Low quality clinical experience

[Doofenschmirtz]

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If most of my clinical volunteering hours are at a hospital (with patient contact), is that considered to be really, really "low quality" clinical experience? I have a lot at the hospital (more so simply interacting with patients) and a bit at a clinic (taking vitals, checking them in, etc.) (so like 700 hours overall (500/200 split)

My advisor told me that if I don't have EMT/CNA experience its not good and all my other experiences are really low quality clinical experience/kinda mediocre. I just got my EMT license and he said to use it now, but MCAT studying has also been stressful. If I'm applying in a few months, is it worth getting a job now (I probably will get a job in the summer as an EMT anyways after MCAT)

I know there are various threads about this, but ppl here usually say "if you're close enough to smell patients, its clinical experience." This is more about quality. Thanks for any advice! (Be brutal!)

 

[Cinemed]

First off: med school advisers are not created equal. Focusing on your MCAT is your top priority; if you can't balance EMT with studying and are not absolutely forced to work for the $$$, don't do it. Ideally, the easiest thing to fix on your app will be your "low quality clinical experience." Which is all in your head, by the way. I've seen students matriculate with NO clinical experience (actually, I think one tacked on 20 hours of volunteering right before interviewing). If you've learned something of value during your 700 hours of volunteering and can articulate those experiences well, you've had great clinical experiences. I would much rather have the student who spent 700 hours at 1-2 places than the applicant who hopped around to 15 different sites for a day or three -- your commitment is admirable. Best of luck on your MCAT. 🙂

 

[Lannister]

What a load of crap. 700 hours of clinical volunteering is fantastic. EMT is fine but it's absolutely nothing special, a significant percentage of applicants have EMT experience.

 

[el_duderino]

Your clinical experience sounds perfectly fine. You don't need EMT experience.

 

[Spectar]

We need a regulating body for pre-med advisors.

 

[Isoval]

I have just 200 hours of clinical volunteering (with patient contact) and nothing else in the clinical arena.

I received four TMDSAS (Texas school) interviews - out of nine to which I applied - and will be matriculating at one next year.
* (Texas schools are a little weird compared to the general population - your mileage may vary)

You’re fine. That doesn’t mean stop, but you’re fine.

As others have stated, MCAT takes priority. Over everything. Always. If your advisor told you different, nod your head and slowly back out of his office, then break out an MCAT flash cards app on the way to your next class.

As an aside, I would like to say that the idea of clinical volunteering - especially with patient contact - being a “low quality” experience is so ridiculous that it’s laughable.

 

[Robin-jay]

700 sounds reasonable.