Someone who works in the health feild, please help (career choice)?

I know,it is odd to ask what i should do with my life, however...I think someone here might be able to help. Heres my situation:

Realistically, health care is pretty much my only option for finding a job besides becoming a teacher in the area that I will be living as an adult. Its a rural area, a place as big as massachutes with only 50,000 people. Location is more important to me than how much I enjoy my job, so I am willing to compromise to stay in the San Luis Valley.

Anyways, the first thing that comes to mind is being an RN. There are allways jobs open in that area at the san luis valley regional medical center. However...I know theres more out there...I would kind of like to do something in what I think is called independant practice: in that I run my own building through the services I provide.

I'm not exactly loaded....at this point theres no way I can afford some 12 years of school. I might be able to swing 4 with a scholarship for having brain cancer (continued)

and being a good student. I academically can get into most school in the us aside from the ivy league. I manage a 3.85-4.0 (non weighted) and will be participating in atleast 6 ap classes by the time that my highschool career is over. I also participate in Club Interact and manage for my schools wrestling team.

My school of choice, however, has a very limited number of degree options. If necessary, I would attend most any school in Kansas, New Mexico, or Colorado...however, I prefer Adams State College in Alamosa CO because of its location and price.

Maybe you can get a B.S. in Nursing and then a Masters in Nursing or pursue a Physician's Assistant program. It'll take you a total of 6 years (4 years for the B.S. and 2 for the Masters), but you'll spend less time and money than the cost of going to medical school.

I, personally, am a Paramedic and have been active in EMS for over seven years. I am currently working on a degree in EMS so I can get my teaching credentials. It may be a good idea to start small in your community to make sure that the medical field is something you are even "truly" interested in. An easy way to go is your local Fired Department or EMS Office. Especially if you have a volunteer service in your area.

Think of podiatry or pedorthics as a possibility. There are schools for this in your area.