Hi,
Could anyone tell me about how much time you apply to what during your program (ie: most of time is spent studying, how much time in class, how much time in clinicals, etc)? As your semesters progress, I see there are more clinicals. Does this also mean more work or does it depend on your specific assignment, school, etc? Or does the work taper off towards the second half of the 4 year program.
One last question is: is there a lot or any teamwork? I have to ask this, since my past studies are in business and every class meant teamwork, which is what I want to get away from.
Thanks for all insights!
Ok I will speak in regards to my personal program, although I feel most programs are very similar.
I have three actual, 3 credit classes I go to and sit in. This account for 9 hours a week.
I also have a class to complete my specialization in intraoperative monitoring that I spend 1 hour a week in.
My clinical schedule is 1 day a week for 4 hours in the on campus clinic. I also average 1-2 hours a week on top of that in newborn hearing screenings and industrial screenings at our affiliated hospitals. On top of that, I would say I average 2-4 hours per week in report writing and paperwork.
I spend 10 hours a week there doing research and my graduate assistantship; as well as another 10-15 hours a week in studying, papers, reading, assignments. etc.
I am EASILY on campus 40 hours a week. My classmates and I joke about not renewing our leases next year and just living in our building. I can literally get to campus at 10 am and not get home until 10 pm on some days!
In my program your first two years are 9 credits (10 if you continue the IOM concentration) of actual classroom classes and 3 credits on ON CAMPUS clinical practice (including the hospital). The third year is also 9-10 classroom credits, and an 3 credits OFF CAMPUS (up to an hr and a half away from the school) externship placements (1 placement per semester). The fourth year is a full year fellowship year.
I'm not going to lie, if you're in a good program, it's VERY challenging and time consuming. My class started with 11 people in Fall 2007 and we are already down to only 8. It's definitely a curriculum you have to be passionate and committed to in order to stay dedicated and motivated.
As for teamwork, there's always teamwork, but I would not say the program depends on it. You spend so much time with your classmates that you learn to help each other out, and you discover new things with them. Your classmates don't, however, hold your hand during your first otoscopic evaluation or when you order your first hearing aid. It's a very cooperative relationship. Teamwork is not required, but you will see that it's what will pull you through the program. Good luck!
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