I want to go into the medical field, so this is the topic I have the most research on.  If you want to pursue a career in the medical field, you need to start now.  Here are 13 general steps to get you there:

1. Find the specific department you are interested in; for me it’s a maternity nurse.
2. Find colleges that have the best program for you. I’m looking for schools that have good nursing programs. Find out what it takes to get into these schools and make it happen.
3. Join clubs that involve medicine or the medical field. For me it’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).
4. Volunteer somewhere that deals with medicine. For me that’s Banner Desert Hospital.  I work in the supply chain so that I can become more familiar with the equipment and lingo used in a hospital.
5. Don’t get good grades, get GREAT grades.
6. Take extra science classes if you can; so far I have Chemistry, Biology, and Physics under my belt.  I am currently taking Anatomy.  Math is an important part of science, so take extra math classes as well if possible.
7. Think about a major that will most greatly benefit you in the future.
8. Try to find a summer program for high school students interested in medicine.
9.  Be a leader in clubs, sports, student council, etc.
10. Get an internship or shadow a person that’s in the same field you are interested in.
11. In college, prepare for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
12. Search for a medical school that fits your needs.
13. Believe that you can do this!