Side Hustles For Medical Students: 11 Proven Ways To Earn $55+/hr In 2024
Last Updated on August 13, 2024 by John Cirelly
It’s no secret that medical school is expensive. Luckily, there are many side hustles for medical students to earn money in their spare time, even while still in school.
1. Share Your Medical Knowledge on Sermo
Sermo can be an excellent side hustle for medical students already working in healthcare, like nurses, by sharing your medical knowledge. Sermo provides a platform where you can participate in discussions and surveys, earning money for your insights.
Getting Started
To get started on Sermo, you need to be a healthcare professional with valid credentials. Begin by signing up on the Sermo website and verifying your qualifications. Once your account is approved, you can participate in discussions or complete surveys. Clinicians can find targeted opportunities directly through Sermo’s platform or by opting into email alerts for relevant surveys.
What You’ll Earn
Earnings on Sermo vary depending on the type and length of surveys you complete. Typically, you can earn between $10 to $50 per survey, and payments are usually processed within a few weeks. This side hustle can provide a steady income stream as you balance your studies.
2. Offer Tele-Medicine On Wheel
Wheel offers a great side hustle opportunity for medical students with the right credentials, such as a nursing degree, by allowing them to pick up flexible virtual telehealth shifts. This allows you to work flexible hours in your field, earning extra money while gaining experience all from home (or your dorm!).
Getting Started
To get started, you’ll first need to ensure you have the necessary credentials, such as an active nursing license. Then, sign up on the Wheel platform, providing all required documents for verification. Once approved, you’ll be able to browse available shifts that fit your schedule. Doctors can find specific opportunities by contacting Wheel’s support team for tailored options.
What You’ll Earn
As a medical student working shifts on Wheel, you can expect to earn between $30 to $50 per hour, depending on the type of shift and your level of experience. Payments are usually processed within 1-2 weeks after your shift is completed. This makes it a steady way to supplement your income during your studies.
3. Take Specialized Surveys
Taking specialized surveys is a flexible side hustle for medical students, especially those who don’t yet qualify for platforms like Sermo. These surveys often focus on a wide range of topics and are a good way to earn extra cash by sharing your knowledge.
Getting Started
To begin, sign up on platforms like Cash Giraffe and Respondent, which are known for offering high-paying opportunities. Make sure to fill out your profile completely to qualify for the best surveys. Keep an eye on your email for invitations to participate in surveys that match your background.
What You’ll Earn
Earnings for specialized surveys can range from $5 to $100 per survey, depending on the complexity and length. Payments are typically made via PayPal or gift cards and can take a few days to a couple of weeks to process. This makes it a convenient way to make extra money on your own schedule.
4. Pick Up Shifts on NurseDash
Picking up shifts on NurseDash is a practical side hustle for medical students with nursing credentials. It allows you to choose shifts that fit your schedule, helping you earn money while gaining hands-on experience in healthcare settings.
Getting Started
To start, you need to have an active nursing license. Sign up on NurseDash by creating an account and completing the necessary verification process. Once approved, you can browse available shifts in your area and apply for the ones that match your availability. NurseDash also offers a mobile app, making it easy to manage your shifts on the go.
What You’ll Earn
On NurseDash, you can expect to earn between $25 to $40 per hour, depending on the location and type of shift. Payments are generally processed within a week after completing a shift. This makes NurseDash a reliable option for earning extra money during your studies.
5. Offer Standardized Test Tutoring
Offering standardized test tutoring is a great side hustle for medical students with strong academic backgrounds. You can tutor other students preparing for exams like the MCAT, providing both valuable knowledge and earning potential.
Getting Started
To get started, identify the subjects and tests you are most confident in tutoring. Create profiles on tutoring platforms like Wyzant or Tutor.com, where you can list your qualifications and availability. You can also advertise your services directly to peers or through social media.
What You’ll Earn
Tutors for standardized tests can earn between $40 to $60 per hour, depending on their experience and the demand for the subject matter. Payments are typically processed within a week, either through the tutoring platform or directly from the student. This side hustle offers a good balance of time commitment and earning potential, with the option to coordinate tutoring remotely.
6. Sell Your Class Notes
Selling your class notes is an easy side hustle for medical students. If you take detailed and organized notes, you can sell them to other students who need extra study materials or missed classes.
Getting Started
To get started, make sure your notes are clear, comprehensive, and well-organized. Sign up on platforms like Nexus Notes, or StudySoup, where you can upload your notes for sale. It’s important to regularly update your content and market it to your classmates or online through student groups.
What You’ll Earn
You can earn between $5 to $30 per set of notes, depending on the subject and demand. Earnings can accumulate as more students purchase your notes, and payments are usually processed through the platform you choose, typically within a few days. This makes it a low-effort way to monetize the work you’re already doing.
7. Freelance Medical Writing
Freelance medical writing is a flexible side hustle for medical students who enjoy writing and have strong knowledge of medical topics. You can write articles, research summaries, or content for healthcare websites.
Getting Started
To begin, create a portfolio showcasing your writing skills and medical knowledge. You can find freelance opportunities on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or directly reach out to medical blogs and websites that may need content. Networking through LinkedIn can also help you connect with potential clients looking for specialized writers in the medical field.
What You’ll Earn
As a freelance medical writer, you can expect to earn between $0.10 to $0.50 per word, or $50 to $150 per article, depending on the complexity and length. Payments are usually processed after the completion of each project, with timelines varying from immediate to a few weeks. This side hustle offers a good balance between flexibility and income potential.
8. Offer Medical Proofreading
Offering medical proofreading services is a suitable side hustle for medical students with a keen eye for detail. You can help peers and professionals ensure their documents, such as research papers or applications, are error-free.
Getting Started
To start, build a portfolio by proofreading papers for friends or colleagues. Join freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, where you can offer your proofreading services. Additionally, you can market your skills through medical student groups or online communities to find clients who need specialized proofreading.
What You’ll Earn
Medical proofreaders typically earn between $20 to $50 per hour, depending on the complexity of the documents. Payments are often made per project, with the total amount depending on the document’s length and detail. You can expect to get paid within a week or two after completing a job, making this a straightforward way to earn extra income.
9. Provide Resume Writing/Optimization For Med Students
Providing resume writing or optimization services is an effective side hustle for medical students who excel at crafting professional resumes. You can help fellow students or professionals in the medical field improve their resumes to stand out in job applications.
Getting Started
To begin, gather examples of resumes you’ve written or optimized, focusing on those within the medical field. Sign up on platforms like LinkedIn or Fiverr to offer your services. You can also reach out directly to medical students or professionals through online forums or campus networks to find clients who need help with their resumes.
What You’ll Earn
You can charge between $50 to $150 per resume, depending on the level of work required and the client’s experience. Payments are usually processed upon completion of the service, either through the platform you use or directly from the client. This side hustle offers a good balance of effort and income potential, especially for those with a knack for writing.
10. Create and Sell a Test Prep Course
Creating and selling a test prep course is a profitable side hustle for medical students who excel in standardized exams. By developing a comprehensive course, you can help others prepare for crucial tests while earning money.
Getting Started
To start, outline the subjects and topics you will cover in your course. Use platforms like Teachable, Udemy, or even YouTube to create and upload your content. You can market your course through social media, student groups, and online forums where other students are likely to seek out study materials.
What You’ll Earn
Earnings can vary widely, but typically, you can charge between $50 to $300 per course, depending on the depth and demand of your content. Payments are processed through the platform you use, and you may start earning as soon as students begin enrolling. This side hustle has the potential for passive income if your course continues to sell over time.
11. Become a Freelance Medical Transcriptionist
Becoming a freelance medical transcriptionist is a practical side hustle for medical students who can type quickly and accurately. This job involves transcribing medical reports, which helps improve your familiarity with medical terminology while earning money.
Getting Started
To get started, you’ll need a good understanding of medical terminology and access to transcription software. Sign up on freelance platforms like Rev, TranscribeMe, or specialized medical transcription job boards. Completing a short certification course in medical transcription can also enhance your qualifications and help you find better-paying opportunities.
What You’ll Earn
As a freelance medical transcriptionist, you can expect to earn between $15 to $30 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work and your speed. Payments are typically made per audio minute or per hour of transcription and are processed within a week or two after the job is completed. This side hustle offers steady income while allowing you to work flexibly.
Can You Have a Side Hustle In Medical School?
Yes, you can have a side hustle in medical school. Many students take on telemedicine work through platforms like Wheel if they already have a nursing degree. Others participate in specialized surveys on Sermo to share their medical knowledge for extra income.
Tutoring other medical students can also be a lucrative side hustle, with potential earnings of $45 or more per hour, especially for medical students who don’t have their degrees quite yet.
How Can I Make Extra Money In The Medical Field?
There are several ways to earn extra income in the medical field. If you have the appropriate qualifications, you can take on flexible shifts through platforms like Wheel or NurseDash. Engaging in paid medical surveys on Sermo is another effective way to make money, especially if you’re already a healthcare professional.
Additionally, tutoring fellow medical students in areas where you have strong expertise can bring in significant earnings, often more than $45 per hour. These opportunities allow you to supplement your income while building valuable experience.
