When to Start Looking for Gap Year Jobs? (Clinical)

[JackInTheBeanStalk]

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Hey friends!

So I am graduating in May of 2018 and will be applying to medical school during 2018-19 gap year. When should I start looking for a job for that same year? I don't want to do research and would prefer to work in a place where I can get clinical exposure. So when should I apply and also what type of job should I be looking for?

Thank you!

 

[Kpw101]

Your best bet would be as a medical assistant that does their training in house and doesn't require certifications or something like patient transport/patient care assistant in a hospital. You could get a phlebotomist certification or an EMT certification. With the EMT certification you can be out on the field or work in the hospital as an ER tech (or both if you're a workaholic).

Personally I'd find another better paying job in research. You'll make more money and then you can find a clinical volunteering position (much easier to get than a job). You'll have the benefits of strengthening both research/clinical experience in your gap year.

EDIT: Start looking for a job at least 3-4 months out. Give them your true start date. A mistake would be starting to look as you start your gap year so you have no income coming in until you find a job.

 

[JackInTheBeanStalk]

Your best bet would be as a medical assistant that does their training in house and doesn't require certifications or something like patient transport/patient care assistant in a hospital. You could get a phlebotomist certification or an EMT certification. With the EMT certification you can be out on the field or work in the hospital as an ER tech (or both if you're a workaholic).

Personally I'd find another better paying job in research. You'll make more money and then you can find a clinical volunteering position (much easier to get than a job). You'll have the benefits of strengthening both research/clinical experience in your gap year.

EDIT: Start looking for a job at least 3-4 months out. Give them your true start date. A mistake would be starting to look as you start your gap year so you have no income coming in until you find a job.

Good call on the research and clinical double tap. Thanks! In regards to medical assistant how does one find a job for that? I have had trouble finding information online.

 

[Kpw101]

Good call on the research and clinical double tap. Thanks! In regards to medical assistant how does one find a job for that? I have had trouble finding information online.

Try sites like Craigslist or Indeed and make mass calls. Usually an MA position that doesn't require certs will say: "Will train the correct person." These jobs form my experience are just looking for someone with a great personality, coach-able, and has time to commit. Send your resume to whoever you can and hope for the best.