Medical school is too busy for students to work, so if you want extra cash, then it’s important to find the easiest ways to make money as a medical student. Medical students are notoriously poor, and everything in the world is expensive. Especially during this heightened phase of inflation.
Normally, working isn’t conducive for medical student schedules because of how much studying is required. However, just because you’re a medical student, doesn’t mean you have to starve. I enjoy doing some extra things, such as traveling and enjoying restaurants. It would be silly of me to take out loans to do those things. Therefore, I earn a little money on the side that allows me to have a little bit of financial flexibility.
In medical school, your work may have NOTHING to do with medicine. But, if it provides you a little extra coins and has an autonomous or flexible schedule, then it is a good option.
The caveat to this is you want to make money in a legal and ethical way. OnlyFans, selling drugs, gambling, and certain types of modeling may get you fast money, but could get you in trouble with the ethics committee or the law down the road.
So be smart about how you make money, and make sure it’s nothing that interferes with your studies. School comes first or none of your efforts are worth it. Here are the easiest ways to make money as a medical student.
Freelancer
Freelancing is by far one of the easiest ways to make money as a medical student. I am a freelance writer, and I use the platform Upwork to find jobs. Sometimes, I have short jobs that take just an hour or so to do. Other times, I have long-term relationships where every week I complete an assignment.
The money is good, and the longer you’re a freelancer,the more you can charge. You can work independently, but that requires you to do your own advertising, which can take up too much time. However, if you have a skill that you can market – such as graphic design, content creator, website design, writing, transcribing, editing, copywriting, virtual assistance – then you should profit off of it.
Getting started may require setting up a portfolio or samples that you can send to different contractors. But the best part of being a freelancer I that you get to make your own schedule. Of course, you will have deadlines to meet, but you can determine when and how you meet them. Set up a website, or create an account on a job board to get started freelancing and making money.
Tech PRN
One of my classmates was a pharmacy tech for the first two years of medical school. She only worked one day a week, and that schedule seemed to work for her. Being a tech who is PRN (as needed) comes with both the perks of a flexible job with decent money and hands-on experience with the very things you are learning.
For instance, whenever we were doing drugs and pharmaceuticals, she had a lot of experience that she could rely on because of her job. As a tech, you also get to do fun things like give vaccines and draw blood if you are a licensed medical assistant.
If you worked as a tech or assistant somewhere before medical school, see if they can keep you on the schedule to come in part-time or PRN. This provides you a way to make money where you’re comfortable, while also working a schedule of which you are in control.
Nanny/Babysitter
Nannying and babysitting is definitely one of the easiest ways to make money as a medical student. I have nannied and babysat kids and made a lot of good money. The trick is to nanny and baby sit for parents who will pay you well for your time.
As a medical student, giving your time up to watch someone’s children is expensive because there are literally a million other things you could be doing. So, if you can find someone who recognizes that and pays you for it, then you can make good money. Plus, if you can provide your availability to them early, then they can reach out to you when you’re free.
If you’re going to nanny or baby sit, make sure to pay attention to the kids. It will be tempting to study and work while they kids do whatever. But, I would avoid it until they are fast asleep because if anything happens, it is on you. Also, don’t turn the family down as much as you can because they will find someone else.
Teaching Assistant/Tutor
Another job that is the easiest way to make money as a medical student is to be a TA or a tutor. These jobs are two-fold because you are making money while also studying the material yourself. You can’t teach something you don’t know. And teaching is the easiest way to learn something even better.
Most universities and schools have a TA or tutor program. Work with your student resources office to find out how to get involved. You can also work with the course director or professor over various courses so you are providing the best guidance for students taking that class.
Tutoring is normally pretty flexible and coincides with your schedule. Being a TA can come with extra responsibilities, such as being present during class time and assisting with class materials. So, just ensure that you have the time to meet those expectations before signing on.
Food Delivery Driver
Being a food delivery driver, or even a transportation driver may not be the easiest way to make money as a medical student, but it is very autonomous. The reason it may not be that easy is because you may have to work quite a few hours, or odd hours, to make a decent amount of money. You can’t study and drive, and the cost of driving all over may not be worth it.
However, if you can work it in your schedule to deliver food maybe day a week, then you can definitely make some extra money. Studying is not completely out of the question, either, if you’re an auditory learner. Podcasts, videos, and lectures can all be played while you’re driving. So, if this works for you, then gas up and hit the road!
Landlord
This job may also not b the easiest way to make money as a medical student. However, if you have the financial capital to do so, then it can be quite profitable. If you are able to buy a house, then you can invite some of your classmates to be roomates. They will then pay you rent which can cover the mortgage and utilities.
The hard part about being a landlord is managing the property should you ever move, and having to deal with repairs and services. That can be time consuming and expensive, so you may want to considered having a property management company who actually handles certain aspects of your home. There are also legal requirements for being a landlord, and paperwork such as leasing agreements that you will have to get in order.
If you have the finances, have knowledge of the legal requirements, and want to make a passive income, being a landlord is the way to go.
Key takeaways
Making money as a medical student is definitely possible. It’s important to keep in mind that the job should be ethical, legal, flexible, and worth your time. At the end of the day, you are not going to be able to live the same type of life as someone with a fulltime job. You have to be smart with your money. But, if you want to have a couple of extra perks, or not feel so trapped, you can find a way to make money using one of the above jobs.
If you have any extra recommendations for jobs or questions about how to balance a job in medical school, please leave a comment!
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