Non-trad research struggles

[foreverlearner02]

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Hey guys!
I graduated about 2 years ago and have been working as an MA while doing a DIY post bac. I've been wanting to do a year of research but it seems like all the research opportunities are for students enrolled in undergrad. Being undergrad is a prereq for many of the summer programs/university labs. Anyone have advice on how to get involved as a nontrad or any specific programs for recent grads (domestic and international opportunities alike)?

There are some NIH/CDC/ORISE recent grad stuff but its super competitive and im not sure if id be considered as a post-bac student.

 

[Talkbirthytome]

Hey guys!
I graduated about 2 years ago and have been working as an MA while doing a DIY post bac. I've been wanting to do a year of research but it seems like all the research opportunities are for students enrolled in undergrad. Being undergrad is a prereq for many of the summer programs/university labs. Anyone have advice on how to get involved as a nontrad or any specific programs for recent grads (domestic and international opportunities alike)?

There are some NIH/CDC/ORISE recent grad stuff but its super competitive and im not sure if id be considered as a post-bac student.

Are you working in a hospital environment? Sometimes the clinicians at the hospital are working on research projects or can link you to someone who is involved.

 

[foreverlearner02]

Are you working in a hospital environment? Sometimes the clinicians at the hospital are working on research projects or can link you to someone who is involved.

No, private practice 🙁

 

[Talkbirthytome]

Try contacting the NIH/CDC and see if you would be considered. Otherwise, it's a pretty tough go if you're not affiliated.

 

[curbsideconsult]

Research is not necessary for med school acceptance, especially for non-trads. But if you're really itching to do research, just type in "research" into the search bar of a website like Indeed and start applying like crazy.

 

[Naruhodo]

I didn't do it personally, but this always seemed like a sweet gig: Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (Postbac IRTA/CRTA) - Training Programs in the Biomedical Sciences - Office of Intramural Training & Education at the National Institutes of Health

 

[ClimbsRox]

You would qualify for the NIH IRTA. Its not as competitive as you might think. Its more about the lineup of availability and opportunity, rather than outright competition. Put an application in and contact lots of labs.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Why do you want to do research? Serious question, because if your reason is to make you more competitive for med school, don't bother. You don't need it, especially a non-trad, and your time is better used elsewhere. If it's just because you like research, there are ways to do it. You can find a professor you had in school who is doing something who will take you on as a volunteer, you can do a project on your own (if it's not wet lab), you can apply for the IRTA, etc.

 

[deleted480308]

You don’t need research for med school

 

[Goro]

You don’t need research for med school

Especially as a non-trad!

 

[catlady87]

I wanted to do research after completing a career-changer post-bac but had no luck finding a position. I applied for a bunch of lab positions at several university medical centers, and also tried to network a bit, but was rejected everywhere. I think it’s hard to get a research position if you have no experience, and getting that first experience if you’re no longer in a university setting is tough. I would have been happy to do some work for free, but I couldn’t realistically work full time for free since I also had to make money and pay for med school applications.

In the end, I applied with no research experience, and got into several schools, including 2 which would be considered research powerhouses. I’ve found it’s much easier to get involved in research as a med student, even if you have no experience.