Preparing for a healthcare career involves a lot of research and discernment, even before college begins. Students who aren't sure of a major should select a college that offers a broad spectrum of healthcare courses, according to Nicole Merz, a counselor at Minneapolis Technical and Community College. Many healthcare majors share prerequisites, so delaying the choice or switching majors may be easy.
Merz guides students who aren't sure of a major online to www.iseek.org, which lists career and job growth information, as well as expected average salaries specific to Minnesota. "If you want radiologic technology, it will tell you all the colleges in the state of Minnesota that offer that program," she says. "You can contrast and compare."
What's your motivation?
The admissions staff at the College of St. Catherine guides students toward a major by helping them discern their motivation. Someone who initially expresses interest in nursing, for example, might switch to occupational therapy once that motivation becomes clear, says Greg Steenson, St. Kate's director of nontraditional admissions. "We try to gently challenge people to explore before they commit," Steenson says.
Narrowing it down
Once a student chooses a major (which is necessary to receive financial aid), there are several factors to consider in selecting a college, according to Merz and Steenson.
The admissions process: Is there a waiting list, as in many nursing degree programs? When are applications accepted?
How long does it take to finish the degree? Prerequisites might stretch a two-year degree to four years.
