For years throughout our adolescence we are constantly bombarded with the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. The truth is many children are unsure of what they want to spend the rest of their lives doing. Similarly, I had the idea to become a teacher up through middle school. It was only until high school came that I began realizing teaching was not the right fit. I discovered that the sciences were much more interesting and I felt it was what I really should focus my studies on. Luckily, I received an offer to go to a vocational high school specializing in health sciences and I really found myself there. It opened so many doors and soon enough it confirmed my interests and the career path I would work towards in the future. It has led me to come to Fairleigh Dickinson as a biology major and now I need to figure out what exactly I will do with my biology degree as I am torn between becoming a scientist or continuing on to medical school. There are several careers that interest me and learning more about each one will help determine which is best for me.
Radiology has always interested me and I have personal connections to this area in the health field because throughout my life I have had numerous MRIs and X-rays done. Diagnostic medical sonography is an area similar to radiology and itone of the handful of careers I could see myself in. Sonography involves imaging of the body internally to diagnose medical conditions. To attain a career in this field, a degree can be achieved through a two to four year program. Another option is to attain a certificate in sonography after a two year program. The job outlook for sonography is promising because the demand will continue to increase in the future. By 2026, the job outlook is expected to rise higher than the average job at 17%. This growth is most likely because “as the large baby-boom population ages, the need to diagnose medical conditions—such as blood clots and heart disease—will likely increase” (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Typically, the average salary for a medical sonographer is $69,650.
The normal day for someone in the medical field can be quite hectic. Sonographers usually work full time in a hospital setting, but some can also work in office centers. Their schedules can sometimes include working night shifts, weekends, or even holidays. As a career, this schedule is a concern for me because during the weekends or holidays I would like to spend time with my family. Working long hours and days can make for a lot of stress which I would want to try to avoid. However, sonography is a very interesting career because there are so many different kinds of sonography. A professional doesn’t have to stick to one area of sonography such as obstetrics and can branch off to echocardiography or breast sonography. All of these areas make for a rewarding career in the end. I researched this career because I have thought of pursuing sonography if I decide not to continue into medical school. This career certainly seems to be stable and I would be very happy to make a living out of it.
Another career in mind is working as a biologist in a pharmaceutical corporation or laboratory. As a biology major, I have found the biology labs to be very enjoyable. There are so many areas of biology one can choose to study so I really like the variety that comes with this job. To work as a biologist a bachelor’s degree is needed, but a master’s or doctoral degree is ideal. The employment outlook for a biologist is good as more research and medicine are needed for new illnesses or diseases. The average biologist makes nearly $70,000 a year. A typical day involves doing some type of research or experiment and “most spend at least part of their time in laboratories, which are usually clean, well lighted, and well equipped” (Ben S. et al). Most of the time they work 40 hour weeks and are off on weekends and holidays.
Working as a biologist seems fascinating because research is done to solve scientific problems. Sometimes, they can create new medication or treatment to prevent and cure diseases. The work is rewarding, however I am concerned about working in a laboratory or office all the time. I don’t want to feel as if everyday is the same. Also, I am a little worried about finding experience to get an entry level position at a corporation. If I were to find a position at a company, working as a biologist seems to be a creative way to solve and help problems in the medical field. In high school, I took a class where I had to come up with a research plan and tests to create a new medical drug that could treat a problem. I thoroughly found the project to be fun and the idea of pursuing this career stemmed from it.
Lastly, becoming a radiologist has been a dream that I have long wished for. Yet, I have so many worries about all of the work that it takes to get there. Radiologists use medical imaging to treat or diagnose medical conditions. A bachelor’s degree is required followed by medical school. Then, the student must complete a residency program to complete the certification. By 2024, radiology is expected to grow 14%. The average salary for a radiologist is about $286,000 per year. A day for a radiologist can be extremely busy. Normally, they work in a hospital setting which can include “interpreting information gathered through imaging techniques, communicating results with doctors and patients, writing medical reports, and explaining treatment risks, benefits, and alternatives to patients” (Radiologist Education Requirements, Training and Career Info) Radiology interests me because trying to find a problem by looking at a scan or x-ray is like solving a puzzle. It is a creative way to help patients get better treatment or diagnosis.
Some concerns I have are deciding if I really want to continue my education through medical school. Not only are there so many years of education and training, but medical school is very expensive. I am not sure if I want to spend so much money when there are other careers I would enjoy for less or even no debt. “Board certification is optional, but requires continuing education to be maintained” meaning I would have to take more classes once in a while to stay updated (Radiologist Education Requirements, Training and Career Info). Also, as a doctor radiologists have very busy schedules. It might be a concern to have to work weekends and holidays when I want to be with family. I researched this career path because it has been a dream of mine. Since I have had multiple MRIs and X-rays taken throughout my life, I have been interested in pursuing radiology as a career.
Overall, all of these careers are compelling to me in the future. I have some concerns, but I can see myself in each of these careers. To decide on a career, it is necessary to determine what is most important. Many times, money or schedule can impact what career someone decides between. Financial stability in a career should be a factor, but happiness is just as important. In the near future, I hope to figure out what I really want to do and set my mind to it.