Clinical Experience

[midwesternhopeful]

Hi All,

Thank you for your time! I'm currently a lead research assistant in clinical pharmacy (~1000 hours). This has me exposed to a surprising variety of medical settings and clinicians. Two posters, three publications so far.

ln this position, I don't have a ton of hands-on patient experience. However, I volunteer ~6 hours a week in a hospital, and will have accumulated ~70 hours soon. I will also begin volunteering for another clinical organization, and will be attending a first aid course. 200+ hours is my goal before applying in 2019.

I have also completed a CNA course, but have not become state certified and have not sought out a CNA position. I can likely squeeze in a part time CNA job in if needed.

My questions are:

1) how will adcoms view an un- or under-utilized CNA course? Will this look as though I lack commitment?

2) how will experience in clinical pharmacy affect my application? Although I am exposed to many docs (many on our protocols), will this look as though I should be applying pharm?

Other stats:
cgpa 3.4, sgpa 3.3, non-clinical volunteer: 150+ (underserved populations and lead position in rare disease org), non-profit leadership experience ( non-clinical, paid, 3 years), 10 hours of DO shadowing (soon to be 25+), no MCAT yet

Thank you again

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[de Ribas]

1) how will adcoms view an un- or under-utilized CNA course? Will this look as though I lack commitment?

I probably wouldn't even include that since you didn't do state exams. Without state exams it is worth nothing.

 

[midwesternhopeful]

I probably wouldn't even include that since you didn't do state exams. Without state exams it is worth nothing.

Thanks for the reply @PashaOdesit . Since this course was taken at a community college, I (believe I) would have to report as part of my transcript. This isn't a problem- I did well (big red flag if not!). I've been considering getting certified even if I don't end up using it before applying in 2019.

 

[de Ribas]

Thanks for the reply @PashaOdesit . Since this course was taken at a community college, I (believe I) would have to report as part of my transcript. This isn't a problem- I did well (big red flag if not!). I've been considering getting certified even if I don't end up using it before applying in 2019.

Oh, I see. If you have taken it at a college then it will be part of a transcript. Maybe you dont have to list it in the experience/work section since you didn't do anything with it.

I got my CNA during off-campus training so it was different. But I have also used to work as CNA so I just listed it as my work experience.

 

[John1513]

Don’t you do phlebotomy as well as a clinical research coordinator?

If not, try doing the usual pre-med thing and volunteer at your local major hospital.

Usually includes a fee, background check, a polo shirt.

Or look into Scribe job or EMT cert.

Or 3 years as a US Navy Corpsman