Not sure what else to do?

[lilmiscassie92]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I spoke with a professor (he's also on the pre-professional committee) who is going to write me a letter when the time comes, but he said he wanted me to "beef up" my extracurriculars within the next year before he does so. I've been listening to my pre-med adviser, and he said not to do any research until after I have completed a full year of organic chemistry; he also hasn't mentioned anything else I should be doing at this time. My professor also said I needed more direct-patient care experience because volunteering at a hospital for a year and a half/2 years isn't going to give me that hands on experience. I was offered a research position by one of my professors in the psych department, but it would be for a minimum of 3 semesters. My adviser said doing research in the psych department would be fine. I'm not sure whether I should pass on this research opportunity and take an EMT course next semester so that I can gain more patient experience that way, or if I should do the research. I'm taking 13 credits this semester, including o chem. The EMT course is 9 credits, but I don't think it's financial aid eligible, so I would need to take it on top of 13 credits at my university.

 

[Catalystik]

I spoke with a professor (he's also on the pre-professional committee) who is going to write me a letter when the time comes, but he said he wanted me to "beef up" my extracurriculars within the next year before he does so. I've been listening to my pre-med adviser, and he said not to do any research until after I have completed a full year of organic chemistry; he also hasn't mentioned anything else I should be doing at this time. My professor also said I needed more direct-patient care experience because volunteering at a hospital for a year and a half/2 years isn't going to give me that hands on experience. I was offered a research position by one of my professors in the psych department, but it would be for a minimum of 3 semesters. My adviser said doing research in the psych department would be fine. I'm not sure whether I should pass on this research opportunity and take an EMT course next semester so that I can gain more patient experience that way, or if I should do the research. I'm taking 13 credits this semester, including o chem. The EMT course is 9 credits, but I don't think it's financial aid eligible, so I would need to take it on top of 13 credits at my university.

Psych research is fine, especially if you add responsibilities with time, have some input into the process, and/or eventually design your own project. As long as you are interacting with patients in the hospital environment, you will be getting sufficient active clinical experience, even if you never touch the sick people. If all you do is stock cabinets, then ask to change to another department, or try a skilled-level nursing home, rehab center, hospice, etc. instead. Besides these two areas, you'll eventually want to get in some physician shadowing (a passive observership), nonmedical community service to those in need, and maybe some teaching (TA, tutor, coach, mentor, etc) and peer leadership. Hobbies and artistic pursuits also have a place on the application so as to look well-rounded and more interesting. The EMT course won't help you much unless you can get a job or volunteer position where you use the skills gained.

 

[SnakeOilForSale]

he said not to do any research until after I have completed a full year of organic chemistry

I have never heard of this before. I started doing research in my second semester before I had taken any medical prereqs.

Anyway, some volunteer ambulances will let you ride with only a CPR/BLS certification in lieu of the EMT, so look around and see what your area has to offer. If not, I'd say you're capable of doing thirteen credits, and EMT course, and the research, provided it isn't a full-time fourty hours a week gig. I'd really say go for it, do as much as you can.

And, EMT is not the only route to direct patient care/clinical observation. Try volunteering at a teaching hospital or a free clinic, they're generally less strict with privacy and will let you get more involved. Scribing is also an option, as well as various other short-coursed technician certifications.

 

[lilmiscassie92]

Scribing is also an option, as well as various other short-coursed technician certifications.

Thank you for your reply.

Could you suggest any other short-course technician certifications aside from EMT or CNA?

 

[Catalystik]

Phlebotomist.

 

[amygdala2]

I recommend volunteering at a clinic! I did and was able to get a lot of patient contact experience, much more than from my hospital volunteering

 

[Double A]

I think he wants you to wait on the research because he thinks it'll be too much while you're in ochem.

I would suggest talking to your volunteer coordinator to see if you can get a position with patient contact. For example, I spent time in a playroom at a kids hospital. Paying and spending the time and effort to get a certification just to get some patient contact seems extreme to me. I'm not sure why it is so highly recommended around here.

A long-term project that is probably not lab work sounds like a good deal. I'd go with it.

 

[mvenus929]

Phlebotomist.

Second this. Plus, if you work in a clinical lab, the experience there will help understand lab tests more in med school. Depending on the hospital, you can sometimes get a job as a phlebotomist without any previous training, since it's such a high turnover job.

 

[PanRoasted]

I would highly advise against going for EMT-B training, from personal experience. It's just too difficult to find a good job, and the training is really quite extensive (and EXPENSIVE). If you're going for hours, definitely try CNA or the other suggestions that have been given.