Hi everyone, I’m a 24F with a biology degree, and I’ve been completely torn between becoming a PA, a CRNA, or going into Medical Laboratory Science (and possibly specializing or doing a master’s/PhD later) since i graduated with my bachelor’s a year ago. My initial plan and what i worked so hard for was dental school but i dont enjoy dentistry and it just doesn’t sit right with me. Making this decision feels like life or death, and the stress is honestly getting overwhelming. My priorities are having respect in my career, making good money (6 figures) being happy, and not spending an unnecessary amount of years in school. I’m scared that if I choose the wrong path, I’ll regret it later.
On the PA path, the pros are good salary, flexibility in specialties, a decent work life balance depending on the field, and less schooling compared to CRNA. But the cons are that PA school is competitive, and I’m worried about spending time applying and not getting accepted. Another big con is that PAs aren’t as respected as CRNAs, and a doctor can technically override or control them, which makes me hesitate. Part of me also wonders if I’d be settling if i can a couple morr extra years and make double the money as a CRNA.
For CRNA, the pros are very high pay, strong respect, a highly specialized role, amazing job security, and a high level of skill. The cons are that the path is long i wouldhave to do an accelerated nursing program whic is 15 months, 1-3 years of ICU nutsing experience, then CRNA school for 3 years and it’s very high stress and high responsibility. I’m scared I’ll regret how many years it takes, and I’m not sure if I love patient facing roles enough to justify that level of commitment. I just love the money more than anything when it comes to this option. I would be done with the entire CRNA path in 6-7 years.
For Medical Laboratory Science, the pros are that I genuinely love lab work. It feels fun and natural to me. The work is lower stress, the hours are stable, I could specialize in areas like immunology or microbiology, and I could go into research or biotech later. It’s also the shortest schooling path out of the three. The cons are that the pay is significantly lower compared to PA or CRNA, the field might feel repetitive at times. So im worried about the salary and job opportunities out there. Also i might feel like im setting for less just so i dont have to go to many years of school. It feels like the easy way out.
So I feel completely stuck between doing what I love (lab work) but making less, doing what is practical (PA) but stressing about getting in and not having the authority/respect I want, or doing what pays the most (CRNA) but committing years and the rest of my 20s.
If you were in my shoes, what would you choose?
Im very fortunate to have many options but i want to make a decision because this is taking a toll on me.
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