This section of our site provides information that you should consider as you prepare for a healthcare career.  We hope that you find it useful. 

If you'd like to check out a medical education discussion forum, you might want to visit one established by Calvin Lee in March, 1998.  Rather than start our own, we thought you might be able to get better answers to your questions at his site.  While his forum's focus is on becoming a physician, Calvin says that he and his moderators welcome any medically related postings.  Don't be shy; interaction is painless.  Ask Calvin your questions, and help out the other posters if you know the answers to theirs. 

High School Preparation 

If you've already browsed through any of our information-fact sheets on specific medical careers, you've probably noticed that the time to start preparing for a healthcare career is when you are in high school. 

If you are even remotely considering a healthcare career of any kind, challenge yourself by taking the most difficult courses you can succeed in.  Take as many math, science, and English courses as possible;  four years of each is a good idea.  Work hard to get the best grades that you can, and if you find you are having trouble, seek out help.  Don't be embarrassed to ask for a tutor or attend summer school. 

By your junior year, you should have a pretty good idea if you plan on continuing your education at a two or four year college.  If you want to work in health care, it's a good idea to continue.  Many medical jobs require more than a high school diploma. 

You also might want to consider volunteering at a local hospital, clinic, or health department.  You'll get paid in experience not dollars.  Volunteer medical work will give you the opportunity to see early on if you are really interested in a healthcare career. 

If you are considering going to medical school, you might want to visit these sites:  the high school sections from the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the misc.education.medical newsgroup and the Association of American Medical Colleges' (AAMC) High School Student Guide. 

Something else that might interest high school students who are sure they want to go to medical school is that over thirty universities offer combined undergraduate and medical degree programs.  That's right; you can apply for admission to a medical school as a high school senior.  Competition is stiff, and only the most highly qualified students are accepted.  The AAMC can provide current information about these programs.