So, You Want to Work in Health Care? Here’s How to Start in High School
What can I do in Healthcare?
If your student dreams of wearing scrubs, discovering breakthroughs in a lab, or improving the lives of patients, a career in health care might be the right fit.
If your student dreams of wearing scrubs, discovering breakthroughs in a lab, or improving the lives of patients, a career in health care might be the right fit. But with so many paths - nursing, physical therapy, medicine, public health, research, and more - it can be overwhelming to know where to start. The good news? High school is the perfect time to explore interests and begin building a strong foundation.
1. Build a Strong Academic Base
Health care is grounded in science, but it also requires communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Encourage your student to take a balanced mix of rigorous courses, including:
Biology and Chemistry: The cornerstones of all health professions.
Anatomy & Physiology: Great for students curious about how the human body works.
Physics: Especially helpful for students interested in medicine, dentistry, or physical therapy.
Statistics or AP Psychology: Excellent for future researchers, nurses, or behavioral health professionals.
English and Public Speaking: Clear communication is vital when working with patients and medical teams.
If available, AP or dual-enrollment classes in these areas can show colleges a student’s commitment to academic challenge.
2. Explore Majors Beyond “Pre-Med”
“Pre-med” isn’t a major - it’s a track. Students can choose from many majors that lead to rewarding health careers. Some examples include:
Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry: Traditional paths for students pursuing medicine or lab research.
Nursing: A direct route into patient care with many specializations.
Public Health: For those interested in community wellness or global health.
Health Sciences or Kinesiology: Great for students considering physical or occupational therapy.
Psychology or Neuroscience: Ideal for future mental health professionals or researchers.
Biomedical or Bioengineering: For students fascinated by medical technology and innovation.
Encourage your student to look at programs that combine classroom learning with clinical or research experience - these are invaluable for determining fit.
3. You Don’t Have to Major in Science
Many students assume they must major in biology or chemistry to work in health care. But, that’s not true. Medical and graduate programs accept students from a wide range of academic backgrounds as long as they complete the required prerequisite courses (like biology, chemistry, physics, and math).
In fact, students who major outside the sciences often stand out for their unique perspectives and skills. Some great examples include:
Sociology or Anthropology: For students interested in health disparities, community medicine, or public policy.
Economics or Business: Perfect for future health care administrators, hospital managers, or entrepreneurs in health tech.
Communication or English: Ideal for students who love patient interaction, health journalism, or public health education.
Computer Science or Data Analytics: A growing field in medical informatics and health data management.
Philosophy or Ethics: Great preparation for students drawn to medical law or bioethics.
The key is choosing a major that genuinely interests your student - they’ll perform better, stay motivated, and bring a broader skill set to their health care career.
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4. Get Hands-On Experience
Health care is about doing, not just studying. High schoolers can explore their interests through:
Volunteering at hospitals or clinics: Observing patient care firsthand.
Shadowing professionals: Learning about daily responsibilities and specialties.
Health-related clubs: HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) or science clubs build both skills and community.
Research opportunities: Some universities and summer programs offer lab experience for motivated students.
Certifications: Programs like CPR, EMT training, or medical assisting courses provide real-world exposure.
5. Ask the Right Questions
Before pursuing a medical career, students should reflect honestly on their motivations. A few questions to consider:
Do I enjoy science and problem-solving?
How do I handle stress, long hours, or emotionally charged situations?
Am I patient and empathetic with others?
Are you drawn to the hustle and bustle of a hospital, the quiet of a lab, or the calm of an office?
Encouraging job shadowing, summer programs, or informational interviews with professionals can help students find clarity before committing to a path that requires years of education and training.
6. Remember: Health Care Has Many Paths
From nurses and genetic counselors to pharmacists, nutritionists, and health data analysts, the field of health care is vast and constantly evolving. Each role contributes to improving lives, and there’s room for every kind of student: analytical thinkers, compassionate listeners, and hands-on problem solvers alike.
Final Thought
At College Trek, we remind students that exploring a career in health care is a journey, not a sprint. High school is the time to discover strengths, build experiences, and test interests before deciding where to specialize. Whether your student’s future involves a stethoscope, a research lab, or a policy office, the trek starts now - one step, one class, and one experience at a time.
Gail Nichols, Independent College Consultant for over 12 years. Helping students to find their college is my passion.
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