Should I become a Dental Hygienist or Registered Nurse?

Question

I am currently wondering if I should change my major. I am doing my first year of classes at a community college. Right now all my classes are pre-classes for both majors.

What do you think I should choose?

I just want options from people as to why which career is better.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Why Not Both? Rake In Two Incomes.

Answer 2

For what it's worth, every nurse I've ever met has burned out and switched careers in less than 10 years.  They all say it's physically hard (two have permanent disability from back injuries on the job), and even harder emotionally.  The hours and long and the job is thankless.

I'd go for dental hygienist.  On the other hand, I hear that working in radiology pays really well, maybe you could look into that.

Answer 3

Babe - There is absolutely no question that being a Registered Nurse is better, providing you have the ability to achieve the degree.

Community Colleges offer a two year Registered Nursing Degree. This is exactly the same degree as one gets in a four year program as a Bachelor's degree.

If you can achieve the degree many many more doors will be open to you than if you were a dental hygenist. Not only can you go virtually anywhere with this degree, you will have many more different positions available to you.

Tufr

Answer 4

I'd go with the RN degree.  The job market is wide open, because the demand for good RNs is high.  Many are planning to retire in the next few years, so you could go almost anywhere and get a job.  Also, a friend who works for the Financial Aid office in a nearby university just told me that some hospitals are willing to pay part of your student loans if you agree to work for them for a set number of years.  I would expect that the pay for RNs is much better, too.

But investigate both careers closely.  As an RN, you may work long hours.  It's not an easy job.

Answer 5

I would suggest the dental thing.  You only have to touch other peoples mouths and not other stuff.

good luck