How important are clinical hours for an application. I currently have a 3.5 gpa which is in the higher end of last years applicants (looking at MCPHS specifically) and do a good amount of extracurricular activities. I am currently a sophomore so I have time to do a decent amount of volunteer hours at a hospital but should I stress about getting them. It’s actually a lot harder to find opportunities, even volunteering at this point believe me I’ve tried. What do you guys think?
I’d venture to say that clinical hours are very important. (In fact, for many, many programs, clinical hours are mandatory requirements.)
Programs will certainly want some sort of evidence that you know what you’re getting yourself into by having at least some minimal number of hours of patient-contact experience.
Do you have either EMT or CRN certification? Having either of those may make it easier to find paid or volunteer opportunities.
Have you tried looking for volunteer opportunities at local nursing homes? Group homes for disabled? Have you tried inner city free clinics? Public health clinics? Blood donation centers?
I’ve tried all of the local hospitals and haven’t heard back from them. I should look further into nursing homes or group homes. I have considered EMT and CNA opportunities but the certification for both are really expensive and it’s tough when I’m paying for school, books etc on my own and my parent don’t have the money to put me through one of those classes. I will look into nursing homes and/or group homes though.
Hospitals always have plenty of volunteers. (It’s the obvious first place every pre-health student volunteers.)
Nursing and groups home are probably your best opportunity.
I looked at my local community college, CNA requires one 6-credit class (60 hours lecture, 45 hours lab, 45 hours clinical). It can be completed over a summer. CNAs can make $10-15/hour.
Your state may allow you to take online classes to complete your CNA coursework. (Part-time, at your own pace and as you can afford it.)
It might be something to look into.
Here are a couple of PA-specific forums, you might post your questions to:
http://■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/forums/clinicians-rn-np-pa.113/
Thank you!