How do I go about getting a Medically related job

[OnyxGaia]

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Hi Folks,

Since my stats so far aren't all that, although I hope to raise them during these post-bacc years, how can I go about getting a medically related job that will raise my chances?

Is anyone aware of any relatively short training programs that I could possibly do over a summer and then hopefully find work that pays decently?

Thanks.

Onyx

 

[Mike59]

Originally posted by OnyxGaia
Hi Folks,

Since my stats so far aren't all that, although I hope to raise them during these post-bacc years, how can I go about getting a medically related job that will raise my chances?

Is anyone aware of any relatively short training programs that I could possibly do over a summer and then hopefully find work that pays decently?

Thanks.

Onyx

Yet another premed myth at work.
A medically related job will only help if you don't already have a compelling reason to become a doctor.

Nurses and pharmacy grads have among the highest rejection rates in the applicant pool, so don't think that a medical job itself will help all that much. What gives people an edge is the quality of experience. If the job has you working DIRECTLY with doctors, it will help, but EMT, Pharmacy Tech, nursing aide is way overblown and will not help you stand out.

You are better off shadowing a physician or volunteering part time in the hospital, then take up employment working in an interesting industry (which gives your interviewers something interesting to discuss with you).

Just my $.02

 

[pathdr2b]

I asked a physician whom I liked and respected if I could shadow her and she said yes. So far, the experience has been exceptional!

As for training programs, there are many summer and short term training programs here at NIH/NCI. Though not required for me, I "added" physician shadowing to my list of duties with the thought of applying to medical school this year.

 

[fullofhope]

I am not so sure I agree about medical related jobs not helping much on the application. I am not an expert in the area, but I remember hearing that medical experiences is a must and that medical schools know that some volunteering jobs in hospitals do not bring much experience (ie some volunteers transport patients and make beds). I do think that the medical experience gives opportunity to understand what a medical applicant is getting into and helps them find a deep interest in the profession, more so than an industry related job.

I am working at the NIH on a one year fellowship and I find it very rewarding. You work along side researchers, both PhDs and MDs and gain a lot of experience in the medical research field. You are also able to volunteer at the hospital here and go on rounds with some of the MDs. They also offer graduate courses for continuing and bringing up science gpa's if needed (3 credits free each semester). I think anyone interested in medicine should check out the Pre-IRTA program offered because it enables you to become emersed in all aspects of medicine.

Good luck

 

[pathdr2b]

Originally posted by fullofhope
They also offer graduate courses for continuing and bringing up science gpa's if needed (3 credits free each semester). I think anyone interested in medicine should check out the Pre-IRTA program offered because it enables you to become emersed in all aspects of medicine.

Good luck

Pre-CRTA (through the National Cancer Institute) is an option too!

 

[Mike59]

Originally posted by fullofhope
I am not so sure I agree about medical related jobs not helping much on the application. ...................I do think that the medical experience gives opportunity to understand what a medical applicant is getting into and helps them find a deep interest in the profession, more so than an industry related job.

Good luck

Yes, they are helpful from an experience standpoint but they won't make or break your application.

In my interviews so far, my year of experience in the ER has not come up in discussion at all and my interviewers haven't even mentioned it. Yet I have spent a lot of time recalling experiences about my college job behind the counter of a store, and my current work in a completely non-medically related field (computer/statistics related).

 

[manicmaven]

Polysomnographic techs. Working in Sleep Disorders Clinics/Neurodiagnostics departments in hospitals. Little to no medical experience required (preferred, but not required), you get hands-on patient care. Pays well and is in demand all over the country. you have to work nights, which sucks...but it's been the best job I've had (and I've been a CNA, EMT and ER tech). Training is 6 months, paid, on the job. You can take your registry boards after 1.5 years. It's unusual medical experience. Ad coms have responded well to it.

 

[Trajan]

I disagree with the person who says that nursing aid/emt/orderly type positions aren't significant. If anything is overblown it's the volunteer positions that premeds boast of far too often. I volunteered in an ER where I stocked shelves (quit after a few weeks) and I have worked as a patient transporter over a summer and as an operating room scrub tech in my year between college in medical school. The OR tech is a nursing position (unlicensed), but I have scrubbed over 150 cases in several surgical services. I can tell you, the work experience is far more valuable. Further, I get to work with doctors who don't know my educational background and don't always treat me nicely. Though it can get you down, the experience is very educational and has shown me the sad reality of what doctors sometimes become, something I will always be mindful of.

 

[manicmaven]

I agree. There are several schools out there that require medical experience (Northwestern). I think that any of these positions that involve some training and hands-on patient care demonstrate a commitment to medicine and a necessary exploration of what it's like to work in health care.

Personally, I don't know how one would be fully confident in his or her decision to enter medicine without having been involved in caring for a sick person...be it paid or volunteer. Don't listen to those saying that medical experience benefits are a myth. I'm convinced that my experience is what has gotten me interviews at places that would have otherwise overlooked me.

 

[123456]

i wouldnt do any "formal" short training programs. many hospitals will train you upon hire for positions like CNA or phlebotomy, etc, and youll save a ton of cash. however, i would shy away from these jobs, as the patient experience would be great, but only for the first two weeks (until the reality of your job sets in, and it will fast if you do in fact REALLY want to be a doctor). also, medical schools want you to add to your knowledge base, beyond what youll get in med school, during your post bacc years, and im not sure how much of that you would get at these jobs.

try getting a job where you are learning something medically related, like doing research at a university, either clinically or in a lab (clinical research positions like the sleep program mentioned above are hard to find/get, but they are out there). then volunteer/shadow a doctor/CNA a few hours a week. or perhaps get a masters in a medine-related field like public health or genetics. either way, get with a good program where you have a good chance to throw your name on a journal artcile as an author.

i was in a similar situation, did just that, and got into med school with no problems. good luck!

 

[OnyxGaia]

Originally posted by Mike59
Yes, they are helpful from an experience standpoint but they won't make or break your application.

In my interviews so far, my year of experience in the ER has not come up in discussion at all and my interviewers haven't even mentioned it. Yet I have spent a lot of time recalling experiences about my college job behind the counter of a store, and my current work in a completely non-medically related field (computer/statistics related).

Mike,

I work in technology also! I do know that my post-bacc program recommends that you either volunteer full time or work in a medically-related field in the application year, so I'm not sure what I should do.

I think I'll try to write a novel within the next 2 years. LOL. That should help.

Onyx

Onyx

 

[OnyxGaia]

Originally posted by fullofhope
I am not so sure I agree about medical related jobs not helping much on the application. I am not an expert in the area, but I remember hearing that medical experiences is a must and that medical schools know that some volunteering jobs in hospitals do not bring much experience (ie some volunteers transport patients and make beds). I do think that the medical experience gives opportunity to understand what a medical applicant is getting into and helps them find a deep interest in the profession, more so than an industry related job.

I am working at the NIH on a one year fellowship and I find it very rewarding. You work along side researchers, both PhDs and MDs and gain a lot of experience in the medical research field. You are also able to volunteer at the hospital here and go on rounds with some of the MDs. They also offer graduate courses for continuing and bringing up science gpa's if needed (3 credits free each semester). I think anyone interested in medicine should check out the Pre-IRTA program offered because it enables you to become emersed in all aspects of medicine.

Good luck

Thanks for the informative response! What is "Pre-IRTA?"

I know what you mean about volunteering. Currently I volunteer for 4 hours a week in the ER. My duties include bringing blood up to the lab and basically running errands. Last week, I even helped transport (something I'm putting a stop to). Too much for my poor back. One thing I'm happy about is that I am learning to do EKG's and hook up patients to the heart monitor. Although volunteers are not supposed to do all that, I am hoping when I really get good, they will use me when I am short on staff.

Onyx

 

[OnyxGaia]

Originally posted by manicmaven
Polysomnographic techs. Working in Sleep Disorders Clinics/Neurodiagnostics departments in hospitals. Little to no medical experience required (preferred, but not required), you get hands-on patient care. Pays well and is in demand all over the country. you have to work nights, which sucks...but it's been the best job I've had (and I've been a CNA, EMT and ER tech). Training is 6 months, paid, on the job. You can take your registry boards after 1.5 years. It's unusual medical experience. Ad coms have responded well to it.

Oh wow. Sounds so good! Unfortunately because of my 3 kiddies, I cannot take a night job. Babysitting on the premises? LOL

Onyx

 

[manicmaven]

Night jobs are terrible for the parent. Babysitting would be grand.

Just to clarify...there are two types of sleep disorders laboratories. The research jobs are few and far between...usually at academic hospitals (I know OHSU's here in Oregon is primarily research based). The labs I've worked in have been treatment based within hospitals. These aren't research studies...these are admissions to the hospital for sleep studies and possible treatment of disorders like sleep apnea and nocturnal seizure disorders. These jobs are easier to get. Because the area is growing so quickly, most sleep labs (within hospitals) are hiring night technicians. You can find these jobs listed under Polysomnography, sleep technicians, or PSGTs.

 

[Downshift]

Originally posted by OnyxGaia
Thanks for the informative response! What is "Pre-IRTA?"

The IRTA (Intramural Research Training Award) and CRTA (Cancer Research Training Award) titles refer to postbaccalaureate fellowship programs at the NIH designed for college grads who wish to enter medical or graduate school, but who want to gain experience in biomedical research before doing so. I'm currently finishing up my second fellowship year as a CRTA in the National Cancer Institute of the NIH and have had a great time in this program. I go to several lectures a week, attend classes for free, have access to a huge library, and even get paid to go to scientific meetings (last year I went to one in Anchorage, Alaska ... this year, Miami!). Plus, I have my own independent research projects and will have published a paper, which I'm first author of, by the time I finish. Honestly, it's an incredible deal (it even pays fairly well) and it really helps your med school application stand out. Most of the IRTA/CRTA positions are at the NIH campuses in Bethesda, MD. Our lab is actually looking for another fellow, so anybody who is interested can PM me and I'll fill you in on the details.

 

[phinicky]

I also did the year-long IRTA program at the NIH. My research was in the basic sciences, but I think that the internship is what made me stand out in the whole application process. I had OK MCAT scores, and good grades, but the NIH gave me that extra push (in my opinion). Plus, me, as well as other pre-IRTAs that I know, fared much better in the whole application process as compared to other applicants that I know.

 

[pathdr2b]

Onyx,

The other good thing about being at the NIH/NCI is the on site childcare at reasonable rates! With 3 kids this may be of interest to you too!

The NCI is also looking for fellows with opportunites in both lab and nonlab based settings. There is also a strong recrutiment effort toward minorities. PM me and I'll send anyone the details.

PS- I've recently turned down a 68K job opportunity to stay at NCI another year (to get published). As other posters have commented, it's a tremedous boost to the med school application!

 

[OnyxGaia]

Originally posted by Downshift
The IRTA (Intramural Research Training Award) and CRTA (Cancer Research Training Award) titles refer to postbaccalaureate fellowship programs at the NIH designed for college grads who wish to enter medical or graduate school, but who want to gain experience in biomedical research before doing so. I'm currently finishing up my second fellowship year as a CRTA in the National Cancer Institute of the NIH and have had a great time in this program. I go to several lectures a week, attend classes for free, have access to a huge library, and even get paid to go to scientific meetings (last year I went to one in Anchorage, Alaska ... this year, Miami!). Plus, I have my own independent research projects and will have published a paper, which I'm first author of, by the time I finish. Honestly, it's an incredible deal (it even pays fairly well) and it really helps your med school application stand out. Most of the IRTA/CRTA positions are at the NIH campuses in Bethesda, MD. Our lab is actually looking for another fellow, so anybody who is interested can PM me and I'll fill you in on the details.

Sounds ideal! Does anyone know of any similar programs in New York City?

Onyx

 

[agent]

Originally posted by 123456


try getting a job where you are learning something medically related, like doing research at a university, either clinically or in a lab

good advice.

 

[slynxy]

are those kinda positions usualy paid?

 

[OnyxGaia]

Originally posted by slynxy
are those kinda positions
usualy paid?

It's so funny. Today I looked at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons' HR site and I saw lots of Research Assistant positions. Maybe I don't completely qualify, but there's hope. The attractive part is that if I get a job at Columbia, I probably will be able to do my post-bacc for free. The downside is that I would have to take a major pay hike, and I don't know if I can handle that just yet.

Onyx

 

[SouthernGirlie]

even if you're not "qualified," most of the labs can teach you what you need to know. (speaking from experience 😉 )

 

[solid snake]

Originally posted by SouthernGirlie
even if you're not "qualified," most of the labs can teach you what you need to know. (speaking from experience 😉 )

I'm near the tx med center and there's lots of research assistant jobs. I know i'm not qualified, but would applying be worth it, since most require some type of experience whereas I have none.

 

[Jamaican MD]

Originally posted by 123456
. . .however, i would shy away from these jobs, as the patient experience would be great, but only for the first two weeks (until the reality of your job sets in, and it will fast if you do in fact REALLY want to be a doctor)

Yes! I agree. I am a post-bacc and work as a critical care tech. . .it's a low respect job, BUT the things I'm learning are amazing. I get to see and do a lot medical "stuff" like see someone's chest being cracked during a code blue, or help change various dressings. I can draw blood, do EKG's start IV's, etc. . .Even the medical terminology and knowledge about drugs, disease pathology, etc that I've learned are amazing.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, I am motivated EVERY DAY that I go to work because it reminds me just how much I want to be a doctor. Clinical experience exposes you to all areas of patient care from nursing to PT to respiratory therapy--not just medicine--and it can solidify why you want to be a doctor and not something else. I think that having non-clinical experience is important too (for example I worked for the chemical industry for 1 year after graduating), and will show that you are versatile. Definitely go for it.

 

[thesaint]

mmm, interesting, how do i get into that?

 

[OnyxGaia]

Originally posted by Jamaican MD
Yes! I agree. I am a post-bacc and work as a critical care tech. . .it's a low respect job, BUT the things I'm learning are amazing. I get to see and do a lot medical "stuff" like see someone's chest being cracked during a code blue, or help change various dressings. I can draw blood, do EKG's start IV's, etc. . .Even the medical terminology and knowledge about drugs, disease pathology, etc that I've learned are amazing.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, I am motivated EVERY DAY that I go to work because it reminds me just how much I want to be a doctor. Clinical experience exposes you to all areas of patient care from nursing to PT to respiratory therapy--not just medicine--and it can solidify why you want to be a doctor and not something else. I think that having non-clinical experience is important too (for example I worked for the chemical industry for 1 year after graduating), and will show that you are versatile. Definitely go for it.

Is this like a Patient Care Tech (PCT)? Did you have to attend school or did the hospital train you?

Onyx

 

[solid snake]

bump

 

[NubianPrincess]

Its funny, but in my experience hospitals arent willing to train you here in NYC unless you have experience or licensing 🙁

 

[Jamaican MD]

Originally posted by OnyxGaia
Is this like a Patient Care Tech (PCT)? Did you have to attend school or did the hospital train you?

Onyx

Hey Onyx,

I'm a PCT in the ICU, therefore a Critical Care Tech. As an undergrad, I had a work study job as a physical therapy assistant, therfore I was one of the lucky ones who didn't have to attend a medical asst school to get the job, but was trained by the hospital. However, I AM thinking about taking an EMT course because I would like some formal training. . .

 

[OnyxGaia]

Originally posted by Jamaican MD
Hey Onyx,

I'm a PCT in the ICU, therefore a Critical Care Tech. As an undergrad, I had a work study job as a physical therapy assistant, therfore I was one of the lucky ones who didn't have to attend a medical asst school to get the job, but was trained by the hospital. However, I AM thinking about taking an EMT course because I would like some formal training. . .

oh kewl!