Optometry vs Medicine
Hi, I am considering these 2 pathways.. I want to know which one is best in terms of finance and in general aswell
Original post by CrystalPistol
Hi, I am considering these 2 pathways.. I want to know which one is best in terms of finance and in general aswell
When you say "best in terms of finance", are you asking which is cheapest to study? Or which is likely to lead to a job with the highest salary?
Original post by CrystalPistol
Hi, I am considering these 2 pathways.. I want to know which one is best in terms of finance and in general aswell
Studying medicine is a longer course, and will therefore cost more to study. Although it gives you more options and scope of areas to choose from once you have qualified. As a doctor there is a higher degree of responsibility within the job and you will be expected to make the clinical decisions. The salary for a doctor starts at around £30,000 for your first year and can progress up to around £130,000 within the NHS depending on your hours and which area you work in. There is also scope for working in private practice which can mean you make more money.
The average salary for an optometrist is around £40,000, but can be higher in different areas and with more experience. The working hours for an optometrist will be much more sociable than a doctor's working hours, and the training pathway is less competitive and rigorous.
It very much depends what is important to you. In both areas you will be able to make a difference to people's health. You will be able to work with people within a scientific field, but they are different in many other ways.
I would recommend spending some time shadowing a doctor and an optometrist to see which you prefer and if you could see yourself in that role in the future.
Evie (4th year medic at UoS)
Reply 3
Don’t chase the money. Chase your interest and passion.
In 10 years time imagine you’ve got a comfortable income. Above average let’s say. Will it be worth it if you wake up everyday dreading to go into work because you don’t enjoy your work?
In 10 years time imagine you’ve got a comfortable income. Above average let’s say. Will it be worth it if you wake up everyday dreading to go into work because you don’t enjoy your work?
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