Becoming a healthcare provider is a lifetime goal for many people. It takes a large amount of work, discipline and patience, but there are some things you can do to help yourself achieve this goal. Here are four tips for pursuing a medical degree.

1. Determine What Field Would Be Your Best Fit

One of the first things you should make a decision about when you’re considering getting a medical education is what part of the medical field you want to enter. Not only can you choose between roles such as a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant and more, but you can also focus on various types of medicine, such as internal medicine, radiology, pediatrics and rheumatology. Think about what you want to do and research some fields you have an interest in. Discuss your thoughts and options with teachers and guidance counselors.

2. Pick a Major Based on Your Skills

There is no single major that will give you an advantage in pursuing a medical degree. A small majority of people who choose to go to medical school choose to major in biology, but chemistry, math and physics are also popular choices. You’re not limited to STEM courses, either. Some people major in the humanities, such as literature and history, before applying to medical school. It’s more important to choose a major that you feel comfortable with and can excel in. If you do choose a major unrelated to medicine, make sure you have enough time and resources to take the math and science courses required to get into medical school.

3. Start Studying Early And Keep Studying Often

Whether you’re planning to go to medical school or are already a medical student, it’s important to be aware of how much study and practice are involved in successfully earning a degree. You must start studying early and keep that momentum up.

As soon as you decide to apply to medical school, start preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). You should gather books, practice tests and note-taking materials. You should also find a study group or tutor and look for a club or association for pre-medical students. It might also be useful to look at resources like the ABSITE Question Bank during your studies to keep your knowledge fresh and ensure you can pass your tests when they arise.

4. Find Ways To Gain Medical Experience Before You Go To Medical School

You might believe that you can only start gaining medical experience after you’re in medical school, but this is untrue. There are several avenues to gaining experience. You should take advantage of them to build your resume. In school, find ways to focus your research projects on the medical field. Ask your guidance counselor and professors about job shadowing opportunities. You can also volunteer to help organize files at a local hospital or gain certification as an EMT or Certified Nursing Assistant.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a doctor, a nurse, an occupational therapist or another type of healthcare provider, it’s important to figure out the best methods of study, practice and work for you. While most aspects of medical degree programs are strictly regimented, there are some things, such as how you study, that you can customize.

Jane