What medical certificate can I take in my gap year?

I'm interested in studying medicine in the future, and I'm considering a gap year. Are there any medical certificates I can pursue during this time to enhance my skills or resume? Something that could help with med school applications?

While medical schools appreciate broad knowledge, many certificate programs don't fall directly under the medical umbrella but rather supplement certain skills. For instance, you could consider an EMT certification, which will allow you to gain substantial patient care experience. This typically involves extensive training, but the resulting experience can make your application stand out.

Another option is a phlebotomy certificate, which would allow you to understand basic medical procedures and further cultivate your bedside manner. If you're interested in medical research, you could pursue a certificate in Biostatistics or Epidemiology to demonstrate competencies in data analysis or understanding disease patterns.

Alternatively, consider a certification in medical coding. Although it doesn't involve direct patient care, it provides a solid understanding of medical terminology and the business side of healthcare.

Keep in mind that just completing these certificates won't necessarily provide a huge boost to your application. Medical schools look for applicants who can demonstrate a consistent and deep commitment to medicine. Thus, pursue a program that will provide you with hands-on experience and the opportunity to make significant contributions. For example, if you get your EMT certification, try to work in that role for a significant period and gain patient care experience.

Remember to balance obtaining these certificates with other meaningful activities such as research, volunteering, shadowing, and maintaining your other interests and hobbies as well. Med schools value well-rounded applicants able to bring various sets of skills and experiences to their programs.