u/skincareissue

Hi everyone! This is my second post here this week, so sorry about that.

As the title says, I am wondering if there are any career fields that offer decent job chances, decent pay, and aren't incredibly competitive to get into if they require schooling. I know that is probably pretty unrealistic in today's job market, but I figured I would ask.

For some background, I currently work as a Medical Office Assistant and have an Accounting diploma. Unfortunately, I graduated just as the job market changed, with even entry level accounting jobs requiring years of experience. After being unemployed for a while, I had to put my education on hold because I couldn't afford the remaining tuition costs that OSAP didn't cover. I have now been working as an MOA for almost a year.

My original plan was to use my experience to get an administrative position in a hospital, then finish my accounting degree and hopefully transition into an accounting role there. I know it is a long shot, but it seemed like a reasonable path in my head at that time.

I have also looked into ultrasound and other medical technology programs, but they are extremely competitive to get into, and I dont have a science background (though I am willing to complete the prerequisites).

With hospital hiring freezes, the current job market, and accounting jobs being outsourced and/or affected by AI, I am starting to wonder if I should be looking at a different career altogether.

I am open to going back to school if it leads to a stable career with decent pay and a realistic chance of finding a job after graduation. I would really appreciate any suggestions or advice from anyone who has been in a similar position.

Hi everyone,

I am 32 years old and have an Accounting Diploma from a public college (completed in 2023). I started the program when it was still easy to find entry level accounting jobs with a college diploma.

My college program was completely online, and I realize now that I barely remember much of what I learned after the first two semesters. I did not complete my degree program because OSAP did not cover the full cost of tuition, and at the time, I was jobless and did not have the financial means to return to school.

Fast forward to today, I have been working as a Medical Office Assistant for almost a year. While the pay is only slightly above minimum wage, I am honestly very grateful to have a job in this economy. Unfortunately, my clinic is now experimenting with AI, and one of the owners of the clinic mentioned reducing staff, so my job is probably at risk.

My goal was to hopefully get a clerical associate or similar administrative job in a hospital using my experience at the current job. However, given the recent healthcare cuts and how difficult it is to get a hospital job now, especially without a Medical Office Assistant diploma or certification, it feels nearly impossible.

So I am here asking for advice on what jobs are currently in demand and are expected to still be in demand in the coming years? I am ready to go back to school.

Should I take refresher courses in accounting and complete my accounting degree? Should I pursue something in healthcare instead? I was also considering a Medical Device Reprocessing program, but the cost would be fully out of pocket, and a job is not guaranteed afterward. I am also not sure if this is the best route given current healthcare cuts.

Or should I complete a Medical Office Assistant diploma and eventually bridge into health administration? I am worried that health administration is one of the first fields in healthcare that will be signficantly impacted by AI.

Thank you for your advice!

Hi everyone,

I am 32 years old and have an Accounting Diploma from a public college (completed in 2023). I started the program when it was still easy to find entry level accounting jobs with a college diploma.

My college program was completely online, and I realize now that I barely remember much of what I learned after the first two semesters. I did not complete my degree program because OSAP did not cover the full cost of tuition, and at the time, I was jobless and did not have the financial means to return to school.

Fast forward to today, I have been working as a Medical Office Assistant for almost a year. While the pay is only slightly above minimum wage, I am honestly very grateful to have a job in this economy. Unfortunately, my clinic is now experimenting with AI, and one of the owners of the clinic mentioned reducing staff, so my job is probably at risk.

My goal was to hopefully get a clerical associate or similar administrative job in a hospital using my experience at the current job. However, given the recent healthcare cuts and how difficult it is to get a hospital job now, especially without a Medical Office Assistant diploma or certification, it feels nearly impossible.

So I am here asking for advice on what jobs are currently in demand and are expected to still be in demand in the coming years? I am ready to go back to school.

Should I take refresher courses in accounting and complete my accounting degree? Should I pursue something in healthcare instead? I was also considering a Medical Device Reprocessing program, but the cost would be fully out of pocket, and a job is not guaranteed afterward. I am also not sure if this is the best route given current healthcare cuts.

Or should I complete a Medical Office Assistant diploma and eventually bridge into health administration? I am worried that health administration is one of the first fields in healthcare that will be signficantly impacted by AI.

Thank you for your advice!