<p>I just finished my freshman year as a Bio major and desperately need ideas on what to do over the summer. I'm doing small things like continuing to volunteer at the nursing home and taking up a job at the pharmacy.</p>
<p>i wanted to get into the hospital environment really badly so I signed up for CNA classes at my community college. I wanted to know if it's worth taking this class or if there are other things I could do that would be more beneficial? How do EMT classes work? I have a good 3 months ahead of me and the only thing i'm doing right now is opening MCAT prep books for the first time.</p>
<p>Also, i've heard a lot about doing research work and wanted to know how that works also. I'm sure many people on CC have gone through this process and I wanted to know how early I should start asking around my college to work alongside a researcher - and how should I approach it? Is there anything I can do over the summer as far as researching goes?</p>
<p>I appreciate all of your responses and help.</p>
<p>Don't take CNA classes if you already have a job. I'm assuming the certification only looks good if you actually use it and work somewhere. However, I think an EMT class would be a good idea. The class I took last summer was for about 2 months every Sat and Sun 8-5 (yeah...) and you can even take more intensive 4 week ones than that, but again that's kind of difficult to do with a job. If you're interested, pick a schedule that doesn't completely eat away your summer. Again, the certification only looks good if you volunteer, so find a first aid unit to join as well.</p>
<p>As for research, to my knowledge you don't just start researching over the summer...you start during the school year. I know the summer fellowship at my school is pretty competitive and you have to already be researching for like a year in order to even be considered for it. There should be some sort of application online..look at the professors on the Bio website who list their projects (unless you want to do another subject, that's fine too) and see who you want to apply for. Don't get discouraged if no one accepts you the first time around. I had to reapply but a professor instantly wanted me to join her team the 2nd time around. Good luck!</p>
<p>
[quote]
I think an EMT class would be a good idea
[/quote]
</p>
<p>the EMT class is practically useless unless you back it up with some experience afterwards.....you really don't get anything worthwhile out of the class its being on an ambulance and on calls and treating patients that are worthwhile experiences.</p>
<p>I agree that EMT classes is not the best idea. You'll have to invest a lot of time out of that which can be better spent somewhere else. Only do it if you are interested in an EMT job.</p>
<p>Research is ok if you're looking into academic medicine or MD/PhD programs but Physician shadowing seems to be the consensus in terms of most valuable experience. Try calling around or asking at the hospitals around you for physician shadowing.</p>