Job change possibilities

[pdavis68]

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I am a 37 year old software engineer about to begin finishing my undergrad degree. Originally I was a comp-sci major and dropped out with over 100 credits and will be returning to get a degree in biology.

I will continue to work for the next year and go to school part time. Then I will return full-time for one year, followed by part-time for one year, in which I plan to go through the application process. This is my current plan, at least.

Here's what I'm curious about. For the 3rd year, where I'm going part-time, I could go back into computer science, but I was thinking I might be better served doing something in health care, even if it's not something I'm making a lot of money at.

What are some good possibilities for entry-level work that can keep me busy for a year (possibly longer if I don't get in)? In particular, are there jobs that might be more accepting of someone applying to med school and might be gone a year later? I know this is kind of vague. Just trying to get some ideas.

Thanks.

Pete

 

[slim06]

As someone who made the jump from IT to applying to medical school, I think that you'll be better served if you take your software engineering skills and apply them to healthcare. Do you think that there's any way that you could swing it?

There are many programmer/analyst positions at hospitals and medical schools, especially now that folks are rolling out electronic medical records. Even if you take a pay cut, it'll make a nice transition story for your personal statement. & there's a shortage of folks who can speak both medical and technology. I also expect that it'll pay better than an entry level whatever.

You still need to get some hands-on clinical experience, but it's quite a bit easier to find volunteer clinical exposure than paid stuff.

Best of luck!

 

[pdavis68]

As someone who made the jump from IT to applying to medical school, I think that you'll be better served if you take your software engineering skills and apply them to healthcare. Do you think that there's any way that you could swing it?

Slim,

excellent thought. Hadn't even crossed my mind. As much I was hoping and praying that this would be my last programming gig, that's a good idea and then I don't have to take quite the paycut I would otherwise. I might even be able to save some money for med school.

Thanks a ton.

Pete

 

[dee1971]

Hi Pete

I am in my forth year of medicine and I have this really amazing nutrition job that I do online. It makes more money now than I will as a Doctor - but I want desparately to be a Dr. So email me if you let me know if you want to know more, because you have it all.

D

 

[RxnMan]

As someone who made the jump from IT to applying to medical school, I think that you'll be better served if you take your software engineering skills and apply them to healthcare. Do you think that there's any way that you could swing it?

There are many programmer/analyst positions at hospitals and medical schools, especially now that folks are rolling out electronic medical records. Even if you take a pay cut, it'll make a nice transition story for your personal statement. & there's a shortage of folks who can speak both medical and technology. I also expect that it'll pay better than an entry level whatever.

You still need to get some hands-on clinical experience, but it's quite a bit easier to find volunteer clinical exposure than paid stuff.

Best of luck!

I am one of those engineering-medical types, and I know that there are a number of jobs out there for people who want to apply their technology expertise to medical problems. Google for a listserver called "Biomech-l;" they frequently post med-tech jobs of all types. I'd also go online to your local med school's website and see what they have posted. The pay will be low, but I've found many research/academic jobs that look good on AMCAS, are flexible (take off time when you need, full-to-part time), and can include clinical exposure. Hope this helps.