Check out our "The Human Body Series." The sections labeled "Basic Diseases and Disorders" and "Human Body Systems" are especially helpful when deciding. For example, if you notice your interest peaks on the digestive system, consider exploring gastroenterology.

The 5 main groups of healthcare are as below. See which one is of interest to you based on the definition given. This is a great starting point in order to decide which direction to head in.*

Therapeutic -  This area of healthcare works directly with patients and provides treatment. This is great for those who have strong communication skills and work well together. An example of an occupation in this section is a dentist.

Diagnostic - The diagnostic portion of healthcare deals with diagnosing, detecting, and treating illnesses through tests and other evaluations. Helpful skills for this area include decision making based on a gathering of data as well as oral and written communication skills. An example of a job in this area is a MRI technologist.

Health Informatics - Health informatics works with patient information and healthcare agencies. Skills for success in this field include the ability to manage the collection and processing of data and understanding how to analyze medical information. An example of an occupation in this group is a transcriptionist.

Support Services - The section of support services helps provide a environment conducive to the successful delivery of healthcare. Useful skills for this area are being organized as well as having problem-solving skills. An example of a job in this area is a social worker.

Biotechnology - Biotechnology helps with development relating to human health from creating health devices to assist patients to finding new treatments for diseases. Strong math skills and the ability to use statistics to develop biotechnological products can come in handy in this area of medicine. An example of an occupation in this group is a microbiologist.

*If you are unable to decide, check out https://careertech.org/health-science. The "Knowledge & Skills Statements" PDFs under each section can help you choose based on more specific skill sets!

Take a look at work environments noticing the setting and also what/who you will be working with. Find a work environment you could see yourself in; some significant questions to ask yourself are listed below. 

1) With people or without? 

2) Hands on or more digital?

3) How Fast/Slow-Paced?

Examples of Work Environments - 

Lab, Clinic, Imaging Center, Hospital, ER Area of Hospital

• If you are curious about income for various areas of medicine, check out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If the job you are looking for is not listed on the first link, use the second link in order to manually search for the job. 

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm 

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm 

• Make sure to shadow plenty of different physicians. If you seem to like them all, try family medicine. 

• Ask yourself how much schooling you would prefer. Often, specializing in a certain area requires extra years of school. 

• If you would like to be a specialist but cannot decide which specialty to look into, see the second section on this page. Internal medicine can also be a good place to start.