How to Make Money During Medical School

Medical school presents financial challenges. Many students need to supplement income for living and educational costs. This article explores ways medical students can earn money, leveraging academic strengths, prior professional experiences, and flexible external work.

Leveraging Academic Expertise

Medical students possess a growing knowledge base, a valuable asset for income. Opportunities utilizing these skills align with ongoing studies, reinforcing learned material while providing financial support.

Medical tutoring is a relevant, lucrative option. Students can tutor pre-medical students in biology or chemistry, or assist early medical students with foundational subjects. Rates vary; general medical tutoring averages $27 per hour. MCAT preparation can command $30 to $150 per hour. Roles are found through university departments, student networks, or online platforms. Tutoring income is self-employment income, requiring reporting if net earnings reach $400 annually.

Medical scribing offers clinical experience and income. Scribes document patient encounters in real-time, assisting providers with electronic health records. This role provides exposure to medical specialties and terminology, complementing education. A high school diploma is often the primary requirement, with on-the-job training. Average hourly pay ranges from $15 to $20, with some student roles averaging $19.44. Many positions offer flexible hours, balancing academic commitments.

Paid research assistant roles at universities or hospitals provide income and deepen academic understanding. These positions involve assisting faculty with research projects: data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and manuscript preparation. Pay rates vary by institution and project, but offer valuable experience. Opportunities are found through departmental listings, professor contacts, or university job boards.

Medical writing and editing utilize a student’s ability to synthesize complex information. Opportunities include writing for healthcare companies, editing scientific papers, or developing patient education materials. Platforms like Upwork, LinkedIn, or specialized sites connect students with freelance projects. Rates for freelance medical writing range from $40 to $60 per hour; specialized projects pay $100 to $200 per hour. Income is subject to self-employment tax, requiring tracking of earnings and expenses.

Flexible External Opportunities

Flexible external opportunities provide supplemental income without specific medical expertise. These options suit medical students due to adaptable schedules, allowing work around demanding academic commitments.

General academic tutoring in non-medical subjects for high school or undergraduate students is a consistent option. Roles can be performed remotely, offering scheduling flexibility. Platforms like Superprof connect tutors with students, with average hourly rates around $27. Tutors can set their own hours and rates, making it an adaptable income stream.

Online freelance work includes a broad range of remote services. Virtual assistant roles involve administrative tasks, scheduling, and email management, with average hourly pay from $15 to $27.40. Other avenues include graphic design, web development, or non-medical content creation. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are common starting points for flexible, project-based assignments. Income is self-employment income, requiring management of tax obligations.

Gig economy jobs, such as food delivery or ride-sharing, offer flexibility. Students can log on and off platforms as schedules permit, ideal for filling free time. Companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub allow earning $15 to $25 per hour during peak times, with earnings often paid weekly or daily. These roles involve reporting income as a self-employed individual. Task-based services, like TaskRabbit, offer flexible work for errands or odd jobs.

Selling notes and study materials can generate passive income from academic efforts. Platforms like StuDocu, Stuvia, and Payhip allow students to upload and sell organized notes, summaries, or study guides. Selling notes is generally permissible if original, transformative, and without copyrighted material. Students price notes between $5 and $25 per document, with platforms taking a commission. This income falls under self-employment and requires reporting.

Utilizing Prior Certifications and Experience

Medical students with prior certifications or professional roles can leverage this experience for structured part-time work with higher pay. These opportunities allow students to maintain skills and connections within healthcare or other industries while pursuing medical education. Qualifications offer an advantage in the job market.

Individuals with certifications like EMT, CNA, or MA can find part-time or per diem work in healthcare settings. EMTs earn an average of $20.40 per hour, with some areas offering up to $25. CNAs earn around $20.06 per hour. These roles provide patient interaction and clinical exposure, relevant to future medical careers. Hospitals, clinics, and ambulance services hire for flexible shifts, accommodating student schedules.

Medical assistants, performing administrative and clinical tasks, find part-time employment. These positions offer practical experience in patient care coordination and office management. Phlebotomists, certified to draw blood, secure part-time roles in clinics or labs. These positions often have set hourly wages and may involve W-2 income, simplifying tax obligations compared to self-employment.

Students with prior careers in IT, marketing, or finance can explore freelance or consulting work. This involves project-based assignments allowing remote work and flexible scheduling. A freelance virtual assistant with specialized skills might command higher rates, from $15 to $75 per hour. This work leverages established professional skills, potentially leading to more substantial earnings. Income is subject to self-employment tax, requiring accurate records of income and deductible business expenses.