Exploring a Health Career
Consider enrolling in SCM 101 (1 unit)
Self Reflective Questions
1. How much do I wish to deal directly with people?
A nurse, dental hygienist or occupational therapist will have much more direct contact with people than a medical laboratory technologist, pathologist or surgeon. Are you emotionally able to deal with a wide variety of people? Have you chosen a field that matches your personality type?
2. Am I comfortable studying science?
All health profession careers have minimum grade requirements in the science prerequisites.
3. Am I prepared to enter an area where I will have to spend time and effort keeping up with the developments in my field?
New developments in research continue to change and evolve how health care is practiced. If you are not willing to continue studying throughout your career; long after you have passed your board exams and earned your license, then you will not be a competent health care provider.
4. Am I comfortable in a health care setting?
The greatest health care needs are in inner city neighborhoods and rural areas. Some students fail to anticipate the effect of spending much of their life in the company of the sick, disabled or dying people. With the aging of the American population, much of your work may be with the geriatric. With this in mind, are you prepared to work in a variety of settings with people from varying socioeconomic levels?
5. Am I a team player?
Health care is increasingly a group activity where a successful outcome depends upon each member of a medical team performing his/her specific function.
6. What lifestyle do I envision?
Different specialties have varying levels of responsibility. Some health care careers include many emergencies and long hours. Do you wish to deal with life and death situations? Do you want to have a family? A career that involves long hours or high stress leaves you less time and energy for family life and leisure activities. Think about your values and research carefully the lifestyle that your chosen career will entail.
Personal Qualities Favored in the Health Professions
While professional schools generally do not formally screen candidates based on personal qualities, certain traits are favored in the health professions. Plan to get involved in on and off campus clubs and activities that will allow you acquire and demonstrate these traits. Among the qualities to think about are:
- Character and integrity
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Social competence
- Adaptability
- Altruism
- Orientation to service
- Compassion
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
- Experiences with other cultures and bilingualism
Evidence of Personal Qualites in the Personal Statement
Are these qualities shown in your work or volunteer experiences? Examples of leadership or service may be far more powerful than simply describing yourself as a leader or as "people-oriented." Demonstrate how you have developed these qualities in your school, work and personal experiences when you write your personal statement.
