u/kittygambler

Hi everyone! I’m considering making a career change from tech to becoming a PA. I have no desire to remain in the tech industry with how AI is evolving and have always had the desire to help others.

While I understand that becoming a PA is competitive, I think I would stand out as candidate due to flying overseas for healthcare and my experience living with a chronic illness. My goal is to give back to the community and work in OBGYN or women’s health.

I wanted to gain insights on how non-traditional candidates may be viewed as I don’t have a background in health sciences. I’m planning to apply to UofT, McMaster and Western next year and I’m currently working towards gaining the clinical experience for UofT. I have a published paper and did research in dementia which I think will make me stand out. I would love to contribute to medical research in endometriosis due to the lack thereof and why I’m thinking about OBGYN.

Should I take anatomy and physiology courses this year as programs (UofT/Western) indicated a preference for them?

What are some roadblocks in my application or in the program that I may face as a non-traditional candidate?

TLDR; career change in unstable economy with long term goal of moving to the US.

Hi everyone! I’ve been following this forum for a bit and wanted to get your advice on my situation. I’m looking to make a career change from the tech industry into nursing as I’m struggling to find purpose in my life.

I work for a FAANG company and have good work life balance and good pay. However, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia following a TBI and 2 motor vehicle accidents and have ongoing health issues such as IBS and mental health disorders (CPTSD and depression). My health journey is what inspired me to want to pursue a career in healthcare because of all the providers I’ve worked with along the way. I really want to give back to the community of others who were also in my place.

I’m still recovering from my injuries so I’m working part-time with accommodations. This has given me the opportunity to pursue my Master’s in Engineering part-time which will be covered by my employer (commencing this fall). I was thinking of doing the pre-requisite courses for an accelerated bachelor’s of nursing, in this case I’ll graduate with my masters in 2027 and be admitted into a nursing program in 2028. I’m contemplating if I should pass on my Masters in Engineering since I won’t be using my degree and should focus on just getting good grades for nursing school. I’ll have to be in school for 2 years regardless based on the pre-req courses I have to take at UofT. I want to have a back up plan just in case nursing doesn’t work out for me.

I’m worried with the current situation of our economy that I won’t be able to find a job as an RN upon graduation. I’ll be graduating in 2030 if that makes a difference. I’m seeing there are people on this thread that are struggling to find jobs so I’m concerned about my future and whether just to stay in a career that’s unfulfilling for the rest of my life.

My long term goal is to work in the ICU for 3 years after graduation so that I can build experience for CRNA school. My ultimate goal is to move to the US.

Questions:

1. Do you see the job economy getting better for nurses in the future in the next 5 years?
2. Should I continue to do my Masters if I’ve already made the decision to not use my degree and pursue nursing instead?
3. Are there any other careers that might be suited for me in the healthcare industry and goals of moving to the US? I’ve already looked into PA school but it didn’t work logistically and financially for me.

I appreciate any insights and will try my best to respond to any questions or comments. Thanks in advance!