What is the best midlevel career change if your a bit older?

[helpfuldoc2b]

What is the best midlevel career change if your a bit older? In terms of financial rewards, is it best to get an MPH, MHA, go for an MBA or what of the midlevel health professions are best to consider?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[zenman]

What is the best midlevel career change if your a bit older? In terms of financial rewards, is it best to get an MPH, MHA, go for an MBA or what of the midlevel health professions are best to consider?

What the heck do you want to do?

I'd stay away from the MHA as last time I checked there was not a shortage of hospital administrators. Think what it would be like to have both physicians and nurses whining all the time, lol!

 

[zenman]

Well that's only if you want to be effective and make a difference.

 

[fab4fan]

Shaman.

You really are shameless.

 

[zenman]

You really are shameless.

Perhaps a better word would be cognicentrism...

 

[njbmd]

What is the best midlevel career change if your a bit older? In terms of financial rewards, is it best to get an MPH, MHA, go for an MBA or what of the midlevel health professions are best to consider?

The above is the OP's question. If you have an answer to this question, then please post it. If you have a comment that is directed at a particular poster, then use the PM (Private Message) function rather than derail the thread.



To the OP:

You need to decide what you want to do. In terms of financial rewards, there are plenty of careers that are financially rewarding but you might not want to do them.

In terms of masters degrees, what is your ultimate career goal? Once you know that, then you can look at the degree that will best prepare you for that goal as MPH, MBA and MHA are all different and will prepare you for different career directions. In short, what do you want to do?

In terms of mid-level careers, they too, are very different. You might want to shadow a few folks who are mid-levels in order to figure out what suits you best. You also need to look at the preparation for mid-level careers and see which one makes the most sense for you.

Age is not much of a consideration but prep time, academic time and personal interest are considerations. Do some investigation and find some folks to shadow. In terms of the masters degrees, look at the career options for each of them as all have various tracks.

As for financial rewards, if you enter something that you hate, no matter how much money you are making, you still hate your job and you are likely to do it poorly. Figure out what you like and how you can achieve your goals.

 

[foreverLaur]

If business is what you want, there is never a shortage of jobs and money in that field. The job placement rates are very good and you have the ability to make good money. MBA programs are designed for people with non-business backgrounds.

 

[zenman]

MBA programs are designed for people with non-business backgrounds.

Not always true. The MBA program I went in required that you have management experience. It made for a much better learning experience when the student not only had experience but worked in different fields...including most of the instructors.

 

[foreverLaur]

Not always true. The MBA program I went in required that you have management experience. It made for a much better learning experience when the student not only had experience but worked in different fields...including most of the instructors.

I know experience is a big thing, but at the schools I have seen don't require specific experience. My boyfriend's roommate is getting his MBA in operations management and he has an engineering degree. I helped him with his accounting homework because I took a lot of accounting courses and he used the same textbook I used for intermediate financial accounting

 

[fab4fan]

I'm sensing a pattern here...

Lauren, please consider that your reality is not the only reality. When you post your comments, you make it sound as if you speak with authority. When others who have actually done the grunt work challenge you, you refuse to acknowledge you may be w-r-o-n-g.

I don't care what career path you choose, that mentality is going to get you in trouble, whether you end up working as a PA or a clerk at the local 7-11. Just for once think about receiving information without reflexively defending your position.

Who do you want fixing the brakes on your car? Someone who has minimal hands-on experience but has "read all about it" or someone who has done hundreds of brake repairs. I don't know about you, but I'm gonna go with the guy who has BTDT.

Experience really does matter. It's something you will find out, one way or the other.

 

[Farmer Jane]

Experience really does matter. It's something you will find out, one way or the other.

Wise words, Laur. I hope you realize that they are said to you with the intent of sparing you pain. There are lessons you can learn the hard way or the easy way.

When I was a sophomore in college, my mentor (an RN whose kids I babysat) gave me the best career advice I have ever received: "Jane, you will never get in trouble for not knowing something. You will get in trouble, and possibly hurt other people, for not admitting when you don't know something." These words have served me very well in my career and life. I hope that at some point you seek the wisdom that is humility.

Side note: my cousin has a bachelor's in accounting, worked her way up the corporate ladder, earned an MBA and is now a project manager at a large company in Minneapolis. She says that MBAs are very different depending on the program. For example, an MBA from the University of Phoenix will get you exactly nowhere. Sure, it doesn't require experience to earn that "degree" but if you want to actually use the MBA you need 1) prior corporate experience and 2) an MBA from a respected school.

 

[foreverLaur]

Exactly - I was just trying to point out that not all MBAs are the same. We could also even look at MBA vs exec MBA which are also two very different things. At some schools I am sure it is a ton of people with busienss degrees who have worked in business for a long time and the programs are designed to cater to them. Another school will be catered towards those with non-business degrees and non-business work experience who want to enter the business world.

 

[Farmer Jane]

Exactly. Not all MBAs are the same. Some aren't worth the paper they're printed on so advice on how to get into those programs isn't exactly useful. Useful advice would be "Run, do not walk, away from those particular programs."

 

[Farmer Jane]

Good point.

 

[zenman]

I'm sensing a pattern here...

Yep, I wish I knew someone who knew someone who's BTDT. I can only rely on my experience...

Experience really does matter. It's something you will find out, one way or the other.

I think it was Dr. Bernie Seagal who said that 90% of a physicians knowledge came after he/she got out of school.

 

[timerick]

Back to the original question, if by "midlevel" you mean Physician Assistant, Advanced Practice Nurse, Anesthesiologist Assistant, Podiatrist, Psychiatrist Clinician...

It really depends on your experience and your desires.

If you are already a nurse, and enjoy nursing, then picking one of the advanced practice nurse careers could make a lot of sense. A nurse midwife, a nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, etc. Lots of ways to move up in your career without having to do a whole lot of coursework and time.

If you have a strong background as an EMT, PT, OT, RT, MA, MHW, or other medical-related career, you may want to think strongly about becoming a physician assistant. PA school is very competitive, however, so you should have a very strong conviction as to what you are doing and why, do very well in all your pre-medicine courses, and find a PA school that really fits you well. If you want to talk about PA school or the PA profession, feel free to message me.

Find what really fits you, and go for it!!! (Or as Dolly Parton once said, "Find out who you really are, and then do it on purpose!") Having a career that really fits you and makes you happy is more important than any other advice. If you're a person with some good life experience, you'll know that to be true.

Best to you in your search! Let me know if I can be of any help.

--Tim--

 

[ProZackMI]

What is the best midlevel career change if your a bit older? In terms of financial rewards, is it best to get an MPH, MHA, go for an MBA or what of the midlevel health professions are best to consider?

First of all, it's you're, not your "...if you're a bit older". Perhaps learning how to differentiate between a conjunction and a possessive would be the first step in furthering your educaiton.

Second, your screenname, "helpfuldoc2b" implies you are, or will be, a physician or holder of a doctorate of some kind. A mid-level is not a "doc". Maybe you're too much into image and puffery rather than substance. Your nick would appropriate for med, osteo med, dentistry, opt, pharmacy, vet med, etc., but not mid-level practice.

Third, what are your goals? Do you want to be a health care administrator or health care practitioner? If you want to be a practitioner, an NP or PA program is a good start, but you'll need to have an undergraduate degree, some pre-reqs for admission, and a decent GPA (moreso for the PA). Or maybe your question refers to changing careers FROM a mid-level career. If that's the case, again, what are your goals? Health care admin can be rewarding and if you are an NP or PA, many universities offer a somewhat accelerated MHA, MS, MPA or even MBA (health care) degrees for those who already have a master's (e.g., MSN or MS).

 

[ProZackMI]

Back to the original question, if by "midlevel" you mean Physician Assistant, Advanced Practice Nurse, Anesthesiologist Assistant, Podiatrist, Psychiatrist Clinician...

It really depends on your experience and your desires.

If you are already a nurse, and enjoy nursing, then picking one of the advanced practice nurse careers could make a lot of sense. A nurse midwife, a nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, etc. Lots of ways to move up in your career without having to do a whole lot of coursework and time.

If you have a strong background as an EMT, PT, OT, RT, MA, MHW, or other medical-related career, you may want to think strongly about becoming a physician assistant. PA school is very competitive, however, so you should have a very strong conviction as to what you are doing and why, do very well in all your pre-medicine courses, and find a PA school that really fits you well. If you want to talk about PA school or the PA profession, feel free to message me.

Find what really fits you, and go for it!!! (Or as Dolly Parton once said, "Find out who you really are, and then do it on purpose!") Having a career that really fits you and makes you happy is more important than any other advice. If you're a person with some good life experience, you'll know that to be true.

Best to you in your search! Let me know if I can be of any help.

--Tim--

I'm sorry, but podiatrists, anesthesiologists, and a psychiatrists are NOT mid-levels. They are independent clinicians and fully licensed physicians. A psychologist, optometrist, pharmacist, chiropractor, veterinarian, and dentist are all independent licensed practitioners, NOT mid-levels.

 

[jwk]

Second, your screenname, "helpfuldoc2b" implies you are, or will be, a physician or holder of a doctorate of some kind. A mid-level is not a "doc". Maybe you're too much into image and puffery rather than substance. Your nick would appropriate for med, osteo med, dentistry, opt, pharmacy, vet med, etc., but not mid-level practice.

There's a coming wave of "docs" who aren't physicians. DNP's, DPT's, PharmD, etc.

Oh, and BTW - in your Sean Connery-esque sig line - I'm surprised you don't include The Rapist (therapist) considering your specialty.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

To stay on point....

The better question is to ask yourself what you want to do as a career, what would be enjoyable, etc.

I can't speak to the MPH or MPA as well, so I'll stick with what I know well....the MBA. For practical purposes, there are MBAs that will make a significant difference...and then everything else. Frankly MBAs are flooding the market, so going to a night program at your local university may or may not be worthwhile. Networking is a big part too, so keep that in mind.

There are pretty much 3 choices to take for an MBA:

1. A top 15 program. Really there are the top 3-5 and then a step down for the next handful, and then a step down to the second tier...which are all still very good programs. These programs are difference makers, and are the ones where people actively recruit you and try and woo you. It is all about where you went and who you know when you get out. Much like law school, ranking matters. Once you get outside of the Top 15-20....the value of the degree goes down and your marketability is tossed in with the thousands of other people who decided to change careers/improve their careers and get an MBA.

2. A program with a well known specialization or a strong local program that places well in your community. These programs are more particular for people who know the area they want to work in, and/or people who know they want to stay local. The programs with know specializations are good because you can get training from a well-respected program, without needing to be a 1%'er (the ones who go to a top 3 program). The strength of a good local program is getting into their network of graduates. You can gain instant credibility as well as contacts while being trained.

3. Everyone else. This is where 90% of people go. You can pay your money, learn some stuff, and get your degree. The demand on time and work is less, but still worthwhile for some who want the general knowledge, networking, and an advanced degree. Obviously not everyone can go to a top program, but that doesn't mean they can't gain from the training, just don't expect people to be pounding down your door to offer you 6-figures when you graduate.

There are Executive MBA programs, but those are really only for people with a lot of experience and in upper-management.