CNOR study tips - Certified Nurse Operating Room Updated: 2023

Medical schools are highly competitive. The national acceptance rate is 43%, according to data compiled by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Students often ask, "How do I get into medical school?" Use these top 10 tips from doctors and medical students to help you prepare for your pre-health profession.

1. Get Some Medical Experience on Your Résumé

Job shadow with doctors and other medical professionals. Admissions committees don't expect applicants to have real experience actually treating patients. After all, you're not a doctor yet. But they do want to know that you've spent time getting to know what your future job would be like. Job shadowing is a great way to get some medical experience but there are other non-shadowing opportunities that may be available to you.

"Med school admissions committees want students to have realistic expectations for what a career in medicine will be like. says Dr. Sarah Carlson, an associate chief of surgery at VA Boston HCS, and an assistant professor at BU School of Medicine. who has also served on a medical school admissions committee. As an undergraduate, she volunteered to file x-rays at the local hospital, then parlayed that into an opportunity to talk with the radiologist. He explained both how to read x-ray films, and why he chose his profession. "It's those types of interactions that are important to have under your belt," she says. "Quite frankly, medicine isn't for everyone, so it's best if you do some soul-searching and spend some time with the people who have the job you want. Most doctors are happy to sit down with students who are considering a career in medicine."

Former pre-med student and current medical school student Karmyn Polakowski served with Michigan Tech's EMS for a couple of years. "It was definitely the highlight of my undergraduate career," she says. "I was not only able to deploy my patient interaction and care skills, but I found the EMS family that created bonds to last a lifetime. EMS brings out special qualities in everyone and learning how to utilize everyone’s strengths is really quite eye-opening. This lesson in itself makes me confident in my ability to work well as a physician amongst a group of other healthcare workers someday soon." Polakowski is now attending Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.

Other ways to get medical experience include becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or as a hospital scribe doing data entry. Some applicants are able to gain clinical experience by helping to care for family members.

2. Do Research Projects

3. Put in Time Serving Others

Dr. Carlson volunteered with the Big Brothers-Big Sisters organization. So did Joseph. Rake leaves, build an accessibility ramp, clean the beach, walk a dog. There are lots of non-clinical options for volunteering that demonstrate your willingness to pay it forward and provide back.

"They have many different programs and services." Joseph, accepted into Central Michigan University's College of Medicine, was part of the Forever Friends program, matched with an elderly woman she visited a few times each month. "I 've formed a great friendship with her, and hopefully, helped alleviate some loneliness. It 's a win-win!"

"Doctors are generally pretty altruistic people, and med schools want to see that you care about your community or have some drive to contribute to the greater good," says Dr. Carlson. "Community service comes in many forms, and really anything qualifies, from trash cleanup and mentorship programs to working the concession stand at a fund-raiser for a charity—anything that requires some unpaid time for a good cause."

Ask your pre-health professions advisor about volunteering opportunities on campus or in your community, which could include helping at local food banks or blood drives, local shelters for the homeless or those dealing with domestic violence. You could tutor, deliver good companionship and Meals on Wheels, or walk the dogs at a local animal shelter. Take an alternative spring break and work with Habitat for Humanity or on developing clean water sources for Third World countries. Check with your school for a list of community and global partners it works with who can use your time and talents. The mentors you develop will come in handy when it's time to gather recommendation letters—most schools ask for at least three—and the friendships you develop will last a lifetime.

4. Choose a Major You Will Excel In

Grades aren't everything, but they're extremely important. Choose a field of study that will yield a competitive GPA (grade point average). The recommended GPA for medical school applicants is 3.7 for MDs (medical doctors), 3.5 for DOs (doctors of osteopathy), and 3.4 for NDs (Doctor of Naturopathic). While many students who are planning careers in medicine decide to major in biology, Dr. Carlson earned her bachelor's in chemistry. Many of her colleagues majored in even more unexpected fields, including engineering, English, music, and classics.

"It 's OK if you 're not on the pre-med track right away when you start college; pursue experiences that genuinely interest you and rely on guidance from your faculty mentors to navigate your path"Carly Joseph

There is no such thing as a pre-med major, says pre-health professions advisor Dr. Kemmy Taylor, who works with students preparing for medical careers at Michigan Technological University. "There is no specific major requirement for getting into medical school.. You can major in whatever degree program you want." You will still need to do well in both your cumulative and your science GPA, classes like biology, physics, chemistry, and math, that are required for medical school admission. If you are struggling in any classes, get help right away.

During her fourth year, Joseph had to take many of the medical school prerequisite classes that were not part of her engineering curriculum and build a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) study plan into her schedule.

5. Apply to Multiple Medical Schools

Improve your odds by not placing all your hopes on one school. Do individual research on each school, says Taylor; application requirements can vary from school to school and from year-to-year.

She also notes that you can reach out to admission committees with specific questions about the program and expectations. And, she says, don't be bummed if at first you don't succeed. Try again. "If you don 't get accepted into the school of your dreams, it 's OK! Schools have many applicants and can 't take everyone," says McKenzie, who was accepted into the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. "My dad, who has been a family physician for 29 years, often tells me, "An MD is an MD, it doesn't matter where you go to school."

"Don't take it personally when you get some rejections—they happen at every stage of the game. If you cast a wide net, you'll increase your likelihood of getting an acceptance."Dr.  Sarah Carlson

Other ways to get noticed among the hundreds or even thousands of medical school applications submitted each year: send supplemental materials beyond your application. For example, "if you've published a paper, consider sending a copy of the publication with a handwritten note to the director of admissions, indicating you really hope to be considered for acceptance," she says.

6. Study Early and Often for the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT

MCAT scores range from 472-528. Accepted medical students average around 508. Recommended study time: 300-350 hours.

Take a course and buy books and study on your own. Find the method that works for you. Take practice exams many times and don't let your practice scores spook you, says McKenzie. "I used the Kaplan book series, and studied by reading, highlighting, and taking notes. The real MCAT was not as hard as the Kaplan test, in my opinion." The pre-health professions advisor can help you find the resources you need.

You can also join a pre-health professions club or association at your school, including Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national honor society for health pre-professionals. Members help each other get ready for tests, along with hosting speakers and events to help gain knowledge and experience.

7. Learn Another Language

"I speak Spanish almost every day at work," says Dr. Carlson. "It 's what I use the most from my premed education." Joseph spent a semester in Chile. "Focusing on language, culture, and people challenged me in a me in ways that technical classes couldn't and was critical in my preparation for medical school. If you 're thinking about studying abroad, do it. Communication and understanding different cultures are crucial skills for anyone entering the medical field, and medical schools look for applicants who make the effort to broaden their horizons culturally."

Medical volunteer programs abroad are another option to gain both life and health-care related experiences. Students are placed in hospitals and clinics in both rural and urban settings where staff is inadequate. Work, with professional guidance, can include giving vaccinations and other tasks interacting directly with patients, as well as helping to make facilities cleaner and more accessible. Programs are normally for people aged 18 and older

8. Don't Skimp on Extracurricular Activities

Show that you're interested in other things besides schoolwork. Dr. Carlson says having outside interests makes you stand out (she plays violin in an orchestra). "It's OK to indicate some of these personal interests on your med school applications—they provide the interviewers something to relate to you with," she says. "I interviewed one applicant who only got a C in biochemistry, but he wrote lots of letters to the admissions committee highlighting his other strengths. We accepted him, and he turned out to be a star."

"Medical schools like to see commitment in their applicants, be it to sports, work, or extracurricular activities," says McKenzie. "It 's easier to not join clubs and just do homework and relax, but devoting time now to extracurricular commitments is worth it in the long run. These experiences also provide you good opportunities to get to know people who can write the letters of recommendation."

Joseph says to choose activities based on what works best for you. Aim for quality rather than quantity.

"There 's a lot of pressure to have as many leadership roles as possible and be involved in tons of student organizations. For me though, having a few deep and lasting experiences was the way to go. I chose to invest my time in research, improving my Spanish, and volunteering," she says.

9. Be Polite and Be Yourself at Medical School Interviews

Research the schools you're interested in and look at mission statements, so you know something about the institution that you can share at the interview. Practice answering interview questions. When you arrive, be courteous to everyone you meet at the interview, including the receptionist.

"Schools are interested in learning what kind of student and person you are," says McKenzie. Schools invest in students and are looking for a good fit.

If you need help with effective body language, knowing how to dress professionally or for other tips, check out your school's Career Services office, which may offer mock interview opportunities and other techniques to help you present your best self.

10. Be Ready to Explain Why You Want to be a Doctor

Bonus Tips for Getting into Medical School

Dr. Carlson has two more important suggestions to help you successfully apply to medical school:

Ask a Mentor or Advisor to Pick Up the Phone and Make a Call for You

"This is an unwritten rule that everyone does and nobody ever told me until I was several years into my training," says Dr. Carlson. "If you want to go to a particular school, find a way to have one of your mentors or advisors reach out to the admissions committee on your behalf."

For example, if you wanted to go to the University of Michigan ask your advisor or another mentor to call the director of admissions or any other person they know and advocate for you. Email can also be effective, she says. "It's a bonus if your mentor/advisor actually has a personal contact at the medical school you're interested in. "There is a culture of 'I can vouch for this person' that goes very far in the medical world. A phone call won't get you in if your application is terrible, but if you're on the cusp of acceptance and someone makes a call on your behalf, it can provide you the push you need to be accepted."

Don't Be Afraid to Self-Promote (In a Humble Way).

"It's OK to highlight the accomplishments you're proud of; put these in your required personal statement or find a way to work them into conversation during interviews. The key is to do it humbly but confidently: 'I was fortunate enough to win a teaching award from my time as a chemistry lab TA, and that's something I'm really proud of.' It's OK to be proud of your own achievements! Selectively highlighting a few make your application stand out from the rest."

Pre-Health Professions at Michigan Tech

Michigan Tech's placement rate into medical school is 60 to 70 percent (well above the national average) and is nearly 100 percent for physical therapy school. Choose a pre-health profession and prepare for your future today.

Whether your goal is medical school or dental school, clinical experience during your undergraduate career is a must. Here are some common ways to gain it at SUNY Cortland.

Volunteer

Most hospitals house a Volunteer Department that students can contact to gain experience with patients. It may only be in patient transport or calling patients to review their hospital experience, but any contact with patients is beneficial.

Additionally, nursing homes and hospice centers need volunteers for a variety of tasks. Many volunteer opportunities also exist at important healthcare organizations such as rape/suicide crisis centers, HIV/AIDS resource clinics or Planned Parenthood.

One of the most common locations for our students to volunteer is the Cortland Medical Center. For more information, contact Jarrod Kolodziejczyk, the hospital’s director of volunteer services.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

SUNY Cortland boasts a close-knit, award-winning Emergency Medical Services (EMS) student group that provides quality emergency care service 24 hours per day, seven days per week on campus.

The function of the squad has grown into a first response unit, as well as an organization which educates the campus community. The College also financially supports students in taking training courses such as the EMT basic course, which allows students to administer basic life saving techniques on a patient.

Learn more about EMS on its campus group page.

Observe in a Dental Office/Clinic

Pre-dental students can find volunteer opportunities to work locally at community health clinics, local schools or even globally to promote oral care in underserved populations.

A full list of opportunities and community health centers can be found on the American Dental Association website.

Shadow a Medical Doctor

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers many tips on setting up a shadowing experience with a doctor, including how to find one, how to ask them and even what you should wear.

Members of SUNY Cortland’s Pre-Medical Advisory Committee can offer their expertise if you are interested in a shadowing experience.

Study Abroad

SUNY Cortland students can participate in a special study abroad trip to Cuernavaca, Mexico during winter break designed to expose pre-health professionals to healthcare in a developing country.

Students develop Spanish language skills to be effective healthcare providers, observe medicine in a variety of clinical settings and gain cross-cultural experiences that will add to their cultural competence.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A CNA works under the direction of a nurse, assisting in basic tasks such as obtaining vital signs and weight/height measurements as well as bathing and dressing people who cannot do these tasks alone. Generally, a CNA is required to complete a 75-hour training course and pass an assessment exam.

Phlebotomist 

Phlebotomists are the technicians that draw blood for laboratory analysis. They need to know everything about blood collection, including handling of needles, tubes, bags and related equipment, as well as the regulations associated with blood collection. A phlebotomy technician course is required, along with passing a national certification exam. Phlebotomy gives students a flexible, paid position to gain patient contact hours. 

Scribe

In this role, you follow Emergency Room clinicians around during clinical encounters and document medical history and physical exams in the electronic medical record. Scribing allows you to observe the patient-doctor interaction, learn medical terms and documentation skills and develop an understanding of challenges in healthcare.

Hospitals usually work with scribe companies that train and match students with area hospitals. Scribe America is a company that places students locally. Many require a yearlong commitment, which means that you will work part-time during the semester.

The UK Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) is a medical test with strong stakeholder support and is associated with increased confidence in prescribing and decreased reporting of medication-related patient harm. The PSA is a joint initiative by the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) and Medical Schools Council (MSC) created to address findings in the first decade of this century that prescribing errors were common among junior doctors.

The use of medicines saves many lives but is also associated with harm. Some of these avoidable harms come from prescription errors, estimated to be present in up to one in every ten hospital prescriptions. The UK PSA is a targeted education initiative to prioritize patient safety.

It is a national test that all medical students or doctors entering NHS clinical practice after medical school must pass, to demonstrate that they can prescribe medicines to patients safely. Although most UK medical students will pass the test before becoming doctors, it is currently not mandated until the end of the first year of clinical practice in the NHS. This means that some newly qualified prescribing doctors have not yet passed this test at present.

A review by Professor Dame Jane Dacre of the first decade of implementation of this exam, taken by more than 80,000 medical students and doctors, has found that students and educators think the assessment has driven more and better prescribing education and has been accompanied by trends that suggest NHS prescribing may now be safer. In what would be a major paradigm shift, the review recommended that all clinicians should be required to pass the test prior to prescribing for patients in clinical practice.

Because this recommendation would require a shift in medical education nationally, a parallel study was undertaken to put all the test information provided to the Dacre review into the public domain.

This study is now published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. The analysis of 10 years of data shows that the PSA is a good test that measures how prepared someone is to prescribe. It is a reliable and efficient exam, and provides a national standard, which the vast majority of UK medical students will pass (>90%) prior to working in the NHS.

The study supports the Dacre Review recommendations that passing the PSA should be a requirement for newly qualified medical practice in the UK, so that the NHS can continue to prioritize patient safety and ensure an appropriate threshold of experience prior to prescribing for patients.

Dame Jane Dacre, emeritus professor of medical education UCL, said, "Prescribing safety is essential to protect patients. Our review recommends that assessment of prescribing is best done before doctors qualify, so that relevant education, training and assessment happens before they are expected to prescribe for patients. Addition of the PSA to medical school finals would provide new doctors better competence and confidence in safe prescribing."

James Titcombe, patient safety advocate, said, "Safe prescribing is key to patient safety and has the potential to reduce medical error which can be costly to the lives of patients, as well as being a financial burden for health care systems. I welcome both the study and report, which highlight the importance of up-to-date knowledge of safe prescribing, and the consistency of applying that knowledge when prescribing to patients. The PSA is the key to ensuring better patient safety for all, which should be a health care priority for all involved in the prescribing of medicines."

Dame June Raine DBE, chief executive of the Medicines and Health care products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said, "Innovative medicines have brought hope to many patients for whom treatment options were previously unavailable. As medicines become more powerful and complex, safe prescribing by health care professionals plays an even more vital role. A prescriber must have a detailed knowledge of a medicine's indication, dose, and potential adverse reactions.

"Now more than ever, all prescribers have a duty to proactively stay up to date with the constantly-evolving risks and benefits of medicines in clinical use. This includes playing an active role in reporting suspected side effects to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme to ensure adverse reactions are recorded and appropriate action is taken. Safe prescribing is a professional duty, and I therefore welcome the recommendations of this timely report."

Professor Simon Maxwell, the PSA medical director, said, "Prescribing medicines is the most important means by which health care professionals treat illness, alleviate symptoms and prevent future ill health. Given the complexity of the task, it is inevitable that mistakes will occur, but minimizing them should be a key priority for improving the quality of health care delivery.

"This research demonstrates that developing the first national assessment of basic competence to prescribe has encouraged greater emphasis on training to undertake this important task. I am pleased to see that the Dacre review recommends extending this principle to all new doctors entering the NHS and believe that this will drive future improvements in patient safety."

Dr. Emma Magavern, the lead author of the study in the BJCP, said, "The data all suggests that we can make prescribing safer for our patients by expanding the use of the PSA."

Provided by British Pharmacological Society

Obtaining a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies that an individual has met competencies in the field of medical billing and coding. Certification is invaluable to the student's career goals. Students have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification they prefer.

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) test is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders.

The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings--physician practices and inpatient hospital.

The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is currently an entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. In the summer of 2021, the test will transition to an entry-level billing and coding certification, with the inclusion of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II testing.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the future. The year 2024 promises to be a transformative one for the medical field, with groundbreaking innovations and emerging trends poised to revolutionize patient care, diagnostics, and healthcare systems. From artificial intelligence and telemedicine to wearable devices and genomics, these developments are set to usher in a new era of healthcare. In this article, we will explore the healthcare technology trends of 2024 and their potential impact on the medical industry.

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly integral to healthcare, and 2024 is set to see a significant surge in its applications. AI-driven algorithms can analyze vast amounts of patient data to provide personalized treatment recommendations, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. From predicting disease progression to optimizing treatment plans, AI is transforming the way healthcare professionals make decisions. Machine learning algorithms are enabling early detection of diseases, such as cancer, by identifying subtle patterns and anomalies in medical imaging data. This not only enhances patient care but also reduces the burden on healthcare resources.

Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring

Telemedicine has experienced unprecedented growth in exact years, and it’s set to become even more prevalent in 2024. With the ongoing demand for remote healthcare services, telemedicine is revolutionizing the way patients access medical care. Telehealth platforms allow patients to consult with healthcare professionals via video calls, making healthcare accessible and convenient, particularly for those in remote areas. Remote patient monitoring devices, which include wearables, help doctors track patients’ vital signs and health data from a distance. This trend is crucial in providing continuous care and early intervention for chronic conditions.

Wearable Health Devices

Wearable health devices have gained popularity over the years, and the trend is poised to escalate in 2024. These devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, provide individuals with real-time health data, including heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity. They encourage people to take an active role in managing their health. Moreover, wearable devices can transmit data to healthcare providers, enabling proactive healthcare interventions and reducing hospital admissions. As these devices become more sophisticated, they will play a crucial role in health monitoring and preventive care.

Genomics and Personalized Medicine

Genomic medicine is on the brink of a major breakthrough in 2024. The study of an individual’s DNA can provide insights into their susceptibility to certain diseases and how they may respond to specific treatments. With advancements in genomics, healthcare professionals can offer personalized treatment plans tailored to a patient’s genetic makeup. This not only enhances the effectiveness of treatments but also reduces adverse effects. The integration of genomics into routine clinical practice is set to revolutionize the healthcare landscape, particularly in the field of oncology.

Blockchain for Health Records

Data security and patient privacy are paramount in healthcare, and blockchain technology is poised to address these concerns. Blockchain provides a secure and transparent way to store and share health records. In 2024, we can expect to see an increasing adoption of blockchain for managing electronic health records. Patients can have more control over their data, granting access to healthcare providers as needed while ensuring their information remains confidential and tamper-proof.

Virtual Reality (VR) in Medical Training

Virtual reality is not just for gaming; it’s making significant inroads into medical training and education. Medical students and professionals can now immerse themselves in realistic, 3D medical simulations. These simulations allow for hands-on practice in a risk-free environment, improving skills and knowledge retention. In 2024, we can anticipate a more extensive use of VR in medical training, leading to better-prepared healthcare providers.

3D Printing in Healthcare

The use of 3D printing in healthcare is expanding rapidly, and 2024 will witness its continued growth. Researchers and healthcare professionals are using 3D printing technology to produce custom implants, prosthetics, and even organs. This technology holds immense potential for enhancing patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs. From manufacturing dental implants to creating orthopedic devices, 3D printing is transforming the production and customization of healthcare products.

Health Informatics and Big Data Analytics

The accumulation of healthcare data is growing exponentially, and harnessing this data through health informatics and big data analytics is pivotal in making informed decisions. In 2024, we can expect to see further advancements in data analysis tools that help healthcare providers identify trends, optimize resource allocation, and enhance patient care. Big data analytics can uncover insights into disease outbreaks, treatment efficacy, and healthcare system performance, ultimately improving healthcare delivery.

Robotics in Surgery

In 2024, surgical robots will play an expanding role in operating rooms. They will offer precise, minimally invasive surgery, thereby reducing patient trauma and recovery times. Surgeons will control robotic arms remotely, ensuring high precision and dexterity in delicate procedures. As the technology advances, we can anticipate the assistance of surgical robots in performing even more complex surgeries.

Augmented Reality (AR) for Medical Visualization

Augmented reality is enhancing medical visualization and surgical planning. Surgeons can overlay digital information onto the patient’s body during surgery, providing real-time guidance and improving accuracy. In 2024, we expect the growth of AR technology integration to make complex surgeries safer and more efficient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the year 2024 promises to be a remarkable year for healthcare technology, with numerous trends and innovations poised to reshape the medical field.  By harnessing the power of these technologies, the healthcare industry can provide more personalized, efficient, and accessible care to patients around the world. The future of healthcare is bright, and the ongoing fusion of technology and medicine is revolutionizing the way we approach healthcare delivery. As these trends continue to evolve, we can look forward to a healthier and more technologically advanced world of medicine.