Jobs as a pre-med??? Any Advice??

[FutureDoctorX-men]

Hi everyone, I'm a sophomore in my University and I was wondering what kind of jobs you did as a pre-Med. Or, if you are a pre-med, what kind of job do you currently have?
I really want to get a job in order to get some form of income for school and to get some experience. I've seen some pre-meds becoming a Scribe in the ER in the US but this job doesn't seem to exist here in Canada. There's nothing about it in my province!

I was thinking of applying to another college to get a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a Health Care Aide. The only problem is that CNA is a 50weeks program (11 months) and health care aide is 20 weeks (4months). I also want to be able to keep my full time course load in my current university (I'm taking 5 classes this semester) while doing the CNA or Health Care Aide. There is also no "crash course" available that can teach me and give me a certificate for less than 2 months for this.
I've considered taking EMT but they are also more than 3 months to get a certificate...

Do you guys think this is a realistic approach? Or should I just stick with retail, cashier and maybe customers service as my job as a pre-med.

Any advice would be amazing!! Thank you!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Runner500]

EMT course over summer

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using SDN mobile

 

[Nietzsche's Barber]

I may be biased, but I think you should become a barber/hairdresser (depending on your gender, preference, etc.). Good $, great tips, and you get to work on your people skills!

If you can land a gig at a cool shop, you can even drink and bump Eazy E (far better than whatever you were talking about). Also keep in mind that this is a skill that can help carry you (financially speaking) through medical school. For a half hour I make $50-80 (depending on tip).

 

[Mclovin0351]

I was a commercial fisherman for a while, probably first time that's been through AMCAS

 

[Nietzsche's Barber]

I was a commercial fisherman for a while, probably first time that's been through AMCAS

See, that's what I'm talking about! Stick out! Everyone does EMT, CNA, etc.

[Edit] A dream of mine was to become a lobster fisherman.

 

[TheRealJohnDorian]

See if your school has some sort of a research fellowship for undergrads. Usually they last for a summer or a semester, but you'll get a stipend, good experience, and sometimes if the lab has funding it can turn into a more permanent job. Or get a desk job that allows you to study during down time (ie. front desk at a hospital/doctor's office, weekend hospital coverage for consults, etc.) You could also tutor, it's a great way to stay fresh on pre-med courses between the time you take them and the time you take the MCAT.

 

[Mclovin0351]

See, that's what I'm talking about! Stick out! Everyone does EMT, CNA, etc.

[Edit] A dream of mine was to become a lobster fisherman.

I did that for about 2 months, cool as ****

 

[tessellations]

I'm a junior and have held a couple of jobs:
- Worked as a CNA at a nursing home
- Worked as a small group tutor for 2 years
- Worked in my lab over the summer and just got a research assistant fellowship for this semester

I recently applied to be a research mentor (help students find research opportunities and connect them with campus resources).

I've met people who have worked at EMTs, worked retail, tutored/SIed, worked in on campus offices, worked as tour guides, worked as RAs or dorm peer mentors. While a healthcare job kills two birds with one stone, don't be afraid to do something unrelated to healthcare if you want to make money.

As an FYI, I did my CNA course in a month over the summer.

 

[OMalleys]

Find a part-time job you are going to love. You don't want to start something, hate it, and quit right away. If you want to become a CNA or EMT, go for it.

I'm a Senior and I have worked at State Farm for 3 years. As a junior, I also worked part-time as a Gen Chem TA.

 

[Turkishking]

Hi everyone, I'm a sophomore in my University and I was wondering what kind of jobs you did as a pre-Med. Or, if you are a pre-med, what kind of job do you currently have?
I really want to get a job in order to get some form of income for school and to get some experience. I've seen some pre-meds becoming a Scribe in the ER in the US but this job doesn't seem to exist here in Canada. There's nothing about it in my province!

I was thinking of applying to another college to get a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a Health Care Aide. The only problem is that CNA is a 50weeks program (11 months) and health care aide is 20 weeks (4months). I also want to be able to keep my full time course load in my current university (I'm taking 5 classes this semester) while doing the CNA or Health Care Aide. There is also no "crash course" available that can teach me and give me a certificate for less than 2 months for this.
I've considered taking EMT but they are also more than 3 months to get a certificate...

Do you guys think this is a realistic approach? Or should I just stick with retail, cashier and maybe customers service as my job as a pre-med.

Any advice would be amazing!! Thank you!

Be a scribe.

 

[Gilakend]

I was a lab assistant, worked as a TA for gen chem, now as a sophomore I'm an EMT. I took the course over the summer like someone else mentioned. A lot of people rag on EMTs saying everyone does it and you don't actually treat patients and while both of those are pretty much true, I think the biggest take away is you learn how to interact with patients especially those (maybe because of where I work) who have different cultural and/or language differences than yourself. I've learned a lot even in a short amount of time, but if I had to do it again I think I would do medical assistant or phlebotomy just because it is more procedural and I'd rather do that than typing narratives all day. Don't get me wrong though, I still enjoy being an EMT. Do something you'll enjoy.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I was a commercial fisherman for a while, probably first time that's been through AMCAS

My daughter has a book that has a crab fisherman in it. Apparently that's what she thinks I do on my ship, because every time she sees him she points to him and then me and says Daddy lol.

 

[Lannister]

During college, I had a few jobs. I worked at Home Depot, I was a TA, I was a research assistant, and I worked at an ice cream store.
I'd recommend doing a job unrelated to medicine.

 

[Nietzsche's Barber]

My daughter has a book that has a crab fisherman in it. Apparently that's what she thinks I do on my ship, because every time she sees him she points to him and then me and says Daddy lol.

Not to be morbid, but those are the kind of stories you will remember towards the end of life. That's really cool.

 

[blackroses]

Considering you just posted a thread about failing 3 courses, I'm going to recommend you make your necessary schoolwork your top (and possibly only) priority and not get a job right now unless you absolutely must have one to survive.

 

[FutureDoctorX-men]

I may be biased, but I think you should become a barber/hairdresser (depending on your gender, preference, etc.). Good $, great tips, and you get to work on your people skills!

If you can land a gig at a cool shop, you can even drink and bump Eazy E (far better than whatever you were talking about). Also keep in mind that this is a skill that can help carry you (financially speaking) through medical school. For a half hour I make $50-80 (depending on tip).

I never thought of doing that and you're right. That is something unique to have, I'm a guy by the way so I think I'll ask my barber where he got his certificate from and go from there. Thank u!

 

[RogueBanana]

I was a bouncer for a summer, and a lifeguard, a TA and a waiter.

Whatever would pay for my books and beer that was mildly enjoyable.

Don't recommend waiting tables, being a bouncer was sweeeeeet though.

 

[FutureDoctorX-men]

Considering you just posted a thread about failing 3 courses, I'm going to recommend you make your necessary schoolwork your top (and possibly only) priority and not get a job right now unless you absolutely must have one to survive.

Yes you are right but the unfortunate truth is that I have to work in order to support myself and continue studying. It's a harsh reality but I have to do it... thank you for your advice and concerns though. I really appreciate it!

 

[blackroses]

Yes you are right but the unfortunate truth is that I have to work in order to support myself and continue studying. It's a harsh reality but I have to do it... thank you for your advice and concerns though. I really appreciate it!

In that case, I would not look for a job that requires additional certification or training (beyond a food handlers certificate or something equally simple and quick). I would also highly recommend that you take a reduced courseload while you work until you learn how to effectively study and take exams.

 

[Knicks17]

Im doing Medical Assistant, its pretty sweet (pay/hours/experience) and you get cool with the doctors. That translates to LORs or shadowing hours

 

[Lannister]

Yes you are right but the unfortunate truth is that I have to work in order to support myself and continue studying. It's a harsh reality but I have to do it... thank you for your advice and concerns though. I really appreciate it!

Look for somewhere you could work where you could study during work. When I worked at the ice cream store, it was super dead during winter so I was basically being paid to sit there and study while eating free ice cream.

 

[timetraveling]

EMT jobs = hard hours for students
Scribe jobs hard to find due to high supply low demand
Work 15-20 hours max. Any more = too much

 

[Runner500]

EMT jobs = hard hours for students
Scribe jobs hard to find due to high supply low demand
Work 15-20 hours max. Any more = too much

I'm an EMT & work for a private ems company. I'm contingent/part-time, meaning I pickup shifts whenever I have free time. So the hours aren't necessarily hard. YMMV of course.

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using SDN mobile

 

[mcatjelly]

I held a variety of part-time jobs that gave me a decent amount of flexibility: after school counselor for kids, office assistant for a very small business, some admin work for a medical office, a mentoring job through my university, and then over my first summers I worked as a camp counselor before I became an office assistant. If you're struggling in school, definitely try to find something through your school if you can- they tend to let you get work done.

 

[tessellations]

If you're looking for a job where you can study, check out your school's library. My roommate works at our library and she just does work most of the time. She worked one overnight last semester and did a solid chunk of work, but now she works mornings a few days a week.

 

[FutureDoctorX-men]

I may be biased, but I think you should become a barber/hairdresser (depending on your gender, preference, etc.). Good $, great tips, and you get to work on your people skills!

If you can land a gig at a cool shop, you can even drink and bump Eazy E (far better than whatever you were talking about). Also keep in mind that this is a skill that can help carry you (financially speaking) through medical school. For a half hour I make $50-80 (depending on tip).

I have a question though, Did you have to go to school to get certified to be a barber/hairdresser or did you kinda just learn it on your own. I'm sorry if this is a pretty silly question but I'm just curious. Thank you!

 

[Ignatius413]

I drove a diesel truck for a few months of my gap year. That was pretty cool, though you could definitely see how automobile accidents make up a large percentage of American deaths.

 

[Nietzsche's Barber]

I have a question though, Did you have to go to school to get certified to be a barber/hairdresser or did you kinda just learn it on your own. I'm sorry if this is a pretty silly question but I'm just curious. Thank you!

I became a master barber through schooling, which included 600 hours of training (I didn't go to college right out of high school). It was fairly pricey, but worth it.

Could you learn it on your own? Sure. However, there will be a couple of obstacles:
1. Finding someone to train you. One can't learn to do a crispy fade or hard part alone.
2. Finding clients outside of a barber shop (as shops only hire licensed barbers).

If you have the time...I say go for the training. The pay is great and the atmosphere can't be beat. Plus, as I said previously, it is something that you could eventually do from home if you have a free 30 minutes. And if you're good enough, you'll meet athletes, loads of young professionals, etc. who won't think twice about giving you a $200 tip for sliding them in for an appointment.

Fortunately, barbering is on the upswing (putting dumps like Lady Janes, Supercuts, etc. out of commission!). When I first started, I was essentially the only Caucasian barber in my hood. Now, it's a huge melting pot. If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[LivMoore]

I am doing EMT because I will be able to have longer shifts and get my work week done in about two days by working contingent/part-time.
Then I get go back to being a student and mom the rest of the week lol

Hoping to work a lot over this summer though to save up $$

 

[protego]

I got super lucky to be a paid student research assistant so I got to combine working with my research experience. I had to apply to like 40 of these positions before I got one because I had no experience but I would seriously recommend it!

 

[Pandatree2]

I am an auto insurance claims specialist, have been for years now. its nice to have a desk job I must say. on down time I can do my schoolwork lol.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I became a master barber through schooling, which included 600 hours of training (I didn't go to college right out of high school). It was fairly pricey, but worth it.

Could you learn it on your own? Sure. However, there will be a couple of obstacles:
1. Finding someone to train you. One can't learn to do a crispy fade or hard part alone.
2. Finding clients outside of a barber shop (as shops only hire licensed barbers).

If you have the time...I say go for the training. The pay is great and the atmosphere can't be beat. Plus, as I said previously, it is something that you could eventually do from home if you have a free 30 minutes. And if you're good enough, you'll meet athletes, loads of young professionals, etc. who won't think twice about giving you a $200 tip for sliding them in for an appointment.

Fortunately, barbering is on the upswing (putting dumps like Lady Janes, Supercuts, etc. out of commission!). When I first started, I was essentially the only Caucasian barber in my hood. Now, it's a huge melting pot. If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.

I have a great barber. The guy is super personable and skilled. And they give free beer while you wait.

 

[bioboy23]

I've been working as an operating room assistant at a large level one trauma center for the last couple years. Having a job in healthcare helps to get those clinical/patient care hours up, but also it helps you to stay motived. Whenever I'm having a rough time with classes, it keeps me focused on the end goal.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I've been working as an operating room assistant at a large level one trauma center for the last couple years. Having a job in healthcare helps to get those clinical/patient care hours up, but also it helps you to stay motived. Whenever I'm having a rough time with classes, it keeps me focused on the end goal.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Like an OR tech? I did that for 8 years. Super fun and great experience, but most jobs require a minimum of a certificate, which is about 9 months long.

 

[ReneeM]

I worked as a CNA, receptionists, tutor, and at gym through undergrad. Since you're already having trouble with your course load and broke I would avoid EMT/CNA or anything that involves expensive and time consuming certification. I second getting a job with a lot of down time to study (i.e. night-shift work, library, school's tutoring lab).
If you do decide to do something in healthcare you should see if any hospitals around you offer free training (where I work they'll even pay you to do a 2 week training program). It's worth noting that CNA work pretty physically demanding, not to mention 3/4 of my coworkers are miserable.

 

[bioboy23]

Like an OR tech? I did that for 8 years. Super fun and great experience, but most jobs require a minimum of a certificate, which is about 9 months long.

Not exactly... I would basically consider myself an errand boy for the 30+ ORs. Get patients/blood/ tools, help set up, turnover rooms. It's not the most glorious job, but I consider myself extremely lucky to have gotten it at 19. It has definitely given me some sweet connections! I agree though, there is nothing quite like working in the OR


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Not exactly... I would basically consider myself an errand boy for the 30+ ORs. Get patients/blood/ tools, help set up, turnover rooms. It's not the most glorious job, but I consider myself extremely lucky to have gotten it at 19. It has definitely given me some sweet connections! I agree though, there is nothing quite like working in the OR


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Oh yeah. We called them transporters. Cool title if you ask me.

 

[sanix95]

I was a spanish medical interpreter and a guest services representative at a hospital
Interpreting got me clinical exposure, and in guest services I got to learn a little bit about everything in the hospital.

 

[floatingribs]

I have a paid internship at a well known hospital and a couple around the tri state area have paid RA positions as well.

 

[FutureDoctorX-men]

Thank you all for your wonderful comments and for replying back to me!! I've been quite busy as of late and I wasn't able to reply back to everyone individually but I did read everyone's comments. I really appreciate everyone's contributions and suggestions. I saw an opening in our school's pharmacy/post office as an assistant and I've decided to apply for that position. The time is quite flexible and its on campus!
I've worked with customers before in the fast food and I do believe in my capabilities as an employee and my ability to interact with customers. The only concern that I have is that I don't have the "Two years of post office experience is required."
But I'll apply anyways, hopefully I can get it! Wish me luck and Best wishes to everyone!!

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Thank you all for your wonderful comments and for replying back to me!! I've been quite busy as of late and I wasn't able to reply back to everyone individually but I did read everyone's comments. I really appreciate everyone's contributions and suggestions. I saw an opening in our school's pharmacy/post office as an assistant and I've decided to apply for that position. The time is quite flexible and its on campus!
I've worked with customers before in the fast food and I do believe in my capabilities as an employee and my ability to interact with customers. The only concern that I have is that I don't have the "Two years of post office experience is required."
But I'll apply anyways, hopefully I can get it! Wish me luck and Best wishes to everyone!!

Definitely apply anyway and be prepared to tell them how you have similar experience. A lot of ads say certain things are required, but they will make an exception if they like you for the job.

 

[FutureDoctorX-men]

Definitely apply anyway and be prepared to tell them how you have similar experience. A lot of ads say certain things are required, but they will make an exception if they like you for the job.

Thank you for your support! And yeah, it seems that there are definitely some differences regarding finding health-care related jobs as an undergrad in the US and Canada. Here in Canada, you NEED to have a certificate as a minimum. A high school diploma often doesn't suffice... Without one, you are not even given a chance for an interview.
I remember seeing a job post about being a Medical Assistant where I live and as I was reading through the job description, I was definitely qualified to be one. Unfortunately, the ending of the job post says in bold lettering, "If you have no Medical Assistant certificate then do not bother applying since we will ignore your resume!"
I was heart broken!

 

[lancecorpsman]

I work three jobs two as an EMT-I and one as a monitor tech.

I would recommend being a monitor tech (telemetry). I sit in front of a computer screen for 12 hours and study most of the shift. You get the experience of what goes on in a ICU, get to go through charts, and STUDY! I feel bad because I am making like 18/hr just to basically study. I would highly recommend it.

Ambulance service is good if its not that busy.

 

[pandamic]

I have a job on campus, because then I don't have to waste time commuting places. I also worked retail for a while. No patients, but it did teach me a lot about patience ;D.