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Started by tahitian3
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tahitian3

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I currently have a BA in psychology and would like to go to med school some day. While taking pre-med prerequisites I would not mind working as a nurse or in the psychology field.
What kind of jobs do you think are out there for people with just BAs in psych?
Thanks😀
 
Hey tahitan,
If you have prior research experience, you may want to try getting a job as a full-time research assistant in a lab is an option.
 
nah, no lab research for me.
I know other post-bacc med students do lab research. I've tried a few places, but it's a revolving door. "You don't have any (or you don't have enough) experience, we can't help you." How am I going to get experience if I'm never given an opportunity?
Any other suggestions? How about a receptionist at a mental health clinic? or something.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks sanman
 
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You may be able to get a position as a mental health technician or rehabilitation aide. Both of these positions typically provide on-the-job training, although they are hard to find and typically require prior clinical experience. Other options include working as an EMT-B or CNA. A psychology BA is essentially meaningless in the job market, unless you have a considerable amount of research experience or ancillary clinical training.

I have a BA in psychology, and worked as a psychometrist (administering neuropsychological tests) and clinical data manager for an Alzheimer's Disease clinical trial. The pay was not great ($25,000/year), but I received full tuition remission for 16 credits of graduate coursework in public health (about $15,000) and full benefits. Now that I completed an MPH, I am working as a clinical research assistant in a psychiatry dept. at an academic medical center, and make $44,000/year. I will begin med school in the fall.

Bottom line: You have options, but you really have to pound the pavement to find something. Try to pick up some experience through an internship or by working at a lab on a volunteer basis. This will allow you to get some additional "vita lines" and may lead to a paid position.

By the way, what are you doing now?
 
Wow, congratulations on being accepted to med school, publichealth. I always like to hear stories about individuals who have taken non-traditional routes to med school:clap: :clap:
Right now I am doing pre-nursing courses (it will ease my mind to know that if I get kicked out of med school, I can come out and have a steady job that offers opportunities for advancement).
I guess I'll have to do a little detective work to find a part-time job with my current credentials.
Yesterday I filled out an online application to be a lab assistant at a local hospital (it requires just a high school degree, so I should be in the clear😉 )
Wish me luck and thanks for the advice everyone.
 
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