Hello everyone!
New to the forum but not new to lurking in the background and reading questions and responses.
First off, I'll give some background history:
I'm 28 (29 in two months). I've been an EMT for 8 years both in the clinical setting as an ED-Technician and Firefighter while attending CalPoly SLO full time for my bachelor's degree and taking medical school prerequisites. After graduating, I figured my GPA was not high enough to be competitive for medical school so I decided to apply for a special master's program at Touro university in California. In the event I didn't get in, I applied for Paramedic school. I had no contingencies other than to work if I did not secure admission into either. Turns out, I got into Paramedic school then, THE NEXT DAY, I was notified I was admitted to Touro University's MSMHS program. As I had already put my name in for Paramedic school and didn't have the appropriate familial support nor the funds of financial aid figured out, I decided to attend and apply the following year for the SMP. I completed Paramedic school in the top of my class and went on to secure a job as a Firefighter/Paramedic job. I was then released from work after a mere three months. I discovered that I liked the job but I didn't love it and felt I was not at my full potential there. I then reapplied to the SMP and got in again. I freaked out and decided not to go as I was a late applicant and a late admit (I was notified of admission the Friday before classes began). I also was hired as a Paramedic for another agency and accepted the job prior to the notification.
My current plan is to work for a year to study for the MCAT and reapply.
As I have never met anyone in the same or similar situation, I figured I would put out some feelers who can answer my questions. They are as follows:
1) I fear losing my income during medical school. I'm married and have one small dog. Having been in a similar situation, how were you able to provide for your family when your priority was medical school?
2) I fear the burdening debt that most medical students get to look forward to after graduating. What were some of your repayment plans when all your training was finished?
3) If you are (or have been) in a similar situation such as mine please detail your situation and how you overcame your obstacles and set your priorities where you were successful.
Thank you everyone and sorry for the long post
New to the forum but not new to lurking in the background and reading questions and responses.
First off, I'll give some background history:
I'm 28 (29 in two months). I've been an EMT for 8 years both in the clinical setting as an ED-Technician and Firefighter while attending CalPoly SLO full time for my bachelor's degree and taking medical school prerequisites. After graduating, I figured my GPA was not high enough to be competitive for medical school so I decided to apply for a special master's program at Touro university in California. In the event I didn't get in, I applied for Paramedic school. I had no contingencies other than to work if I did not secure admission into either. Turns out, I got into Paramedic school then, THE NEXT DAY, I was notified I was admitted to Touro University's MSMHS program. As I had already put my name in for Paramedic school and didn't have the appropriate familial support nor the funds of financial aid figured out, I decided to attend and apply the following year for the SMP. I completed Paramedic school in the top of my class and went on to secure a job as a Firefighter/Paramedic job. I was then released from work after a mere three months. I discovered that I liked the job but I didn't love it and felt I was not at my full potential there. I then reapplied to the SMP and got in again. I freaked out and decided not to go as I was a late applicant and a late admit (I was notified of admission the Friday before classes began). I also was hired as a Paramedic for another agency and accepted the job prior to the notification.
My current plan is to work for a year to study for the MCAT and reapply.
As I have never met anyone in the same or similar situation, I figured I would put out some feelers who can answer my questions. They are as follows:
1) I fear losing my income during medical school. I'm married and have one small dog. Having been in a similar situation, how were you able to provide for your family when your priority was medical school?
2) I fear the burdening debt that most medical students get to look forward to after graduating. What were some of your repayment plans when all your training was finished?
3) If you are (or have been) in a similar situation such as mine please detail your situation and how you overcame your obstacles and set your priorities where you were successful.
Thank you everyone and sorry for the long post
