Contemplating goin back 2 school..

I've been contemplating on going back to school after my job ends in the next few months. I was interested in getting into something in the Health Care field as it seems to be the steadiest career path..
Though,I'm kindof at odds on what I could do w/o being overwhelming to me. I've tried finding some HealthCare type apptitude test to see if something would spark my interests or what I could be good at....I've only found study guides and stuff....
I've pretty much ruled out Nursing just dont think I'd have the knack for it..I thought about Pharmacy Tech(low pay),and some others;Radiological tech/Xray tech,Physical Theropy assistant,Medical Assistant..I'm just not sure whats the right path for myself at this moment.

Sounds you are taking steps in the right direction. Have you considered something like occupational therapy? It is a wide field with many prospects and at least decent pay. Here in Canadia you either have to have a degree already to qualify for the 2 year upgrade or else take another 4 years in uni, but it's a worthwhile option considering your options are so wide..

What about dental hygiene, massage therapy, nutritionist etc?

The best way to figure out if something is for you to is to visit your local college or create an opportunity to shadow a professional in the field who might be available to mentor you . I realized I wanted to teach, but before I invested in two more costly years in uni, worked as a supply teacher for two years. The benefits were two-fold, I saved up the money for school and cemented my resolve to enter the field.

I wish you the best of luck in your pursuit,
A

Originally Posted by ufcfan2

I've been contemplating on going back to school after my job ends in the next few months. I was interested in getting into something in the Health Care field as it seems to be the steadiest career path..
Though,I'm kindof at odds on what I could do w/o being overwhelming to me. I've tried finding some HealthCare type apptitude test to see if something would spark my interests or what I could be good at....I've only found study guides and stuff....
I've pretty much ruled out Nursing just dont think I'd have the knack for it..I thought about Pharmacy Tech(low pay),and some others;Radiological tech/Xray tech,Physical Theropy assistant,Medical Assistant..I'm just not sure whats the right path for myself at this moment.

I don't blame you at all! I will be 40 in October, and I start back to school next Monday. This economy is horrible, and my current job is unfortunately very dependent on it. I have been self-employed for almost my entire adult life. Change is 'a comin'!

[Play The Man]

Other suggestions: Respiratory therapist, ultrasound/echo technician, billing/coding specialist, heart bypass machine technician, prosthetics technician, phlebotomist.

Originally Posted by surveyorshawn

I don't blame you at all! I will be 40 in October, and I start back to school next Monday. This economy is horrible, and my current job is unfortunately very dependent on it. I have been self-employed for almost my entire adult life. Change is 'a comin'!

How is the surveyor business, and what are starting salaries for newbies. Do you offer OJT? I have thought about doing that at one point in my life, and possibly looking into that I my current job may not take me back due to injuries sustained at work. Mid 40s here and wondering what I'll do if I lose my job due to the injuries. Thanks for any info if you can provide it.

To the OP, good luck on whatever you decide.

Originally Posted by Play The Man

Other suggestions: Respiratory therapist, ultrasound/echo technician, billing/coding specialist, heart bypass machine technician, prosthetics technician, phlebotomist.

I do have some interests in the ultrasound/echo tech as having some heart issues myself(Have had PVC's since I was 21,now Im 38) it kindof interests me.. Though I haven't found any schools near me that do it,but then again my googling abilities are limited

[Tyburn]

I did Advanced General National Vocational Qualification in Health and Social Care and got Distinction...but...didnt fancy it after that

Originally Posted by surveyorshawn

I don't blame you at all! I will be 40 in October, and I start back to school next Monday. This economy is horrible, and my current job is unfortunately very dependent on it. I have been self-employed for almost my entire adult life. Change is 'a comin'!

Exactly the reason why I stayed away from civil engineering. Statistically speaking, there's over 240,000 Civ E. in the U.S. but due to the slumping economy many of them are having a hard time finding work. Same thing with construction engineers.

Plus, from my own stand point I'm not too fond of civil. Not because of the math either, but I like the more bang! engineering sectors (chemistry, electrical, and nuclear). My school doesn't offer chemistry or nuclear, so that's why I decided to specalize in electrical.

Good luck starting back up in school too.

Originally Posted by Play The Man

Other suggestions: Respiratory therapist, ultrasound/echo technician, billing/coding specialist, heart bypass machine technician, prosthetics technician, phlebotomist.

I really recommend this career path to someone who doesn't want to spend lots of time in school, but wants to make a good amount of money. All you have to do is take a CPR course, medical term course, and then the actual qualification class.

I also recommend MLT (medical lab techie), but that requires an associate. It does have good pay, starting out at $21/hr.

Originally Posted by Buzzard

How is the surveyor business, and what are starting salaries for newbies. Do you offer OJT? I have thought about doing that at one point in my life, and possibly looking into that I my current job may not take me back due to injuries sustained at work. Mid 40s here and wondering what I'll do if I lose my job due to the injuries. Thanks for any info if you can provide it.

To the OP, good luck on whatever you decide.

Well, it is really slow right now due to the economy. Nothing is selling, so there is not a lot to survey. A government contract has been all that's really kept me going since the bottom fell out, but it expires March 14. Several friends of mine who are also surveyors have gone under or have gotten into other lines of work. Normally, starting salaries for career-oriented people would be in the 30's, running on into the 50's once you are licensed. If you own your own business, the sky's the limit.....if the economy is good, lolol. I pulled in 6 figures several years, but barely paid bills for the past two. Most states require a 2 or 4 year degree plus a certain number of years of OJT to get a license. This can be done concurrently. I hope that helps!