I finally decided to write because I think I’m probably not the only one with this kind of decision to make.
For those of us transitioning to healthcare from another field, I think we’ve all gotten the advice that as soon as we can get paid experience in healthcare, we should do so. I’ve heard a lot that we will be more competitive if we can find a position as a medical scribe, phlebotomist, CNA, or any other entry level healthcare position.
I think I’m correct in saying that as long as we are taking a compeitive courseload and extracurriculars, as well as taking the time needed for MCAT prep, no one should feel as though they have to put themselves or their families in a strained position by taking a low paying job like those listed above, just for a gold star on their resume. However, for those of us without families to support, is it worth it to switch?
For me in particular, I’m considering submitting the app fee for a long waiting list at my local community college for the CNA and/or phlebotomy program. I’ve monitored job postings in the area for awhile now, and I truthfully don’t see a heck of a lot of jobs requiring either certification. However, my only other remotely related resume strengths are for scientific research. The only healthcare experience I have is volunteering.
Would it be worth it to take a phlebotomy or CNA course instead of say, biochem for the spring 2012 semester, when I plan on doing major MCAT prep?
Are there any positions that anyone can recommend pursuing beyond the few listed above? I know the CNA and phlebotomy programs here are finished in one semester. Is there anything else comparable? What’s a good place to look for programs like this other than a cc?
Thanks in advance for any knowledge served up!
RHouston,
I don’t really think you need to ‘work’ in the healthcare industry or learn a healthcare trade. There are actually quite a few different ways to satisfactorily obtain the ‘clinical experience’ that most adcoms are looking for.
Either:
- Volunteer or paid work in a medical facility or clinical setting.
- Experience with patients through research, such as a clinical trial.
- Caretaking or responsibility for individuals with medical challenges.
- Experience with personal or family member illness.
- Exposure through physician shadowing.
- Mentorship by a physician.
- Exposure through opportunities provided by a program or club.
Their rationale for this is that time, effort, and expressed empathy in clinical activities suggest altruism. They also want you to know what you’re getting yourself into down the road.
There is seldom a set formula at most schools for how much patient contact/exposure you should have and what type you should have, though there are some notable exceptions. For example, the University of Utah’s School of Medicine requires a minimum patient exposure of 4 hours per week for a period of 2 months or the equivalent of 32 hours. Most med schools, thankfully, are not quite that rigid in their requirements and they don’t have a set # of hours or specific type of clinical experience you need to have.
The short answer to your question then is NO. You do not need to get paid experience in healthcare by becoming a medical scribe, phlebotomist, CNA, EMT, etc, for the purposes of a competitive medical school application.
Besides, as a student interviewer for my adcom last year, I can tell you that a lot of traditional students have these sorts of things on their CV. As a non-trad, you want to stand out from that crowd by pursuing something you’re passionate about, whatever that ‘something’ happens to be.
- RHouston Said:
I think I'm correct in saying that as long as we are taking a competitive courseload and extracurriculars, as well as taking the time needed for MCAT prep, no one should feel as though they have to put themselves or their families in a strained position by taking a low paying job like those listed above, just for a gold star on their resume.
You are correct.
- RHouston Said:
Would it be worth it to take a phlebotomy or CNA course instead of say, biochem for the spring 2012 semester, when I plan on doing major MCAT prep?
No. You would be wasting valuable time & money with a phlebotomy or CNA course.
You would be doing yourself a huge favor, on the other hand, by taking the biochem course in terms of competitiveness of your application. Even when med schools don't necessarily require biochem, they may say that they highly encourage it. (Translation: take it if you want to have a competitive advantage.) Biochem will also serve you well in terms of your preparedness for med school (biochem is the bane of many an M-1's existence; the better grounded in it you are now, the better off you'll be in 1st year).
Also, the MCAT is a major part of your application. I would not sacrifice valuable MCAT prep time for something that will only be a marginal footnote on your application.
Hope this helps.
I echo taking the biochem. I did NOT take it before med school, and I made it thru my 1st year biochem class but at the cost of a LOT of sleep. Currently helping a 1st year who similarly did not have biochem before med school, and it is not looking great for his chances of passing the course.
Would be REALLY good to have a background coming in.
Kate