Choosing what to do in life is a difficult decision. After all, you have your whole future ahead of you. One thing that can help is looking at what degree might be right for what you want to do. If the healthcare field sounds appealing, it may be worth taking some time to research what APRN in nursing means and what other options are available. Here are seven ways that will help your teen pick the best healthcare degree for them.
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Know Their Interests
The best way to start choosing a healthcare degree is by figuring out what your teen’s interests are. This could be anything from working with people, animals, or just being in a helping profession. Once they know their interests, finding the right degree will be much easier.
For example, if they’re interested in people and want to help them medically, an RN or discussing what an APRN in nursing degree is in order to see if these degrees might be a good fit. However, if they are more interested in the sciences and research, a biomedical science degree could be better. It’s all about finding what interests them and going from there.
In addition, it’s essential to make sure that the degree they choose will get them a job. For example, if your teen loves animals and wants to work with pets, there are many careers out there for animal lovers. However, not all degrees can lead directly into these types of jobs.
Consider Their Education
Along with knowing what they’re interested in doing, it’s also important to know how many schools your teen will be able to handle. Some healthcare professions require lots of schooling while others don’t. For example, becoming an RN or APRN degree will take between two and four years at the minimum, depending on which course your teen takes. However, becoming a veterinary technician only requires an associate’s degree, which can be completed in two years or less.
It’s important to find the right balance between their interests and how much schooling they’re willing to do. That way, they won’t feel overwhelmed and will be more likely to complete their degree.
On the other hand, if they’re interested in a degree that takes less schooling to complete, it might be worth taking some time to do more research. For example, not all RN degrees are the same and require different education levels depending on which state you live in.
Consider Their Time
Another thing that your teen will need to consider when choosing a degree is how much time they’ll be able to spend studying. Some jobs require lots of additional training and schooling outside the classroom, which can take up extra hours in your teen’s schedule. This could make it hard for them to complete their education or even hold down a job.
For example, becoming a doctor will require your teen to do a residency which can last anywhere from three to eight years. That’s in addition to the four years of medical school they’ll have to complete first. On the other hand, if they’re interested in becoming a veterinary technician, they won’t need to spend as much time in school. Your teen must find a degree that they can complete promptly without having to sacrifice too much of their time.
Consider Their Location
Another thing your teen will need to consider when choosing a healthcare degree is their location. Not all degrees are offered in every state, and some professions are only available in certain parts of the country.
For example, if your teen wants to become a doctor, they’ll have to go to medical school, which is only offered in select parts of the US. After that, they’ll have to complete a residency done at specific hospitals, depending on where they live.
On the other hand, if your teen is interested in some animal-related degree, it would be easier for them to find schools offering these programs near you. For example, veterinary technician programs are offered at many community colleges and online.
Consider Their Career
One of the essential things your teen will need to consider when choosing a healthcare degree is their future career. Not all degrees can lead directly into certain jobs, and some professions have specific requirements.
For example, if your teen wants to become a doctor, they’ll need to complete a residency after medical school. However, becoming a veterinary technician doesn’t require any additional schooling after completing their degree. Your teen needs to find a degree that will help them get the job they want after they graduate. That way, they’ll be more likely to stick with it and finish their education.
Consider Their Financial Situation
Another thing your teen will need to think about when picking a healthcare degree is how they’ll be able to pay for it. Some degrees cost more than others, and some professions have higher salaries.
For example, becoming a doctor can be extremely expensive. They have to pay for medical school, but they also have to do a residency after that. On the other hand, becoming a veterinary technician doesn’t cost nearly as much and only requires an associate’s degree, which can be completed in two years or less.
Your teen needs to find out what kind of financial situation they’ll need when choosing their healthcare degree. Some professions are more expensive than others and can cost them thousands of dollars, preventing them from finishing school.
Consider Their Lifestyle
Another thing your teen will need to consider when choosing a healthcare degree is their lifestyle. Some degrees require more time than others and some professions are more demanding.
For example, if your teen wants to become a doctor, they’ll have to spend many hours studying and doing clinical rotations. This can be hard for teens who want to go outside and make friends. On the other hand, becoming a veterinary technician doesn’t require much studying or time spent in school. In addition, some professions are more flexible than others. For example, doctors can work anywhere in the country, while veterinary technicians are limited to working with animals.
Helping your teen pick the best healthcare degree is all about balancing their lifestyle, interests, and desired career. Your teen should always research each profession before choosing which one will work with their schedule and help them get where they want to be.
