After aspiring doctors complete their undergraduate studies, they may take a gap year. This period is a break between your undergraduate studies and medical school. A gap year may help you prepare for medical school by allowing you to gain work experience and improve your applications.
In this article, we explain what a medical school gap year is, discuss the pros and cons of taking one, and list jobs that can help you optimize this break from your education.
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What is a medical school gap year?
A medical school gap year is the time between the competition of your undergraduate studies and the beginning of medical school. This period may serve as a break from academia or an opportunity to gain experience and explore your interests in the medical field. In some cases, individuals take a gap break to reapply to medical school. Gap years are typically one year but may be longer depending on your situation and the start date of your program.
Pros and cons of a medical school gap year
Here are some pros and cons of taking a medical school gap year:
Pros
Here are the pros of taking a medical school gap year:
More experience
Getting a job during your gap year allows you to gain relevant experience you can add to your medical school application. For example, instead of devoting this time to your primary or secondary applications, you might gain more research experience. If you have little patient care experience, you can pursue a job in the medical field to serve as an introduction.
Better GPA
Medical schools often set a minimum grade point average (GPA) as an acceptance requirement. If you want to improve your GPA to make yourself a more competitive candidate, you can use your gap year to improve it. Consider a science-based master’s program to demonstrate your competency at this academic level. You can also pursue a special master’s program to improve your transcript.
Improved MCAT score
If you want to improve your Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score, you can use your gap year to improve it. Though you likely studied for it when you had a full schedule of classes, the lack of academic obligations during a gap year may give you more time. Consider taking a prep course and refining your test-taking strategies.
Cons of a medical school gap year
Here are some cons of taking a medical school gap year:
More time to become a doctor
Becoming a doctor can take anywhere from seven to 12 years of school. Some students decide to forgo a gap year to not prolong their education any longer than necessary. In some cases, taking an extra year can help you obtain the necessary education and experience to improve your chances of success in medical school.
Break from education
If you’ve consistently been in school throughout your life, it can be challenging to take a break for a year and return to your education. Consider preparing for a rigorous medical school curriculum by studying and reviewing key concepts. You might also pursue learning opportunities at your gap year job.
Planning requirements
Relevant employment and volunteer opportunities might not be available unless you plan. You can ensure you gain the appropriate experience by seeking these positions several months before your gap year starts. If other candidates are also proactive, you can ensure you differentiate yourself by highlighting your unique skills and career goals.
8 medical school gap year jobs
Here are eight jobs that can provide you with clinical experience and patient interaction during a medical school gap year.
1. Medical scribe
National average salary: $34,545 per year
Primary duties: A medical scribe documents interactions between physicians and patients. They may take notes during patient interviews and enter this information into a facility’s database. Other duties include obtaining medical records from external parties and scheduling consultations.
2. Medical receptionist
National average salary: $38,349 per year
Primary duties: A medical receptionist is a front-desk employee at a healthcare facility like a doctor’s office or hospital. They answer phone calls, greet visitors, and file paperwork. Medical receptionists may also alert patients of upcoming appointments and process payments.
3. Research Assistant
National average salary: $39,603 per year
Primary duties: A research assistant helps primary researchers with various tasks to support research activities. Their duties depend on the research project and their field. Some of a research assistant’s duties may include preparing interview questions, conducting literature reviews, summarizing research findings, creating progress reports, and attending project meetings.
4. Medical assistant
National average salary: $42,526 per year
Primary duties: A medical assistant supports nurses and physicians in a health care setting. They perform clerical tasks including answering telephones, greeting patients, completing insurance forms, scheduling appointments, and overseeing a facility’s correspondence. Medical assistants may also perform exams, collect patient samples, and measure vital signs.
5. Nursing Assistant
National average salary: $44,281 per year
Primary duties: A nursing assistant provides care to patients in a medical facility. They feed and bathe patients, check their vital signs, help with medical procedures, and monitor any changes in a patient’s behavior. Nursing assistants also document medical histories and report observations to lead nurses.
6. Emergency medical technician (EMT)
National average salary: $44,955 per year
Primary duties: An emergency medical technician (EMT) performs basic interventions to help save lives at the scene of an emergency. They respond to emergency calls for medical assistance, evaluate a patient’s condition, and determine a course of treatment. EMTs also offer first-aid treatment and life support services and transport patients to a medical facility via ambulance.
7. Community director
National average salary: $67,118 per year
Primary duties: A community director oversees the recreational activities at a healthcare facility. They may support patient socialization by organizing exercise classes or art workshops. Other duties include managing budgets and providing family members with updates.
8. Clinical research associate
National average salary: $81,728 per year
Primary duties: A clinical research associate performs duties related to medical research and products that are in the testing phases. They help ensure the safety of biotechnological and pharmaceutical products. Clinical research associates also assist with the development of a clinical plan and coordinate the protocol review.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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