I have been a cosmetologist for 22 years. I currently work from home operating my own small business with a consistent and reliable income of about $65k/yr. I love what I currently do for multiple reasons, but I’m also feeling a little burnt out on entrepreneurship. I’m responsible for my own retirement, PTO, health insurance, etc. Including those added expenses I feel stretched thin. I’m not sure I want to do what it takes to earn the extra money in this career…more hours behind the chair, social media following, continuing to raise prices.
I’m considering going back to school for a career that would offer more support. I have 2 children, single mother, and I’m not getting any younger!!
I’ve always been interested in medicine and in fact I did a brief stint (one year) working as a PCT in a hospital 13 years ago. I also completed all the pre-reqs for nursing at that time. Clearly I never completed nursing school, and I won’t get into why, but the timing wasn’t right.
My experience in the hospital turned me off of nursing, but I’m still interested in the science of medicine. Radiology seems like a good fit because I think I can still work while completing the program…? Unfortunately this is necessary to cover expenses.
All that to arrive at my actual question: Can I jump straight into nuclear medicine without first doing a radiology program? Or would I need to do radiology first, then make the move after some experience?