Vol. 14, No. 1, Fall 2000

Student Corner:
Planning for a Career in Health

by Jacquelyn Ross

The world of health is immense! The variety of jobs to explore is huge, especially if you are a creative person who likes the idea of working to help people live full lives. Nurses, doctors, and dentists are perhaps the best known health professionals but there are a variety of other people who play important roles in the health world as well. Athletic trainers, pharmacists, art therapists, nutritionists, clinic administrators, even furniture designers all have roles in the modern health system. Which career to choose? How do you get started?

If you are a student in junior high or high school, you are at an ideal place to start exploring careers. Ask yourself this: "Who is teaching me about health?" The answer might be your parents or other relatives, local elders, someone at the clinic. Maybe you learn about health watching "ER." How about trying some other paths as well?

In addition to looking at Web sites, reading, and watching educational TV shows on health, you can conduct your own "primary research," in other words, research you do yourself. The next time you go to the health clinic, ask how many different people it takes to keep the clinic running. Talk a little to your doctor, nurse or physician’s assistant to find out why they chose to go into medicine. What kind of training did this involve? If your school has a career day, ask about having some medical professionals come and speak. Let your teachers know you’re thinking about a health career. Perhaps they will have some ideas. If your school has a student newspaper or if your tribe or town has a newspaper or newsletter, express interest in reading about career profiles. Maybe you can even do some interviewing and write short articles yourself.

There are a number of health programs directed specifically at young people: tobacco education programs; programs that stress drug-free lifestyles; leadership programs; and sports programs. If you are involved in any of these programs, don’t be afraid to ask some questions of your adult leaders or staff, especially if they seem to enjoy their jobs. How did they find this job and decide to work in this particular program?

You have some great choices ahead of you. Being a strong student in school will help to keep your options open just in case you do decide that you want to be a doctor or a pharmacist or a surgeon. All of us benefit by having health professionals who are serious about their work, focused on the task at hand, and who take care with the details as well as "the big picture." Here are some tips for you if you are thinking of working in health:

1. Do the best that you can in school. Ask for help if you feel like something is getting too difficult. In college, the students who want A's ask for help on a regular basis.

2. Set up a study area at home and a time to study. If your house is pretty lively, talk to your family or teacher about finding a quiet place to get some work done. Studying with a friend or two might be helpful.

3. Don't give up on any subject, no matter how unimportant it may seem. Your future career may depend on good skills in math, science, and reading.

4. Encourage yourself, even if you don't like math or science. There are some great programs out there such as the MESA programs (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) and high school level American Indian Science and
Engineering Society (AISES) clubs that are Indian-oriented and can make these subjects more fun. You may get to learn how our peoples were involved with science and math long before the first algebra book was ever written. If you don't have a MESA or AISES program nearby, check out the nearest 4H club or other youth program for related projects. If you become interested in hands-on projects, you may find that your grades will go up as your interest increases. And you might make some new friends.

5. If you're planning on college, keep in mind that you have a huge number of choices for classes. There is no perfect major that leads to medical careers. You can major in Medieval Studies and still go to medical school. What counts is that you take the appropriate courses for your professional school requirements and are well-rounded in your academic and extra-curricular activities.

6. Put yourself in the path of experiences that open your eyes and teach you to listen and learn from people who are different from you. Try volunteering at a hospital, clinic, or youth health program so that you get a taste of what it might be like working there.

7. As you get into your junior and senior years of high school, ask around about health career awareness programs. You may find some opportunities that will bring you to college campuses, or internship opportunities that will help you find your career interests and strengths.

Finally, pay attention to yourself. Make sure that you get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and have fun. Find time to laugh and enjoy yourself and enjoy people in your community, so that you will have a strong body, a positive mental outlook, and the support of people who care about you.