I want to get into the healthcare field? clinical laboratory science or Nurse?

Question

I am a first year student at Mesa Community college? My plan is to transfer to ASU and I want to go to PA school or medical school but not sure which one yet. I want to hear from someone in the healthcare field, student or grad. Should I study in clinical laboratory science or as a Nurse or something else? I really need this advice so I can know what classes I should take and what path I should take. I want to hear from anyone in healthcare, student or grad., and I want any advice you can give me.

Thanks ppl.

Answer 1

Hello, as a clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) I would suggest you major in clinical laboratory science instead of nursing if your goal is to become PA or MD/DO. Some advantage of clinical laboratory science curriculum included you can fulfill pre-med and pre-PA lower division science, since it will consist of general bio, chemistry, physic, math and organic chemistry. While nursing major, you do not take organic chemistry and there is a lot less science involve in nursing with most courses gear toward patient care. In upper level CLS course you will get exposure to various areas like clinical chemistry, pathology, hematology, medical microbiology, immunology, molecular pathology courses that are in medical school curriculum. I think nursing might lack the necessary upper division science course to prepare you for medical school, therefore you might have to take additional classes.

Answer 2

Hi. Since there is a terrible nursing shortage, get your RN license and then get into the laboratory sciences. I'm a hospice nurse and plan to later get my doctorate at ASU. I am in the hospice field to stay; I love it. But I do want to take my nursing to the highest level at ASU. So that's what I think; become a nurse and then branch off into the clinical labs. That sounds good. Goodluck:)

Answer 3

I strongly suggest that you go into nursing. BEWARE, you may NOT have the prerequisites with EITHER of the fields you expressed to get in to medical school (or in to a PA program). However, nursing will give you a way to earn lots of money. It's hard NOT to have a job if you are even halfway decent as a nurse.

Answer 4

Nurse if you are a "people person" and clinical lab if you aren't. Health care needs quality people, go for it!