What happened next was research, research, research...and not just mine, Cindy spent months on spreadsheets and financial calculations to see how we might be able to adjust our lives.
I checked into different colleges and their entry requirements. But first I had to decide on my ultimate path.
Nurse? CRNA? Anesthesiologist? This wouldn't be the first time I considered my fathers career path. Big Al had become one of the very few male nurses back in the time it was a rarity. The nurse profession today is still a female dominated industry due to a combination of stereotypes and most likely, a woman's natural need to nurture.
I've been to hospitals...a lot. Not just because of my own issues, but to help or visit friends and family. Whenever there I would note the procedures, the people, the care. I just couldn't picture myself as a nurse. While I have an incredible amount of empathy for anyone who is ill, something about it didn't feel right to me.
Looking to become a full MD was daunting. After 7 (or so) years or school and THEN residency, the debt would be overwhelming. A way many doctors address this is to then go into a specialty field. After this, you would then starting making some real money where you would hope to pay down your bills much faster. The totals? 10-15 years with a possible accumulated debt of $450 - $750 thousand dollars. That seems crazy as well as the time sacrificed I'd be missing from my family.
I read articles, posted questions, asked professionals. Everyone has their own take which makes sense as everyones own personal situation is unique. Over the years I've become close with my personal doctor. He is an absolutely wonderful man and has always been a strong advocate for my health needs. I was at one of our regular appointments when the standard MCPHS Physicians Assistant came to take my vitals.
My doctor always has a third year aspiring P.A. from MCPHS working at his office, getting their clinical hours in. I asked her a few questions and it got me thinking about become a P.A. myself. I've been running into them a lot lately, at hospitals, doctors offices, ER's. The profession seemed to practically explode overnight.
Could this be the profession I was looking for?
I checked into different colleges and their entry requirements. But first I had to decide on my ultimate path.
Nurse? CRNA? Anesthesiologist? This wouldn't be the first time I considered my fathers career path. Big Al had become one of the very few male nurses back in the time it was a rarity. The nurse profession today is still a female dominated industry due to a combination of stereotypes and most likely, a woman's natural need to nurture.
I've been to hospitals...a lot. Not just because of my own issues, but to help or visit friends and family. Whenever there I would note the procedures, the people, the care. I just couldn't picture myself as a nurse. While I have an incredible amount of empathy for anyone who is ill, something about it didn't feel right to me.
Looking to become a full MD was daunting. After 7 (or so) years or school and THEN residency, the debt would be overwhelming. A way many doctors address this is to then go into a specialty field. After this, you would then starting making some real money where you would hope to pay down your bills much faster. The totals? 10-15 years with a possible accumulated debt of $450 - $750 thousand dollars. That seems crazy as well as the time sacrificed I'd be missing from my family.
I read articles, posted questions, asked professionals. Everyone has their own take which makes sense as everyones own personal situation is unique. Over the years I've become close with my personal doctor. He is an absolutely wonderful man and has always been a strong advocate for my health needs. I was at one of our regular appointments when the standard MCPHS Physicians Assistant came to take my vitals.
My doctor always has a third year aspiring P.A. from MCPHS working at his office, getting their clinical hours in. I asked her a few questions and it got me thinking about become a P.A. myself. I've been running into them a lot lately, at hospitals, doctors offices, ER's. The profession seemed to practically explode overnight.
Could this be the profession I was looking for?