Thanks a lot guys for your help and the great information. I'll definitely consider working part-time as a phlebotomist. If I can't do it this year, then I'll try again next year.
I was extremely interested in working as a phleb to gain clinical experience for medical school and to have something that would stand out on my application.
Willen, thanks a lot for your offer of help. When working as a phleb and later in clinical lab medicine, did you feel that your job significantly detracted from the time you spent studying, from being involved on campus, and later from the time spent on the MCAT? Also, what would be the best way to find a job in a hospital?
Gettheleadout, I don't know about the second semester. My PI won't let me work more than 10-15 hours a week since he insists that I have a comfortable transition to college but I'll be putting in at least 20-25 hours a week the second semester to make up for the first semester and since I'll be assigned my own project. At least for the first semester, I'll be volunteering at a local hospital and a local community clinic to gain experience in working with my local community in addition to shadowing physicians. I might continue with the same things for the second semester.
Halethsonofhama, I'll be sure to find some people to practice on 😉
Mvenus, I'll definitely reconsider just taking the class for the experience.
One last question: From the perspective of the med school application process, would it be more advisable to immediately start working now or see how my first year goes for me and then get into the job? I guess what I'm trying to say is that will it hurt my application if I start working later?