If you are a pre-med student, getting certified as a Medical Assistant (MA) can be highly beneficial. You can gain practical experience, enhance your skill set, and strengthen your medical school applications through clinical hours, hands-on skills, valuable recommendations, and a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.
Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Medical Assistant as a pre-med student and how you can take the first step at ACI Medical & Dental School!
Is Working As A Medical Assistant Good For Med School?
Here are some of the key advantages of working as a Medical Assistant as a pre-med student:
Hands-On Skills Learned
Medical Assistant students gain valuable knowledge and hands-on skills, including but not limited to:
- Phlebotomy: Drawing blood and performing venipunctures.
- Electrocardiograms (EKGs): Administering and interpreting basic heart function tests.
- Patient Interaction: Communicating with patients, taking medical histories, and measuring vital signs.
- Assisting in Procedures: Supporting physicians during exams and minor surgical procedures. These foundational skills give pre-med students a practical understanding of medical procedures and patient care.
- Anatomy: Medical Assistant students gain an understanding of anatomy and physiology terminology as part of their coursework.
Understanding the Healthcare System
Through their role, Medical Assistants gain a comprehensive understanding of how healthcare systems operate, including:
- Patient Management: Handling patient records, scheduling, and insurance paperwork.
- Healthcare Team Dynamics: Observing and participating in the collaborative efforts of healthcare teams.
This knowledge can be extremely helpful in medical school and future medical careers, offering a broader perspective on patient care.
Exposure to Various Medical Fields
Working as an MA exposes students to different medical specialties. This can help them make informed decisions about their future specialization and gain a deeper understanding of various medical fields.
Professional Development
Certification as a Medical Assistant can boost a student’s resume, showcasing their dedication to the medical field and their proactive approach to gaining relevant experience. It also demonstrates the ability to balance academic schedules with professional responsibilities.
You can work as an MA while completing med school to help with your tuition and build valuable networking opportunities!
Letters of Recommendation
Working closely with doctors and healthcare professionals in clinical settings can lead to strong letters of recommendation. These letters can be crucial for medical school applications as they provide insights into the student’s work ethic, skills, and dedication from experienced medical professionals.
Enhanced Patient Communication Skills
MAs frequently interact with patients, improving their ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. These communication skills are essential for any medical professional.
Confidence Building
The experience and knowledge gained through working as an MA can build confidence in handling medical tasks, interacting with patients, and understanding medical terminologies and procedures. This confidence can translate into better performance during medical school interviews and practical exams.
Clinical Hours Gained
Most importantly, medical schools usually require applicants to have clinical experience. Working as an MA provides ample opportunity to accumulate clinical hours, demonstrating a commitment to patient care and an understanding of the healthcare environment.
Read on for a breakdown of recommended clinical hours for med school applicants!
How Many Clinical Hours Do I Need For Med School?
Most medical schools do not set a strict number of required clinical hours for applicants, but rather look for substantial clinical experience. This can vary based on the institution.
- Competitive Hours for Applicants: Competitive medical school applicants typically have a minimum baseline of around 100 to 150 clinical hours. This is not a hard and fast rule, but rather a general guideline.
- Quality Over Quantity: Admissions committees often emphasize the quality and impact of clinical experiences rather than just the number of hours. They look for dedication and meaningful patient interactions.
- Type of Clinical Work: Direct patient care roles, such as those of an MA, are highly valued.
Ultimately, medical schools are looking for applicants who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to patient care through their clinical experiences, which is why working as a Medical Assistant is a perfect way to get ahead!
Get Clinical Experience At ACI Medical & Dental School!
Conveniently located in Monmouth County, NJ, ACI Medical & Dental School is the perfect place to get certified as a Medical Assistant and gain clinical experience to help in your journey to med school. Our program can be completed in less than four months and includes a 180-hour on-site internship with hands-on experience at a medical facility. You can be gainfully employed as a Medical Assistant while pursuing med school, learning valuable skills, gaining clinical hours, and making contacts in the medical field. Contact us today to learn more!
