work part time and classes, or just classes?

[jintonic5]

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hey everyone, i'm trying to figure out what i want to do when i graduate next may. i know that i need to improve upon my academic record somehow, so i think that a post bacc or masters program is probably in order. At this point i'm also considering since i'm taking time off before med school if i should take advantage of that and work in the medical field doing EMT work or something along with classes. any thoughts?

 

[PeasOnToast]

Ok, so the classes are definite. That'll be good.

However, EMT training takes a while which wouldn't leave you much time ( a few months) to really "work". Honestly, I think your out of class time would be better spent in some unique volunteer experience. Schools love things that are really out of the ordinary and that aren't self-gratifying (EMT can be about the glamour, where working the night shift in a homeless shelter is not). You wouldn't believe how many times I got asked in interviews about the work I did serving tea in a prison in England while I was going to school there. Find a single project or community commitment to make for the year and double that up with your classes instead of work. That's my two cents.

 

[ellerose]

On the other hand, having great hands on experience in the medical field is a big plus, and you may get some personal statement-quality stories. Not that working in a soup-kitchen or shelter won't get you great stories to tell in your interviews. I think schools look for altruism as well as significant clinical experience. If you can get both at the same time, that's great. If you need the money, I would go for working in a clinical setting, since you are working for the public good anyway (and the application process costs big bucks). If you are independently wealthy, then simply volunteer. I would argue that if you are lacking on your clinical experience, that working as an EMT or other entry-level medical professional would be better for your application than simply volunteering, especially if it is not directly medically related.

 

[jintonic5]

hey thanks for the feedback 🙂
I really like the sound of doing volunteer work, but when it comes right down to it, bills have to get paid. How long does it take to get certified to be an EMT?

 

[ellerose]

Depending on where you are, about a semester long course, usually at a community college. It's about 5 credit hours, and can boost your undergrad GPA. There are other threads about discussing EMT courses and some accelerated offerings in different parts of the country. Don't know much about those. I would look into community colleges in your area and ask around. After the course work, you get tested at your state level, and then at the national level. As long as you keep your national certification current, you can get a job in about any state...EMTs are usually in high demand. The next level beyond EMT certification is medic/paramedic certification, which is a bit longer training (I don't know specifics). You get trained to do even more stuff than an EMT, and you would be in even higher demand (usually higher pay, too). I hope this helps.