How to Make Money as a Medical Student
With tips from medical graduates!
Medical school is not easy. It requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice.
You must study for long hours, memorize tons of information, and pass rigorous exams. You also have to deal with the stress of clinical rotations, where you interact with patients and learn from doctors.
And on top of all that, you have to pay for your tuition, books, transportation, and other expenses!
The cost of medical education in the Philippines is not cheap. According to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the average tuition fee for a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program ranges from 400,000 to 600,000 pesos per year.
For many Filipino families, this is a huge financial burden. Most medical students rely on scholarships, loans, or family support to fund their studies. But sometimes these are not enough or not available. That's why many medical students look for ways to earn extra income while studying.
Benefits of making money as a medical student
Making money as a medical student offers a range of benefits beyond just financial stability. Here are some of the key benefits of earning extra income during medical school:
Building valuable skills: Working while in medical school can help students develop valuable skills that can benefit them in their future careers. These skills include time management, communication, organization, and problem-solving, among others.
Gaining practical experience: Many part-time jobs and research positions available to medical students provide opportunities for hands-on learning in a real-world setting. This experience can help students gain practical knowledge and skills that can be applied in their future careers.
Networking opportunities: Working while in medical school can also provide opportunities to network with professionals in the healthcare field. These connections can be valuable for securing internships, residency positions, and other career opportunities down the line.
Supplementing income: Medical school is expensive, and many students rely on loans and financial aid to make ends meet. Earning additional income can help supplement these funds and reduce the overall burden of debt.
Improving mental health: Medical school can be stressful and overwhelming at times, but earning extra income can help reduce financial stress and promote overall mental health and well-being.
Exploring career options: Working in a part-time job or research position can also provide medical students with exposure to different areas of medicine, helping them explore potential career paths and areas of interest.
Enhancing CV/resume: Holding a job or research position while in medical school can enhance a student’s CV or resume, demonstrating their commitment to hard work, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond.
Finding ways to make money as a medical student
You may now be asking, “So, what are my options?” Well, here are the options if you want to make some money on the side:
Tutoring
This is a popular choice for many medical students who are good at teaching and have flexible schedules. You can tutor other students in subjects like Math, Science, or English. You can also tutor for entrance exams like the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT).
Tutoring can be done online or in person, depending on your preference.
Freelancing
This is another option for medical students who have skills that are in demand online. You can offer services like writing, editing, graphic design, web development, transcription, translation, or data entry.
You can find clients on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Freelancing can be done anytime and anywhere, as long as there is an internet connection and a computer.
Selling
This is a classic way of making money for anyone who has something to sell. Medical students can sell products like books, clothes, gadgets, or accessories.
You can also sell services like photography, makeup, or collectibles. You can sell online through social media or e-commerce sites like Lazada or Shopee. Starting an offline store, on the other hand, is possible through bazaars, flea markets, or word-of-mouth.
Blogging
This is a creative way of making money for medical students who love to write and share their experiences. You can start a blog about topics related to medicine, health, lifestyle, or anything you are passionate about.
You can monetize your blog through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. Blogging can be fun and rewarding, but it also requires time and effort to produce quality content and attract readers.
These are just some of the ways that medical students can earn extra income while studying. Of course, there are pros and cons to each option. You have to weigh the benefits and risks of working while studying. You have to balance your time and energy between academics and side hustles. You have to make sure that your income-generating activities do not compromise your performance or well-being.
Let’s hear it from Filipino doctors!
I asked doctors on Twitter, and they gladly shared their experiences on how they earned extra money while in medical school. I bet you can’t wait to check this out - keep scrolling!
@itisthehormones : Nagbenta ako ng sandwich sa class dati. Ayaw ko na talaga manghingi ng pera sa magulang ko noon dahil sa hiya.
@AJnomotoMD : Nagbebenta ako ng med supplies. Mga essentials na meron ka dapat sa medical bag pag med student. Pag mahal yung item, I’ll have them pay muna and makuha nila after 2-3 days. Hahaha
@ronibats : Nag-tutor ako ng high school students sa Math at Physics. Nag-translate din ng mga pharma brochures from English to Filipino. Nung high school, nagtinda ako ng pulboron sa classmates.
@Artnidok : Medtech reliever kapag sembreak or pag may free time at nagbebenta ng totebags.
There are more real-life stories, but I have to limit them for now. We’ll make part 2 to cover all of them!
We hope you found this post helpful and inspiring. Have you discovered something that you think will work for you? Share with us in the comments!