease of access to internships, mentors, research, and clinical opportunities should be a priority consideration 
• Where you go is not nearly as important as what you do when you are there

TEN: FINISH high school on a strong note.

• Work hard to ensure your final transcript reflects the grades colleges will expect you to make
• Enjoy senior year! 

High school students can take small steps and make strategic efforts to prepare for medical careers. Investing time and effort in high school will make students more informed and compelling STEM major candidates. 

For more information on how small efforts in high school can pay off when it comes to applying to college or questions about the college application process in general, please contact me at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.