Should I include an educational section on résumé if it's unrelated to the field I am pursuing?

Dear Deb,

I moved here from China more than 20 years ago.  In my native country, I earned a medical type degree. However, the degree is only the equivalent of an Associate’s degree in the USA. I would need to start at a USA medical school from the beginning. So, I have been working as a masseuse for the last 16 years.  I am relocating to Arizona to be near my adult children and will hope to work at a resort as a masseuse.   On my new résumé, do I include my medical degree?  Or should I just focus on my massage training and experience?

Thank you,

Lin S.

Dear Lin,

That’s a great question. Because your medical degree is not related to your current career goal and may raise questions for the reader, I would suggest omitting the medical degree.  It may only complicate things in the reader’s mind.  Be sure to show all of your massage therapy-related training, honors, and experience on your résumé. Also, if you plan to work at a resort, you may want to solicit recommendations from your current clients.

Wishing you all the best in Arizona!

Deb