What Healthcare Career is Right for You?

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Quiz Questions

1.
Which area of healthcare are you most curious about? (choose up to 3)
- A.
  Surgery
- B.
  Nursing
- C.
  Emergency care
- D.
  Mental health
- E.
  Dentistry
- F.
  Optometry
- G.
  Diagnostic or lab services
- H.
  Clinical support (allied health)
- I.
  Pharmacy
- J.
  Admin and tech
- K.
  Public health & advocacy
2.
How much time are you willing to invest in education/training before starting your career? (choose up to 3)
- A.
  I want to start working ASAP (within 1 year)
- B.
  1 to 2 years
- C.
  2 to 4 years
- D.
  4 to 7 years
- E.
  8+ years - I'm in it for the long haul
3.
What's your ideal work environment? (choose up to 3)
- A.
  Fast-paced and unpredictable
- B.
  Structured clinical setting with direct patient care
- C.
  Clinical setting without direct patient care
- D.
  Surgical setting
- E.
  Broader community-focused
- F.
  Behind the scenes tech and admin
- G.
  Private practice
- H.
  Pharmacy
- I.
  Lab setting
4.
What type of patient interaction do you want? (choose up to 3)
- A.
  Ongoing relationships focusing on mental health and wellbeing
- B.
  Hands-on physical care and monitoring
- C.
  Quick consults for specific healthcare issues
- D.
  Diagnostic
- E.
  Treatment-focused interactions
- F.
  I prefer doing admin and tech work instead (I'm not much of a people person)
- G.
  Surgical interaction only
5.
What's your motivation to work in healthcare? (choose up to 3)
- A.
  Caring for people during life's biggest moments (from birth to death)
- B.
  Saving lives with surgery and repairing the human body
- C.
  Handling medical emergencies
- D.
  Helping people recover function and improve quality of life
- E.
  Preventing disease and improving community health
- F.
  Ensuring accuracy in diagnosis and testing
- G.
  Making healthcare systems run smoothly
- H.
  Informing people about their health
- I.
  Helping people improve their mental health
- J.
  Helping people see better
- K.
  Helping people's teeth and mouth

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Physician & Surgeon
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You don't care how much schooling and training it takes. You're prepared to go all in for the love of saving lives. There are tons of areas to choose from as a doctor or surgeon, like internal medicine, oncology, pediatrics, cardiology, and many others. It just depends on what part of the body (or body process) most intrigues you. 🏥 Common roles to explore:General practitionerInternal medicine physicianAnesthesiologistCardiologistOncologistOrthopedic surgeonDermatologist🟢 Start with: A Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or other related field, the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) to apply to medical school (4 years), and complete a residency program in your chosen specialty (3 to 7 years).💻 Courses we recommend:Introductory Human PhysiologyHuman Anatomy and Medical Terminology Fundamentals SpecializationGet the full healthcare career guide: How to Get Into HealthcareImage Source: Artur Tumasjan via Unsplash
2.
Nurse
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If you feel a pull to help people and care for them during life's biggest moments, like having a baby or treating a life-threatening condition, nursing is perfect for you. Every shift brings new challenges and the chance to make a real difference in someone's life.🏥 Common roles to explore:Registered nurse (RN)Licensed practical nurse (LPN)Nurse practitionerClinical nurse specialistNurse anesthetistNurse midwifeTravel nurse🟢 Start with: An accredited nursing program, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 💻 Courses we recommend:The Nurse's ToolkitGetting Started with Clinical Skills: A Focus on the PatientGet the full healthcare career guide: How to Get Into HealthcareImage Source: CDC via Unsplash
3.
Mental & Behavioral Health Professional
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Mental and behavioral health is the perfect area of expertise for you. You're compassionate, understanding, and love connecting with people. You might've also had your own experiences with anxiety or depression that give you a unique perspective that allows you to naturally create a safe space for healing. 🏥 Common roles to explore:PsychologistMental health counselorPsychiatristSocial workerMarriage and family therapistSubstance abuse counselor🟢 Start with: A Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, or Master's and above if you're looking to become a psychologist or psychiatrist. 💻 Courses we recommend:Mental Health Care FundamentalsIntroduction to PsychologyGet the full healthcare career guide: How to Get Into HealthcareImage Source: Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash
4.
Emergency Services
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You love the rush of a fast-paced and unpredictable work environment that comes with emergency medical services. Your quick-thinking and adrenaline-fueled wit makes you perfect for this. This line of work makes a big difference between life and death and you'll have plenty of chances to be someone's hero in their darkest moment.🏥 Common roles to explore:ParamedicEmergency medical technician (EMT)Critical care transport technicianEmergency dispatcher🟢 Start with: Hands-on training and certifications like EMT certification and paramedic certification.💻 Courses we recommend:Become an EMT SpecializationVital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling UsGet the full healthcare career guide: How to Get Into HealthcareImage Source: Michael E via Unsplash
5.
Dentistry
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If you have a passion for keeping your own pearly whites healthy and in tip-top shape, dentistry would be perfect for you. There are also sub-areas in dentistry you could explore, such as orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and more.🏥 Common roles to explore:DentistDental hygienistDental assistantOrthodontistEndodontistPeriodontist🟢 Start with: A Bachelor's degree in a science field and dental school (4 years), or accredited training for dental hygienists (2 to 3 years) and assistants (1 year). 💻 Courses we recommend:Introduction to Dental MedicineDentistry 101Get the full dental career guide: How to Start a Career in DentistryImage Source: SoyBreno via Unsplash
6.
Optometry
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Some say the eyes are the windows to our soul, so it's no surprise that the eyes are a part of the body that intrigues you. This makes optometry the perfect area of healthcare for you to explore! You can work directly on patients' eyes or in a supportive area that can still help patients with their eyecare.🏥 Common roles to explore:OptometristOpticianOptometric technicianOptometric assistantOptical dispenserVision therapist🟢 Start with: A Bachelor's degree in a science field and a Doctor of Optometry program (4 years) for optometrists. For optometric technicians, complete certification (1 year). For the other roles, apply at an optometry office.💻 Courses we recommend:Visual Perception and the BrainGet the full healthcare career guide: How to Get Into HealthcareImage Source: David Travis via Unsplash
7.
Diagnostic & Laboratory Services
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If you're more interested in the behind-the-scenes of lab work and how people are diagnosed, diagnostic and laboratory services might be perfect for you. It's a pretty cool area to explore. The tests you run and the images you capture create data that doctors need to diagnose and treat their patients.🏥 Common roles to explore:Medical lab technicianRadiologic technologistPhlebotomistSonographerPathologist🟢 Start with: An Associate's degree in medical laboratory technology, radiology technology, or other area. Pathologists need a Bachelor's degree, medical degree, and pathology residency (4 years).💻 Courses we recommend:Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic ImagingBlood Film Morphology - A Practical GuideGet the full healthcare career guide: How to Get Into HealthcareImage Source: Louis Reed via Unsplash
8.
Healthcare Administration & Tech/Support
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You'd rather be a little removed from the hustle and bustle of the patient-facing clinical environment and thrive better in management, tech, or support. These could be anything from health-tech support to business office staff that works to verify insurance and manage medical records.🏥 Common roles to explore:Healthcare administratorMedical assistantMedical coder or billerMedical records technicianSterile processing technician🟢 Start with: Bachelor's or Master's degree for healthcare administrators and Associate's degree (or training programs) for other roles. 💻 Courses we recommend:Johns Hopkins Medical Office Manager Professional CertificateClinical Medical Assistant FundamentalsMedical Billing and Coding FundamentalsGet the full healthcare career guide: How to Get Into HealthcareImage Source: National Cancer Institute via Unsplash
9.
Allied Health Professional
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You love helping people improve their quality of life, so working as an allied health professional is perfect for you! You get to combine clinical expertise with close patient care to help them through their recovery, ultimately helping them live more independent lives.🏥 Common roles to explore:Certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA)Surgical technologistPhysical therapistOccupational therapistRespiratory therapistDietician🟢 Start with: Depending on the role, you'll need to complete an associate's, bachelor's, or master's program (besides physical therapists that need a doctorate). Starting in an entry-level support position or shadowing a professional can also help you break into the field.💻 Courses we recommend:Professionalism in Allied HealthManaging Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and ExerciseGet the full healthcare career guide: How to Get Into HealthcareImage Source: Tsquared Lab via Unsplash
10.
Pharmacy
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Pharmaceuticals is a very interesting area and perfect for those interested in medications and how to use them safely while educating others to do the same. You have to be very detail-oriented in this position so you don't accidentally overdose or underdose patients. Your science-focused mind has no problem with that!🏥 Common roles to explore:PharmacistPharmacy technicianPharmaceutical sales repClinical pharmacologist🟢 Start with: A Bachelor's degree then a Doctor of Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacology. For other roles, start with certification and on-the-job training.💻 Courses we recommend:Pharmacy Technician FundamentalsPharmacy Medication and SafetyGet the full healthcare career guide: How to Get Into HealthcareImage Source: Christina Victoria Craft via Unsplash
11.
Public Health & Advocacy
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You don't want to just work with patients, you want to help improve the health and well-being of entire populations. What better way to do that than in public health and advocacy? You could work to track disease patterns, design wellness programs, or help people navigate healthcare systems, among many other things.🏥 Common roles to explore:EpidemiologistCommunity health workerEnvironmental health specialistPatient advocateHealth educatorMedical interpreter🟢 Start with: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public health, health science, or a related field, or certification, depending on the role you pursue.💻 Courses we recommend:Foundations of Public Health PracticeHealth Coaching ConversationsGet the full healthcare career guide: How to Get Into HealthcareImage Source: John Cameron via Unsplash