If I want to work in the healthcare field, which classes should I take during my time in hs?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I’m a freshman in hs. I want to go into nursing, or become a pediatrician (I am looking to save money, however, which is why I think that nursing would be a greater option.)

2

Nursing is a great option. I answered your other thread. Best of luck to you!

3

  1. Take all classes needed to graduate from your High school including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Algebra, Geometry, possibly Pre-Calculus and English/Language Arts.

  2. Other classes that may be helpful is Psychology, Foreign Language, Statistics and Anatomy/Physiology.

Take some classes at the Honors/AP or IB levels. You want a well round education with an emphasis in the sciences and show good HS course rigor.

4

You always want to take a balanced schedule that includes 4 years of English, Math,Science and SS, 3 - 4 years of foreign language, and any other requirements for graduation.

If you are looking to go into a medical field I would be sure to take all of the core science classes – biology, chemistry, and physics – if you can take an AP of one of them that is a plus. I’d also try to take math through calculus if you can (or at least pre-calculus).

5

Make sure you fulfill all graduation requirements, and on top of that I would recommend Calculus, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (at the highest level you feel is possible, preferably AP.) These courses will prepare you for a degree in a healthcare field. If you are looking to save money, these courses will earn you credit, and I would also recommend you look into the degree requirements at your future college and see what you can get done through AP courses!

6

For nursing/PA:
Precalculus, statistics, bio/chem/physics + AP Bio, AP psychology, Anatomy&Physiology, sociology, foreign language through level 4.
LOTS of hours volunteering in medical and non medical settings (food banks, nursing homes, etc) as soon as it’s safe to do so.

7

A foreign language that is commonly spoken in the area you want to work in may be helpful in a health care job.

Yes, at the very least to get an idea of what health care work and serving the underserved is like.

Also, consider physical education in terms of general fitness and strength training, since nursing sometimes involves physical strength in assisting patients or moving those who cannot move themselves.