Trying to find work...

[Punchap]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I graduated in may with a B.A. in Public Health (what am I going to do with that, right?)...well, I've been searching for entry-level clinical work. I've applied for a number of positions (ER tech, Patient Care Assistant, etc.), but it seems that there are more-qualified applicants out there b/c they don't seem to want to hire me (tend to prefer nursing students and already trained people).

I am at a loss. I've tried looking in non-profit fields, health administration/clerical. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I might try next? I have a year to kill before med school (hopefully I get accepted this round).

I've never been unemployed/out of school this long (3+ months) and I'm going crazy at home. Please help.

 

[Punchap]

bump

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

Try looking at human resources/employment websites at large research universities. With the large universities there are often many 'research assistant' opportunities in various fields e.g. clinical, public health, or basic science. It will give you a paycheck as well as research time for those applications and interviews...its a start

 

[profstudent]

I'm in same boat as you. I just graduated with BA degrees in Psychology and Sociology and am now realizing how non-marketable those degrees are in the real world (at least compared to some others). I'm currently looking for research/hospital jobs and I seem to have found a decent amount in the employment section of each hospital's website. I've also signed up for Monster, but haven't found too much on that. Oh and Craigslist seems to have some things under the "medical/health" section. Anybody know of any other good sites for finding clinical and/or research jobs?

 

[Punchap]

Thanks...I appreciate both your replies. And good luck finding work profstudent.

 

[BrianD]

I would try to contact your old classmates if you keep in touch with them for leads. That is how I laneded my last research position.

I know in many jobs, especially reseach, a current tech vouching for someone gives you a lot better chance than just sending in a resume.

 

[walkoffhr]

I don't know if it's too late to do AmeriCorps, but that's what I'm doing. A degree in Public Health would help you out a lot there. If you're willing to relocate, check out the CDC's website. I remember there being several jobs/internships listed when I looked at it a couple of months ago.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I was offered a job as an ER tech at the regional trauma center after volunteering there for a little while, with assurances that they'd put me in Crash ASAP. My current job gives me much better hours, allowing me to do all my triathlon training, and I make a lot more money, so I didn't take it, but it was all about who I knew. Maybe take some crappy job and spend some time volunteering to get your foot in the door

 

[ScubaEMT]

If you really want an ER tech job or something similar, go ahead and get your EMT. Most areas offer accelerated programs that you can complete in as little as 3 weeks. If you dont have SOME sort of training in the care of sick/injured patients, you are going to have a VERY hard time obtaining any sort of position that provides you with true clinical experience.

 

[desijigga]

OP, I'm in the same situation I have been applying everywhere (hospital sites, research labs, monster...) With no luck so far. All I'm getting offered are entry level marketing positions, which of course I'm not interested in. Most of the health care jobs out there require a RN license, MA license, or PT license. I also only have a year to pass by (hopefully, I really want to get in somewhere this year) and never been unemployed through out my college life. Now I'm realizing the worth of a Biology Degree. As for the EMT courses, how much do they cost? I'm so broke now, already spend more than 3000+ on Kaplan, primaries, MCAT, and now I'm sending out my secondaries, so thats like an extra 500 there. Sigh! I wish I can find me a leprechaun with a pot of gold...

 

[ViolinCello]

I should post my job availabilities on SDN from now on 🙂 Maybe this is a regional issue, as I usually can't find people to hire.

My advice for you, look for clinical research jobs: you may do less direct clinical than you would if you were a tech, but you may get quite a bit out of the experience, and get a lot of research experience. Those jobs are a dime a dozen in the university settings. Also, the private practice doc offices will say they want MA, but they do hire people w/o training -- I have friends calling several times/month asking about any students that might be interested. Lastly, I know many people that have founds jobs by calling places they volunteered at, or shadowed, etc. Be persistent, but know the limits as well. And remember, if you get a job answering phones at a doctor's office, it doesn't mean that you can't show motivation, and move up in a couple of months. Sometimes, it's all about getting your foot in the door.

 

[Punchap]

Thanks again for all the replies...I'll keep on keeping on. Good luck to others in similar positions!