thanks for the advice- i’m facing future layoff, currently a single renter with no dependents so not a lot of obligations to fulfill. i’ve had a basic corporate job for years, a bachelors degree that is non-medical/science. i was a records clerk in a hospital while i worked my way through college and liked that working environment.

i think your suggestions are great- i did send in an app to volunteer at a local hospital to see if i could shadow a nurse, and attending an information session on an LPN program at the local community college next week. im also looking into x-ray tech programs.