What medical career should I go into???

Question

I like to help people, I would like a good lifestyle, I would like a family, and a real good salary. What medical career should I go into. Physician Assistant, RN, Paramedic, or Doctor, which one can go to all the things I've listed? If you can tell me the pros and cons of all of them? Thank you.

Answer 1

Well as a Paramedic it is a real fun job and I have not ever got to the point I wanted to quit being a Paramedic but the salary right now..is not the best to have the lifestyle you are suggesting..in about 2-5 years it may start getting better but right now you are looking at apx. $35,000 a year. That and it can lead to many nights away from family that you desire to have. It is a great job as for helping people but for more stability you may want to explore other options. As for an RN this is always good too because you can specialize in the different areas or do management positions and could set your own pace to provide more time to family and still help people and have a decent salary. That salary is more in the $50,000 range and then some with experience etc... The Physician's Assistant is something to really consider too. That is a great job, you help people, and generally working in an clinic you will get home to your family every night. The money is reasonable too it just depends where you live and work...but it is more in the $70,000-$115,000. Then it is on to a Doctor and again...it is an area that you can specialize in and depending what your desire is...is whether it will meet all your expectations. Money is substantial and depends too on what area you specialize in. You could be pulled away from home quite a bit but the rewards are great. The best way to really get a feel for it is to go and hang out with each field. Go and job shadow...I cannot say that enough. That gives you a feel for what type of work you want to do, gives you the opportunity to drill each person with your questions, Have them tell you directly the pros and cons and you may just have your answers first hand. You may just find out that you do not want to do one or the other and hated it while job shadowing and no way would you want to spend all that time in school for that. Who knows you may fall in love too and have your decision made with no doubts in your mind. Good Luck to you!

Answer 2

Being a paramedic is a great career.  Depending on your area and your protocols, you can have a lot of independence.  We get to assess our patients in the field and develop of list of possible diagnoses.  Then, we further our assessment to narrow down the possibilities, and treat what we're left with.  We're essentially the doctor's hands in the field.  There's also the adrenaline rush that we get from some of the calls.  

However, if a high salary is important to you, pick one of the other careers.