Pre-Med (Medical)

The medical field is a revered and indispensable domain, dedicated to alleviating suffering and fostering well-being. Embarking on a medical career is a voyage of incessant learning, compassion, and making a significant impact on lives. The pre-medical and medical fields are realms of endless exploration and profound impact.

Whether you’re nurturing patients as a nurse, diagnosing conditions as a doctor, or restoring mobility as a physical therapist, you’re embarking on a path of significant societal contribution and personal fulfillment. Here, we explore the noble professions of Nurses, Doctors, and Physical Therapists, each playing a crucial role in the healthcare continuum.

Medical Jobs in High Demand

1: Nurse

Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities to attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. Nurses work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, schools, and homes. They provide a range of services, including direct patient care, health promotion, education, and advocacy.

The demand for nurses is expected to grow due to factors like the aging population, healthcare reform, and medical advancements. The job growth rate for registered nurses is projected at 6% through 2031, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. However, for nurse practitioners, a higher level of nursing, the estimated growth rate is a much higher 40%¹.

Average Nurse salary: $89,010

The salary of a nurse can vary significantly depending on factors like education, experience, location, and specialization. Here are some average figures for registered nurses (RNs) in the U.S.:

The national average salary for RNs is reported to be around $89,010 per year or $42.80 per hour².
The range of annual income for RNs can be from $82,000 to $184,000, with hourly rates ranging from $30 to $85 depending on various factors³.
Another source mentions an average salary of $73,349 for registered nurses, with a range between $45,000 and $117,000 annually⁴.

How to become a Nurse:

Education: The first step to becoming a nurse is to pursue a relevant degree. The most common programs include:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A 2-year program that provides the basic knowledge and skills required for nursing practice.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year program that offers a more comprehensive education, including leadership and management skills.
- Diploma Programs: These programs last between 2 and 3 years and are typically hospital-based⁵.
Licensure: Regardless of the educational path chosen, all aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in their state⁶.

Timeframe to pursue a Nurse career

[2 - 4 YEARS]

2: Doctor

Becoming a Doctor entails a lengthy and demanding educational journey, but it leads to a highly rewarding and well-compensated profession.

Doctors are medical professionals responsible for diagnosing and treating patients’ diseases and injuries. They may work in various specialties like family medicine, pediatrics, surgery, or cardiology, among others. The demand for doctors is projected to grow due to factors like an aging population and advancements in medical technology.

Job Demand: The demand for doctors is projected to grow by 7% from 2018 to 2028⁴.
Specialization: Post-residency, doctors may choose to further specialize, which may require additional fellowship training.

Average Doctor salary: $174,964 (General Practice)

The average salary varies significantly based on the specialty, location, and level of experience. For instance, primary care physicians earned an average of $251,000 in 2022, while specialists earned around $351,000 on average in the same year¹. However, some specialties like orthopedic surgery, urology, and cardiology tend to have higher average salaries, with figures reported like $633,000 for orthopedic surgeons².

How to become a Doctor:

High School Education: Excel in high school with a strong emphasis on science and math subjects.
Undergraduate Degree: Obtain a bachelor’s degree. While any major is acceptable, most aspiring doctors pursue a science-related field or complete the necessary science prerequisites.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Take and score well on the MCAT.
Medical School: Apply to and attend medical school, which typically lasts four years.
Licensing Examinations: Pass your boards to become a licensed doctor.
Residency: Choose a medical specialty and complete a residency program, which can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years depending on the specialty⁵.

This comprehensive path ensures doctors are well-prepared to provide high-quality care to their patients, albeit it demands a significant investment of time and effort.

Timeframe to pursue a Doctor career

[10 - 16 YEARS]

3: Physical Therapist

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a health care professional who assists patients in improving movement and managing pain, often helping to rehabilitate individuals who have suffered injuries or have chronic conditions impacting their mobility.

The employment of physical therapists is projected to grow by 17% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This growth is spurred by the healthcare needs of an aging population and the demand for physical therapy services³⁴.

Average Physical Therapist salary: $87,229

Physical Therapists in the U.S. earn varying salaries depending on factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and experience. The average salaries reported range from about $75,858 to $98,601 per year in 2023¹².

How to become a Physical Therapist:

To practice as a Physical Therapist in the U.S., one must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam⁶.
The educational pathway to becoming a PT generally includes completing a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years, followed by a three-year DPT program⁷⁸.

Timeframe to pursue a Physical Therapist career

[6 - 7 YEARS]

Highest Paying Medical Positions

Anesthesiologist: An average salary of $302,970¹.
Surgeon: Specializations like neurosurgery have an average salary of $788,313².
Cardiologists and Emergency Physicians: Both have an average annual salary of around $300,000³.
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): With an average salary of $203,090¹.
Dentist: Earning an average salary of $159,530¹.

What Medical Jobs are always in demand?

Registered Nurse (RN): Continues to be highly in demand due to the essential nature of their role in healthcare delivery⁴.
Physician Assistant: They aid doctors and other medical professionals in examining, diagnosing, and treating patients, and their positions are available at hospitals or private medical practices⁵.
Medical Sonographers and Technologists: With a job outlook growth rate of 39%, this profession is growing faster than average, reflecting the ongoing need for these specialized skills in the healthcare sector⁶.

Choosing the Right Medical Job for You

Embarking on a career in the medical field is a noble and rewarding decision, but it can also be a daunting one given the vast array of professions within this sector. Your choice will significantly impact your everyday life, future prospects, and the lives of the individuals you’ll care for. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this crucial decision:

Self-Assessment:
- Interests: Reflect on what areas of medicine excite you. Whether it’s surgery, diagnostics, patient care, or medical research, find what resonates with you.
- Skills: Assess your skills and strengths. Are you good at problem-solving, communicating, working under pressure, or handling advanced technology?
- Values: Understand what values are significant to you in a career. Is it income, work-life balance, continuous learning, or the ability to make a difference in people’s lives?
Educational Commitment:
- The medical field often requires a substantial educational commitment. Consider the length and rigor of the education and training required for different medical jobs.
Job Market Research:
- Demand: Investigate the demand for various medical professions and the potential for job security.
- Salary: Explore salary expectations to ensure they align with your financial goals.
Work Environment:
- Consider the typical work environments, hours, and stress levels of different medical careers. Some may involve long shifts, emergency situations, or extensive interaction with patients.
Networking and Mentorship:
- Professional Associations: Join relevant professional associations to network with experienced individuals in your area of interest.
- Mentorship: Seek mentorship from seasoned medical professionals who can provide insights and advice.
Practical Experience:
- Internships and Volunteering: Gain practical experience through internships and volunteering to better understand what to expect in different medical jobs.
Career Advancement Opportunities:
- Look into the career progression and long-term prospects of different medical jobs. Consider how the job aligns with your long-term career goals.
Specialization:
- If you are inclined towards a particular specialization, research the necessary steps and the prospects it offers.
Work-Life Balance:
- Consider the work-life balance in different medical careers. Some may offer more regular hours while others might have unpredictable schedules.
Consult a Career Counselor:
- Engage with a career counselor who specializes in the medical field to get personalized advice based on your unique profile and aspirations.

Your choice of a medical career will be a significant one, impacting both your personal and professional life for years to come. Taking the time to thoroughly explore your options, seek advice, and gain practical experience will help guide you towards a fulfilling career in medicine.

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