Is it possible to maintain a part-time job as a medical school student?

[Relax!]

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Hey guys. So I know that one has to study a lot in order to keep up with classes in medical school, but is it possible to also hold jobs? If yes, what kind of jobs? Also, if I intend to do research as a medical student, can I find paid-positions?

 

[Keladry]

It's possible, but unusual. Jobs with flexibility really help. I know there are a number of work study jobs available at my school, which offer a decent amount of flexibility. We can also get paid to transcribe lectures, which I do sometimes - it's a lot easier when I can do it any time, any place.

You can definitely find paid research over the summer in med school; that's super common. I doubt there are paid positions during the year that would work with a med student schedule, but I guess it's not impossible.

 

[Psai]

yes any yes

 

[Ismet]

During MS1 and MS2 - Yes.
MS3 - Nooooooooooooooooooooooo.
MS4 - After submitting application and any sub-I's or aways, and flexible around interviews, yes.

 

[Mad Jack]

I'm picking up a per diem job in allied health, doing a few weekends here and there. At 300 bucks a 12 hour shift, it's more than worthwhile, and really helps pay the bills. So it's totally doable, you just need to know where to look, and have skills that are conducive to casual and per diem work. Scribing on weekends, EMT, ED tech, CNA, and pharmacy tech positions tend to be more weekend and casual friendly, at least in my area. What it really comes down to is whether certain jobs are worth the income they net you. Can you still get great grades, study for the boards, and knock out your ECs while working a given job, and is the pay enough to make it worth your while?

 

[Goro]

It would be extremely foolish to do so.

Hey guys. So I know that one has to study a lot in order to keep up with classes in medical school, but is it possible to also hold jobs? If yes, what kind of jobs? Also, if I intend to do research as a medical student, can I find paid-positions?

 

[Mr.Zero]

I would hold off on getting a job for a while, at least until you figure out how much time you need to study and then decide if a part time job is worth it.

 

[MDporfavor8888]

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!! -KG

on a more serious note, i've been told not to work while in school by MANY people

 

[sliceofbread136]

Look for something on campus meant for med students where they will understand that you need flexible hours. Try your student center, tutoring center, and maybe admissions offices

 

[Willy38]

I would think private tutoring on your own schedule would be reasonable but I would definitely find my groove of studying/exam passing before anything else.

 

[crossingthefingers]

I met someone who was a nurse for like 15 years before coming to med school--she makes so much as a nurse that she does like 4 12-hour shifts a month and that's really helpful to her family! I think the rest of us, probably no.

 

[NickNaylor]

It's unusual but certainly possible depending on your academic goals. I taught a couple of MCAT courses during M2. Most people will prefer to use that time to boost their app or build their CV than make a little extra cash.

 

[Relax!]

Thanks for all your input. I really appreciate the candid advice.

It would be extremely foolish to do so.

Yeah. I guess I am underestimating the amount of work that will get me through medical school.

It's unusual but certainly possible depending on your academic goals. I taught a couple of MCAT courses during M2. Most people will prefer to use that time to boost their app or build their CV than make a little extra cash.

I would think private tutoring on your own schedule would be reasonable but I would definitely find my groove of studying/exam passing before anything else.

I was also thinking along the lines of teaching/tutoring as a part-time job option. The question is whether I will find time for doing it while also keeping up my grades/building my CV for residency. Hmm. Guess the future will tell.

You can definitely find paid research over the summer in med school; that's super common. I doubt there are paid positions during the year that would work with a med student schedule, but I guess it's not impossible.

That's what I thought too. I will definitely try to find a paid research position in the summer!

 

[Chemistry>Physics]

There's a plastic surgeon in the town that I live in and she worked a part time newscasting position on TV all throughout med school. As an undergrad she studied journalism. She's hot too.

 

[WillburCobb]

Depends in the school. In talking with students from other schools it's definitely doable, but some schools (like mine) have policies against it; so just something to be aware of.

 

[Relax!]

There's a plastic surgeon in the town that I live in and she worked a part time newscasting position on TV all throughout med school. As an undergrad she studied journalism. She's hot too.

Being hot makes life so much easier. *sigh* On a more serious note, thanks for sharing. Kudos to her.

some schools (like mine) have policies against it; so just something to be aware of.

Thanks for the heads up

 

[deleted577188]

My mom hasn't wanted me to work......and I'm only finishing my second year of undergrad. I just got a job though so that I can eat during the summer but man I would think it would be awful to work while in medical school. Maybe it's possible but I haven't gotten there yet, and hopefully I'll be lucky enough to not be forced to get a job.

 

[kevinsword91]

I know a medical student who tried to work full-time while in medical school. It worked for a time, but she eventually had a near complete nervous breakdown and her family intervened. She stopped working and focused on school. She is now doing well in residency.