Introduction

Being a medical student is both exciting and challenging, but managing a full-time degree often leaves little room to think about earning extra income. However, with a bit of creativity and strategic planning, it’s entirely possible to balance medical school and build multiple streams of income. Whether you’re looking to fund your studies, save for the future, or simply gain some financial independence, there are plenty of side hustle opportunities tailored to your skills and schedule.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best side-hustle ideas for medical students, covering everything from tutoring and social media to writing and developing new skills. These side hustles not only help you earn money but also allow you to grow personally and professionally, giving you a head start in your future career.

Let’s dive into how you can make the most of your time while in medical school, and start building a financial foundation that will benefit you long after graduation.

Tutoring

Tutoring is one of the most flexible and rewarding side-hustles for medical students. With your recent experience in A-levels, you’ll be well-prepared to tutor subjects like maths, chemistry, and biology. Many medical students also specialise in mentoring aspiring medics through the application process, offering personal insights and advice.

Why Tutoring?

  • Flexible hours: You can set your own schedule, making tutoring ideal alongside medical school commitments.
  • Specialised knowledge: Offering insights from your own medical school application journey can be invaluable to students.
  • High demand: Parents and students highly value guidance from medical students, and they’re often willing to pay generously for it.

Maximising Your Income

A great way to increase your earnings is by tutoring groups of students online.

  • Group sessions:
    • Charge each student a reduced rate, but collectively earn more than individual sessions.
    • Lessons are more dynamic, with students benefiting from each other’s questions.
    • Creates a friendly, competitive atmosphere that keeps students engaged.
  • One-on-one sessions:
    • More tailored to the student’s pace, but the income is limited compared to group tutoring.

Planning Lessons

To effectively plan lessons:

  • Assess the student’s needs: Understand their current grade and target goals.
  • Use available resources: Online platforms like Get Revising offer excellent teaching materials, saving you time in preparation.

Getting Started

If you’re just starting out:

  • Consider platforms like:
    • Tutorhunt
    • Tutorhub
  • Reach out through personal contacts to find students.
  • Start at a lower rate to build experience and confidence, then gradually increase your fees as you refine your teaching style and gain references.

Key Reminders

  • Trust and responsibility: Parents rely on you to help their child succeed academically.
  • Be prepared: Tailor each lesson to challenge students and push them to reach their full potential.

Building a social media presence

Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok offer fantastic opportunities for medical students to share their journey, insights, and study tips. Here’s how to effectively build your presence and potentially monetize your content:

Why Build a Social Media Presence?

  • Engagement with Aspiring Medics: Many students are eager to learn about life as a medical student. Sharing your experiences can help them.
  • Monetization Opportunities: With a growing audience, you can earn through sponsorships, affiliate links, and ad revenue.
  • Networking: Building an online presence opens doors to connect with professionals and like-minded individuals.

Content Creation Ideas

  • Passion Projects: Share content on topics you love—whether it’s medicine, music, photography, or baking.
  • Educational Insights: Offer valuable tips and insights about your medical journey to engage your audience.
  • Lifestyle Content: Showcase your day-to-day life as a medical student to give followers a glimpse into your world.

Monetisation Strategies

  • Instagram:
  • Once you have a following and strong engagement, explore sponsorship opportunities.
  • Earnings:
    • Nano-influencers (5,000–10,000 followers): $10 to $100 per post.
    • Macro-influencers (10,000+ followers): $100 to $500 per post.
  • YouTube:
  • Starting a channel can be rewarding, but monetization takes time.
  • Requirements: At least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time to earn through ads.
  • Focus: Create content you’re passionate about, as it may take a while to see financial returns.

Key to Success

  • Consistency: Regularly post high-quality content that resonates with your audience.
  • Value Creation: Focus on providing valuable insights that your followers will appreciate.
  • Enjoy the Process: Make sure you’re having fun creating content—this will help you stay motivated.

Building a social media presence as a medical student can be a rewarding journey, both personally and financially. Stay committed and enjoy the process!

Medical Writing: Blogs and Books

Medical Writing: Blogs and Books

If writing is your strength, medical writing offers a variety of opportunities. Whether you’re contributing to existing platforms or creating your own content, there are many ways to share your insights as a medical student.

Why Consider Medical Writing?

  • Contribute to blogs or journals: Many healthcare companies and medical platforms are constantly seeking fresh content, and your unique perspective as a medical student is valuable.
  • Start your own blog: Share your medical school journey, reflecting on your experiences and growth over time.
  • Self-reflection: Writing allows you to look back on your past experiences and track your personal and professional development.

Exploring Self-Publishing

If you’re interested in writing longer-form content, you can explore self-publishing:

  • Write a book: Platforms like Amazon make it easy to publish your own work.
    • Topics could include guides on medical school interviews, tips for aspiring medics, or even a memoir of your experiences as a medical student.

Enter Writing Competitions

  • Enhance your credentials: Participating in writing competitions can boost your CV and offer the chance to win awards.
  • Showcase your expertise: Competing in these platforms helps demonstrate your communication skills and medical knowledge.

Benefits of Medical Writing

  • Passive income: Published works, especially books or well-read blogs, can provide ongoing revenue.
  • CV enhancement: Medical writing strengthens your CV, showcasing not only your medical expertise but also your ability to communicate complex topics effectively.

Summer Jobs Related to Medicine

Summer jobs can provide valuable experience and skills for medical students. Here are some options to consider:

Job Opportunities

  • Hospital Assistants: Support healthcare teams in patient care.
  • Laboratory Technicians: Assist with medical testing and research.
  • Research Assistants: Help with clinical or scientific studies.

Where to Find Jobs:

  • NHS schemes
  • Local hospitals, care homes, or pharmacies

Skills Needed:

  • Compassion and Cheerfulness: Essential for working with patients, especially the elderly.
  • Hands-On Tasks: As a healthcare assistant, you may be responsible for washing, dressing, and feeding patients, making beds, and monitoring vitals.

For more details, visit the NHS Careers Website.

Developing or Monetising Existing Skills

Expand on What You Know

  • Identify Your Skills: Reflect on what you’re already good at and how you can monetize it.
    • Design Skills: If you’re proficient with tools like Photoshop, consider offering services such as:
      • Thumbnails for YouTubers
      • Logo design
      • Custom illustrations
    • Photography and Videography: Offer services for events or businesses or sell your work on platforms like Getty, iStock, Adobe Stock, and Shutterstock.

Communication & Sales

  • Remote Sales Representative: If you excel in communication, consider a role that involves:
    • Pitching and closing deals
    • Building customer relationships
  • Flexibility: Sales jobs often come with flexible hours and commissions, making them a great side hustle for medical students.

How to Get Started

  • Freelance Platforms: Use sites like Fiverr and Upwork to offer your services and connect with clients.
  • Professional Networking: LinkedIn is an excellent platform to showcase your skills and build a profile that attracts potential employers.
  • Portfolio: Prepare examples of your work to demonstrate your capabilities.

Additional Income Opportunities

  • Selling Study Notes:
    • Monetize your academic skills by selling high-quality notes from A-levels or medical school.
    • Use websites like Stuvia or Etsy to reach students needing revision materials.
  • Creating Online Courses:
    • If you have expertise in a specific area, consider making and selling an online course. Topics could include:
      • Medical school application preparation
      • Study techniques
    • Platforms like Skillshare and Teachable can help you create, market, and sell your courses.
  • Selling Products on Etsy:
    • If you’re a creator, consider selling digital or physical products on Etsy. Options include:
      • Digital art prints
      • Study planners
      • Hand-crafted goods
    • Invest time in professional photos and well-written descriptions to attract buyers.

Summary

Earning money as a full-time medical student is entirely feasible through various side hustles. Here are the key takeaways:

  • Offer Value: Focus on providing products or services that others are willing to pay for.
  • Patience and Consistency: Building a social media presence or other ventures takes time and effort, but the benefits can be significant.
  • Choose Enjoyable Side Hustles: Balancing medical school with additional projects can be demanding, so pursue something you genuinely enjoy.

After you graduate and start your foundation years, time and energy may be more limited, so now is the perfect time to explore and develop new income streams.