Speaking as someone trying to transition to Pharmacy after working in the Art Market, I suggest you take time to really gauge how passionate you are before pursuing a creative job.
Please note that I don't mean to scare you off. A creative job is fun and rewarding, but it is fundamentally very different from Pharmacy and the 5 other job options you listed. All the jobs you listed are not easy to prepare for, but working in advertising is probably the most unpredictable with the least job security. The question is whether you think the job is worth it.
I worked as the creative director at an upscale gallery right out of college. I loved my work – picking out the theme & artworks for exhibitions, making marketing materials, interviewing artists, putting together the catalog for each exhibition… but my salary? Not even 25k in a high expense city. But I was extremely lucky to have this job at all – after all, this is in an industry where PhDs compete for the job to clip tickets at an art museum.
I lasted two years. The thing about having a competitive and glamorous job is that I had to be ahead of everyone else and upkeep appearances, even when I was scraping by with rent and basic living expenses. Those PhDs clipping museum tickets? They were applying to internships at my gallery. It didn't take me long to realize I was easily replaceable.
Working weekends was a given, and I took night classes in Art History and German to stay ahead of the people I was managing. In order to save money for classes, I stopped meeting up with my friends as often because it usually meant going out (which costs money) and eventually began to skip meals. Although I felt proud to be doing what I love, my efforts did not guarantee that I would ever move up the ladder. So yeah, I was pretty lonely and crappy most of the time.
Perhaps my example is a little different because it is in Fine Arts, but the general trend for creative jobs is that it is very competitive and unpredictable. There is no objective track where you get the degree, pass the test, and then be qualified. However, it also means you have the flexibility to forage your way as creatively as you want. For me, I realize I am much happier in structured environments, now that I've moved onto other fields (I work in pharmaceutical marketing with plans to go to Pharmacy school).
You probably already know this, but in order to become a "creative director for commercial ads" you would first need experience in all facets of advertising (copy, art, & media). The easiest way to get the entry level advertising jobs is to first build a portfolio, probably from art or ad school, then complete some internships in the field. I suggest you check out advertising programs at art and ad schools, and speak with career counselors there if you haven't already.
Most importantly, ask yourself if you have the right personality - In fields as subjective as the arts, people love to hate your ideas. Do you have strong opinions (ability stand up for your work when everyone else disagrees) but have the people skills to cajole clients & superiors? Do you thrive with change? And I guess, this is a given – do you have a good eye?
If all of this points to you following your no. 1 passion and that's what you absolutely have to do in this life, then go for it. But if you have even a little bit of hesitation, I'd say you will avoid a lot of stress & pain by sticking with your current program (or at least, within the health industry).
Good luck!
