There are multiple ways you can become CPR certified. You can take a lifeguard certification course which includes CPR, or take a specific course for CPR. Organizations like the Red Cross or Community 911 teach CPR. You can also look out for courses in your community or school.

In Massachusetts, you become the director of your primary care and have access to your patient portal at the age of 13. Before you turn 18, you cannot make certain decisions about your patient care or procedures without parental consent. Some doctors offices will allow you to go to appointments solo with a signed form from your parent, while others require a parent present. It is a good idea to check with your provider before an appointment so you aren’t turned away when you arrive. At 18, your caretakers cannot access your information without your consent.

Medical professionals do not all go to medical school for their training. Here are a few examples that require other forms of training: Registered nurse, certified physician assistant, nurse midwife, operating room technician, and diagnostic medical sonographer.

Teens can benefit from seeing specialists beyond their general practitioner. Dermatologists for acne and skin health, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), gastroenterologists for digestive health, and obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYN) for female health.

Your health insurance plan may cover some doctor’s visits and emergency medicine when you are out of state at college, but it is important to review your benefits and coverage before you are in a situation that you did not know your insurance would not cover. You may want to consider the supplemental plans colleges offer for more comprehensive coverage.

Some websites Sarah mentioned in her interview include Bedsider.org , acog.org, and the CDC. If you want to hear what Sarah has to say, listen to her interview here.