I’m feeling a bit uncertain about my career path in health care. I have my GED and will soon earn my billing and coding certification, but I’m starting to second-guess that choice. Although I know I want to work in health care, I’m not quite sure where to focus my efforts.
I have a passion for helping individuals with neurological disorders and diseases. I spent a couple of years as an aide at a memory care facility, and I truly enjoyed interacting with the residents. I loved understanding their experiences, spending quality time with them, and figuring out the best ways to support their needs. However, the pay in that field isn’t ideal.
I’ve been considering pursuing a nursing degree, exploring psychology sciences, or even looking into social work, but I’m unsure which direction would be the best fit for me.
As a stay-at-home mom to a 3-year-old, I need to find an online program that fits my schedule. I hope to have my degree or be close to completing it by the time my daughter starts school, so I can work during those hours. Right now, though, I’m just feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I’m currently based in Ohio.
It sounds like you have a genuine passion for working with individuals with neurological disorders, which is a fantastic starting point for your career in health care. It’s completely normal to feel a bit lost when trying to figure out the best path for yourself, especially when you’re balancing being a stay-at-home mom.
Considering your experience and interests, here are a few options you might explore:
Nursing: Pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can be a great option if you want a more hands-on role in patient care. There are many online programs that offer the flexibility you need as a stay-at-home mom. Nurses can often specialize in areas like geriatrics or neurology, allowing you to focus on your passion for neurocognitive disorders.
Psychology: If you’re fascinated by the brain and behavior, a degree in psychology could be a great fit. This would allow you to understand more about neurological disorders from a psychological perspective. You could even consider a focus on neuropsychology later on, which could lead to further specialization.
Social Work: This path can also be very rewarding, especially if you enjoy advocating for and supporting people in need. A degree in social work will give you the skills to help individuals and families navigate complex healthcare systems and provide critical support.
Occupational Therapy Assistant: This is another option that allows you to work directly with patients, including those with neurological challenges. It typically requires an associate degree, which can often be completed online or in a hybrid format.
To help narrow down your choices, consider reaching out to professionals in each of these fields for informational interviews. They can provide insights into their day-to-day work and what you might expect from their career paths.
Also, remember to take your time. It’s perfectly fine to explore different paths and see what resonates with you the most. You’re not dumb at all; you’re thoughtful and reflective about your future, which is an important step in finding a fulfilling career. Good luck, and take it one step at a time!