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How can I make money while being in medical school?
It would be nice to make money on the side while being in school. Getting experience from it is good too
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jasmine’s Answer
While medical school can be a demanding and time-consuming experience, there are still ways to make money on the side and gain valuable experience. It's important to remember to prioritize your studies and not take on too much. Make sure to balance your work with your academic and personal commitments.
Here are a few options to consider:
Tutoring: If you excel in a specific subject or have a strong academic background, you can offer tutoring services to other students in your program or in undergraduate programs. This can be done in person or online.
Freelance writing or editing: If you have strong writing or editing skills, you can offer your services to individuals or companies in need. This can be done on a freelance basis and can be a flexible way to earn money.
Research assistant: Many professors or researchers may be in need of research assistants to help with data collection, analysis, and other tasks. This can be a great way to gain research experience while also earning money.
Medical scribe: As a medical student, you have the knowledge and skills to assist physicians in charting patient encounters. Medical scribing can be a great way to gain clinical experience while also earning money.
Part-time job: If you have the time and energy, consider getting a part-time job in a field related to medicine or healthcare. This can be a great way to gain practical experience while also earning money.
Here are a few options to consider:
jasmine recommends the following next steps:
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Madison
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
As a current medical student, my advice is to just focus on your studies. None of my peers who tried to hold a side job did particularly well academically. Some of them were already medical scribes/EMTs who took shifts during breaks, but they didn't work during classes. I disagree with all of the people who have answered this question recommending stuff like Doordash or a part-time job. None of them have been to medical school, based on their profiles.
Here's some personal experience: During an easy block, I study 40-50 hours a week. In my last block, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Renal (the hardest one in my medical school's program), I was probably studying 70-80 hrs a week for 11 weeks straight. There is no way to keep up with the demand of your classes, your clinical requirements, and also have a side job during classes. Once you're in your third and fourth year, you literally work in the hospital full-time. You can't add a part-time job to that without seriously risking burnout and catastrophic impacts on your mental health. If you want to work in the summer, that's fine. My summer break is only three weeks, so I don't think it's worth finding a job for that scant amount of time when I really do need the time off for my mental health.
Are medical school debt and loans kind of scary? Yeah. But once you have your degree, it's easier to pay it off. A lot of states even have loan repayment programs if you work for underserved communities, and there are so many scholarship opportunities. Most medical schools provide stipends to help with living and transportation costs. That money does come out of your student loans, but as long as you budget appropriately, I don't think it's an unreasonable amount of money, depending on your medical school program and the cost of living. No matter what, it is better for you financially, mentally, and physically to focus on your studies during medical school and not try to overexert yourself with extra work on the side. It's much easier to pay off your med school loans once you have your MD than it is to try to pay them off after you have to drop out because you burn out and can't keep up with the curriculum.
I've seen, like, 20 people in my class this year overexert themselves and burn out, and a lot of them have to either repeat the year or drop out entirely. I really don't recommend trying to find a job during medical school. It's hard enough as it is.
Here's some personal experience: During an easy block, I study 40-50 hours a week. In my last block, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Renal (the hardest one in my medical school's program), I was probably studying 70-80 hrs a week for 11 weeks straight. There is no way to keep up with the demand of your classes, your clinical requirements, and also have a side job during classes. Once you're in your third and fourth year, you literally work in the hospital full-time. You can't add a part-time job to that without seriously risking burnout and catastrophic impacts on your mental health. If you want to work in the summer, that's fine. My summer break is only three weeks, so I don't think it's worth finding a job for that scant amount of time when I really do need the time off for my mental health.
Are medical school debt and loans kind of scary? Yeah. But once you have your degree, it's easier to pay it off. A lot of states even have loan repayment programs if you work for underserved communities, and there are so many scholarship opportunities. Most medical schools provide stipends to help with living and transportation costs. That money does come out of your student loans, but as long as you budget appropriately, I don't think it's an unreasonable amount of money, depending on your medical school program and the cost of living. No matter what, it is better for you financially, mentally, and physically to focus on your studies during medical school and not try to overexert yourself with extra work on the side. It's much easier to pay off your med school loans once you have your MD than it is to try to pay them off after you have to drop out because you burn out and can't keep up with the curriculum.
I've seen, like, 20 people in my class this year overexert themselves and burn out, and a lot of them have to either repeat the year or drop out entirely. I really don't recommend trying to find a job during medical school. It's hard enough as it is.
Thank you for the advice.
Moshe Krupnick
Updated
Gianni’s Answer
There are so many opportunities for students to explore! Your major might lead to a challenging class schedule, but consider jobs that offer flexibility or allow you to do homework on the side. Some ideas include: on-campus employment (look at your school's website), nearby businesses (breakfast, lunch, shops, delivery, etc.), Uber, DoorDash (Uber Eats, Grubhub – these are popular among college students!), babysitting, tutoring, paid internships in your field, writing papers online, or even starting your own small business! The key is to be eager to work hard, and even if the pay isn't high, the valuable experience and strong work ethic you'll gain will benefit your future!
Thank you!
Madison
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
If you are trying to gain some medical experience, try part-time work at a doctor's office or local hospital. There are many part-time opportunities that will work with your schedule and you can gain real-life experience. Good luck!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Madison
Updated
Midwest’s Answer
While there may be multiple options for making money during medical school, the most important thing that you can do is focus on your classes, clinical rotations, and testing. Never forget that these must take priority and if these suffer you may regret this later. Nonetheless, there may be some opportunity to make supplemental income during your time in medical school, which may include but are not limited to:
1) Medical scribe - This may be available at your or a nearby institution
2) Research subject - This is typically available at large academic institutions
3) Tutoring/teaching - You could work part time as a tutor or teacher. One common way to do this is to teach MCAT preparation classes to college students, if you did well on the MCAT. You could also do the same as a private tutor, or could even teach different topics to high school students
4) Non-medical jobs - Many of these part time jobs may be available, but you importantly should make an honest assessment of whether the time required to do them is worth the amount that they pay. Only you can answer that, depending on your personal financial situation.
1) Medical scribe - This may be available at your or a nearby institution
2) Research subject - This is typically available at large academic institutions
3) Tutoring/teaching - You could work part time as a tutor or teacher. One common way to do this is to teach MCAT preparation classes to college students, if you did well on the MCAT. You could also do the same as a private tutor, or could even teach different topics to high school students
4) Non-medical jobs - Many of these part time jobs may be available, but you importantly should make an honest assessment of whether the time required to do them is worth the amount that they pay. Only you can answer that, depending on your personal financial situation.
Updated
Anahi’s Answer
Making money while in medical school can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the program. However, here are a few suggestions to explore:
1. Scholarships and grants: Look for scholarships or grants specifically available to medical students. Many organizations, institutions, and medical associations offer financial assistance based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria. Research and apply for these opportunities.
2. Part-time or flexible jobs: Seek part-time or flexible job opportunities that can accommodate your medical school schedule. These could include working as a tutor, research assistant, medical scribe, or in administrative roles at healthcare facilities. Some hospitals or clinics may have positions suitable for medical students.
3. Medical school programs and fellowships: Some medical schools offer paid programs or fellowships that allow students to work on research projects or assist with teaching. These programs can provide a stipend or financial support while gaining valuable experience in your field.
4. Clinical trials or medical studies: Consider participating in clinical trials or medical studies as a way to earn extra income. These opportunities may be available within your medical school or at research institutions nearby. However, it's important to carefully consider the time commitment and any potential risks involved.
5. Online freelancing or remote work: Explore freelance opportunities that can be done remotely, such as medical writing, medical transcription, or medical coding. Platforms like Upwork or freelance websites specific to the medical field may offer such opportunities.
6. Teaching or tutoring: If you excel in a particular subject, you can explore opportunities to teach or tutor other students. This could include offering tutoring services in medical or science-related subjects or teaching pre-med courses.
Remember to prioritize your studies and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Medical school can be demanding, so it's essential to allocate sufficient time for studying, clinical rotations, and self-care.
1. Scholarships and grants: Look for scholarships or grants specifically available to medical students. Many organizations, institutions, and medical associations offer financial assistance based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria. Research and apply for these opportunities.
2. Part-time or flexible jobs: Seek part-time or flexible job opportunities that can accommodate your medical school schedule. These could include working as a tutor, research assistant, medical scribe, or in administrative roles at healthcare facilities. Some hospitals or clinics may have positions suitable for medical students.
3. Medical school programs and fellowships: Some medical schools offer paid programs or fellowships that allow students to work on research projects or assist with teaching. These programs can provide a stipend or financial support while gaining valuable experience in your field.
4. Clinical trials or medical studies: Consider participating in clinical trials or medical studies as a way to earn extra income. These opportunities may be available within your medical school or at research institutions nearby. However, it's important to carefully consider the time commitment and any potential risks involved.
5. Online freelancing or remote work: Explore freelance opportunities that can be done remotely, such as medical writing, medical transcription, or medical coding. Platforms like Upwork or freelance websites specific to the medical field may offer such opportunities.
6. Teaching or tutoring: If you excel in a particular subject, you can explore opportunities to teach or tutor other students. This could include offering tutoring services in medical or science-related subjects or teaching pre-med courses.
Remember to prioritize your studies and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Medical school can be demanding, so it's essential to allocate sufficient time for studying, clinical rotations, and self-care.
Updated
James’s Answer
hi madison. i went to medical school in the 1990s. the money making opportunities that i can still remember were phlebotomist and research subject.
although all medical students did a short stint of phlebotomy training, some of the students got additional training that allowed them to work in the hospital drawing blood. one of my best friends did that for much of medical school and said that the pay was reasonable.
research is a top priority for medical centers and, therefore, they are typically always recruiting for study subjects. not all of these are paid, and for many the pay isn't substantial. but you might find one that meets your needs.
i'd like to reiterate some of the good advice from previous replies.
1) your studies should take precedence.
2) medical scribing is proving to be one of the best options available today for medical students to gain practical experience.
this last piece of advice is not going to be something you want to hear, especially since it sounds to me like the point of your question was that you're worried about student loan debt accumulation. however, any extra money earned should first be used to maximize your retirement savings, such as with an annual 401K contribution. only after you've done that should you consider student loan debt reduction.
good luck!
research "medical scribing"
research "phlebotomist training"
although all medical students did a short stint of phlebotomy training, some of the students got additional training that allowed them to work in the hospital drawing blood. one of my best friends did that for much of medical school and said that the pay was reasonable.
research is a top priority for medical centers and, therefore, they are typically always recruiting for study subjects. not all of these are paid, and for many the pay isn't substantial. but you might find one that meets your needs.
i'd like to reiterate some of the good advice from previous replies.
1) your studies should take precedence.
2) medical scribing is proving to be one of the best options available today for medical students to gain practical experience.
this last piece of advice is not going to be something you want to hear, especially since it sounds to me like the point of your question was that you're worried about student loan debt accumulation. however, any extra money earned should first be used to maximize your retirement savings, such as with an annual 401K contribution. only after you've done that should you consider student loan debt reduction.
good luck!
James recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much!
Moshe Krupnick
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