Work While in Post Bac

[kmgfuturedoc1012]

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Hello! I've been reading and sometimes commenting, but this is my first thread!

I am currently serving in the Peace Corps for the next year and a half. I took premed courses my freshman year, but did not perform well due to unaddressed health issues (these issues have been resolved). I completed a degree in international development and have work experience in this field, as well as in education and some health advocacy. Throughout my work, my desire to work in health care never left me and I have considered many options (nursing, public health, midwifery, social work, etc.), before returning to my original dream. I have since reevaluated where I went wrong in my studies and look forward to beginning post-bacc coursework when I return to the US.

I know that I will need a good deal of clinical experience when I return and I would also like to add some research experience if I'm able. My question is-does it make sense to have a full time job in my original line of work while I study and volunteer? Or does it make more sense to start over in a lower paying field that will give me clinical experience (e.g CNA work)? I am leaning toward the latter, as I feel it's a more effective use of my time, but what would you recommend? I should note that I'm married and my spouse intends to work full time, so money may not be an issue.

 

[frosted2]

Grades need to be your TOP priority (espescially in a post-bacc). If money is not an issue with your spouse working, wait until you gauge how much time you will need to devote in order to get straight A's then go from there. If you don't have to work, I would not.

As far as paid clinical experience vs. volunteer clinical experience, I will let someone more versed on the issue chime in.

Best of luck to you!

 

[esob]

most post-bac student work from what I've seen. They typically work full time and and go to class 1/2 to full time (the majority of students) though a few post bac students are those that just did poorly as UG's and then decided to go post bac when they couldn't get into medical school so they are still living at home.

 

[RocuROMANium]

I would like to work but definitely not full time. Remember, this is pretty much our last chance so it's not worth jeopardizing our grades for an extra buck. I am a CNA at a hospital so I'm thinking about working prn in the ER which I think would come out to working a 12 hour shift once a week. This is great and all but if I feel like it's messing with my grades then i would quit. I would rather be a broke med student as opposed to a somewhat broke CNA who can't get into med school. However, I definitely recommend this pathway though because it should be manageable with your courseload and you rack up a ton of quality clinical experience.

 

[aformerstudent]

Been there done that. Do not work when you are completing a post-bacc. In fact, do not work when you are in undergrad. It is not worth it long-term.

 

[Shotapp]

I agree with the above posters. It is best not to work at all especially if you are recovering from a subpar gpa. Post-bac is our saving grace. I found a part-time job but I turned down the offer. I am still currently working at my full-time job but I have switched to prn (I am going to quit this job soon because I already have plenty of clinical experience). Do what's best for you and what you are most comfortable with. I am moving back into my mom's house so I can go full throttle in the fall.

 

[wholeheartedly]

Since money may not be an issue and grades are your primary focus, I would just do school the first semester and see how it goes. Then if you want to add something in later, go for it.

 

[MedSun]

I'll be quitting my full time job because I'm starting a post bacc program this fall (full-time). Even though I don't want to quit my job, I'm really afraid of getting a bad grade.

 

[LittlePuppy]

I'll be quitting my full time job because I'm starting a post bacc program this fall (full-time). Even though I don't want to quit my job, I'm really afraid of getting a bad grade.

How do you get by with the expenses of life? If you don't mind me asking, that is.

 

[MedSun]

How do you get by with the expenses of life? If you don't mind me asking, that is.

Luckily I don't have to pay for rent and I'm single (no children or other dependents to take care of). I have a little bit of savings but I'm planning to take out some loans too.
Part-time post bacc is a good route as well, however I just want to be done with schooling as soon as possible🙂

 

[NonTrad16]

Hello! I've been reading and sometimes commenting, but this is my first thread!

I am currently serving in the Peace Corps for the next year and a half. I took premed courses my freshman year, but did not perform well due to unaddressed health issues (these issues have been resolved). I completed a degree in international development and have work experience in this field, as well as in education and some health advocacy. Throughout my work, my desire to work in health care never left me and I have considered many options (nursing, public health, midwifery, social work, etc.), before returning to my original dream. I have since reevaluated where I went wrong in my studies and look forward to beginning post-bacc coursework when I return to the US.

I know that I will need a good deal of clinical experience when I return and I would also like to add some research experience if I'm able. My question is-does it make sense to have a full time job in my original line of work while I study and volunteer? Or does it make more sense to start over in a lower paying field that will give me clinical experience (e.g CNA work)? I am leaning toward the latter, as I feel it's a more effective use of my time, but what would you recommend? I should note that I'm married and my spouse intends to work full time, so money may not be an issue.

I worked part time in my "old" field (science but not medical in any way) while taking courses, studying for the mcat, etc. It seemed waaaay easier to keep my current job and leverage flexibility vs getting credentialed (for a healthcare job) and reestablishing myself at a new job/field (that I would expect to quit within the year or so).

Unless you're doing a full-time courseload, I can't imagine not working. I only took 5 courses, and I couldn't rush to finish them due to prerequisites (orgo 1, then 2, then biochem), so I had time to study, work, and volunteer without much issue. If you're taking 2-3 classes a semester, that would be hard to manage with family time, volunteering, coursework, and mcat stuff in addition to work... (well, that actually sounds dreadful).

If you have a 2-3 year timeline and 5-8 courses, working in your current field and making more money can be nice. (Courses and apps/interviews are expensive!) Additionally, if you have a failed cycle (like I did), it was really nice to keep my normal job without suffering too much financially (or emotionally). Working PT at a higher capacity was more enjoyable than scut work would have been...

Finally, you don't need all of the prerequisites before you apply; most important would be biochem, but if you can do what you need to for your mcat and volunteering and complete 90% of your prerequisites, you can take the remaining behavioral science or physics course during the application year.

I'd try to plan out everything in detail in both scenarios and see what works for you. Sadly, the application year is a sink (unless you have to reapply), and most of what you do in that time won't make or break your application. So, start witg a theoretical submission in June, and work back to see what it'll take, and what route makes the most sense for you.

 

[RocuROMANium]

I worked part time in my "old" field (science but not medical in any way) while taking courses, studying for the mcat, etc. It seemed waaaay easier to keep my current job and leverage flexibility vs getting credentialed (for a healthcare job) and reestablishing myself at a new job/field (that I would expect to quit within the year or so).

Unless you're doing a full-time courseload, I can't imagine not working. I only took 5 courses, and I couldn't rush to finish them due to prerequisites (orgo 1, then 2, then biochem), so I had time to study, work, and volunteer without much issue. If you're taking 2-3 classes a semester, that would be hard to manage with family time, volunteering, coursework, and mcat stuff in addition to work... (well, that actually sounds dreadful).

If you have a 2-3 year timeline and 5-8 courses, working in your current field and making more money can be nice. (Courses and apps/interviews are expensive!) Additionally, if you have a failed cycle (like I did), it was really nice to keep my normal job without suffering too much financially (or emotionally). Working PT at a higher capacity was more enjoyable than scut work would have been...

Finally, you don't need all of the prerequisites before you apply; most important would be biochem, but if you can do what you need to for your mcat and volunteering and complete 90% of your prerequisites, you can take the remaining behavioral science or physics course during the application year.

I'd try to plan out everything in detail in both scenarios and see what works for you. Sadly, the application year is a sink (unless you have to reapply), and most of what you do in that time won't make or break your application. So, start witg a theoretical submission in June, and work back to see what it'll take, and what route makes the most sense for you.

You only took 5 courses in a year or a semester?

 

[NonTrad16]

You only took 5 courses in a year or a semester?

During my postbac I ranged from 1-2 courses/semester for 1.5 years. The worst was in the beginning when I had work, 1 class (w/ lab), volunteering, and mcat studying. After I completed the mcat I picked up more volunteering, took more courses, applied (failed to get in), and followed up with 2 more courses in a semester (while working/volunteering) to satisfy requirements for a larger school list.

 

[TPappy]

My bet is that the type of work matters much less than grades and MCAT performance. I would focus first and foremost on school, choose the job that will give you the most time for studying and the right amount of money you need now to keep you going.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

1) If you work, your gig doesn't have to be medical. It can help because it pays the bills and give you clinical hours, but isn't necessary.
2) As everyone said, grades come first.
3) Most students I know were part-time. There's no need to rush. I started med school in my 30s, so don't feel like your timeline is dogmatic.
4) Give yourself time for a life. This is all crazy and stressful, but you need to allow yourself time for fun and relaxation.

 

[Blanky]

How does everyone not work?

 

[NonTrad16]

How does everyone not work?

Who said that no one works? 😵

Savings, significant others, loans, family, theft... there are lots of ways.

 

[Blanky]

Someone teach me, Id love to finish this year out even working one day a week.

 

[Blanky]

As to OP, I think it would be best to have some clinical experience paid as well as some volunteer work and/or shadowing while easing ones way back into courses. Don't over do it with course load and wind up hurting the GPA.

 

[coppernickel]

I agree with the above posters. It is best not to work at all especially if you are recovering from a subpar gpa. Post-bac is our saving grace. I found a part-time job but I turned down the offer. I am still currently working at my full-time job but I have switched to prn (I am going to quit this job soon because I already have plenty of clinical experience). Do what's best for you and what you are most comfortable with. I am moving back into my mom's house so I can go full throttle in the fall.

I second this, because I am currently doing this. I just work per diem to keep up with my commuting costs. The MCAT took all of me, plus my social life, savings, etc. If you are privileged to have parents who will let you move back in, no shame. Make a budget, really control the little money you have. I'll pay my parents back one day. They know I'm good for it!