Is a MPH an option for me?

[JoeGator86]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am going to be applying to medical school this year, but I have a year with nothing planned as I have already graduated. I know it is really late but I would really like to at least begin a MPH degree in this free year that I have.

As far as credintials I have a 3.9+, Magna Cum Laude, Chemistry Major, and 40 O MCAT.

Is there any chance of me getting in a program for this coming year. I was looking at most of the programs and they seem to mostly be 2 years long could I start it and finish in Medical School? Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[235009]

if you start a 2 year MPH (of course the deadline for applying to worthwhile programs was 5 months ago but i'll continue for the sake of argument) and apply to med school this coming cycle most if not all schools will reject you for planning on ditching your current degree program without completing it

 

[JoeGator86]

So not an option at all?

 

[JoeGator86]

So not an option at all? I really don't have anything to do for a year and would rather work towards an MPH than get a medicore or poor job.

 

[235009]

well there are 1 year programs like dartmouth's but i think their MPH is useless ...you're better off working and saving some money. if you really are interested in public health then you should do the MPH during or after med school...it'll be a 1 year program at some of the best schools

EDIT: even a research job that's paying ~$30-35k will at least advance your career if you get a publication out of it

 

[shiftingmirage]

With your stats, you don't need an MPH to add to your app, so don't do an MPH just to help your app. If you do want an MPH to have an MPH, then go for it.

I don't know about MPH admission deadlines, but I do know Loyola (Chicago) has a 1 year MPH program and guarentees interviews to the medical school of MPH candidates with a 3.5 grad GPA and a 28 MCAT. There are on-line programs that are connected to universities (actual universities, not university of pheonix). Check those out. Also there is an MPH thread on SDN. Look at that.

 

[JoeGator86]

Yeah I'm not trying to get it just to improve my app, I actually want to get one. Are those MPHs from Loyola or the online ones respected at all?

 

[DrJosephKim]

Any interest in part-time programs?

 

[JoeGator86]

Yeah part time would be fine as long as I would be able to use the classes to help me get an MPH once in Medical School. Not just wasting my time.

 

[bobdogsam43]

if you seriously want an MPH and think the networking/experiences/perspectives will help you in your career then get one. Based on what you've said, you should just wait until you are in med school and then get one. One year programs and especially the online schools are a complete waste at this point in your education. You are better off doing one in med school that is a 2-year deal or a solid 1-year program.