Top 18 Best Gigs That Medical Students Can Do to Earn Extra Money
Embarking on a medical journey is both intellectually challenging and financially demanding. With tuition fees, textbooks, and living expenses piling up, many medical students find themselves searching for side gigs that can help ease the financial burden. Thankfully, there are numerous flexible, rewarding, and well-paying opportunities tailored for medical students.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 lucrative side gigs that medical students can balance with their rigorous studies, including tutoring, freelance writing, medical transcription, online surveys, telehealth services, research assistant roles, virtual medical scribing, medical coding and billing, health and wellness coaching, medical illustrations, content creation on medical topics, peer mentoring, creating study guides, podcasting, social media management for healthcare professionals, hosting workshops, selling custom medical-themed merchandise, and freelance editing for medical papers.
Best Side Hustle Gigs for Medical Students
1. Tutoring: Share Your Expertise and Earn Handsomely
Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Platforms: Chegg, Course Hero, Preply
Pay: $20–$30 per hour
Tutoring is one of the most rewarding and straightforward ways for medical students to earn money. By sharing your knowledge in core subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics, you not only help others but also strengthen your grasp of these topics. Whether you’re tutoring younger students or peers, platforms like Chegg, Course Hero, and Preply offer flexible opportunities that adapt to your packed medical school schedule. With tutoring, you can achieve a steady income while staying immersed in your academic field.
2. Freelance Writing in Medicine: Get Paid for Your Expertise
Opportunities: Writing blog posts, academic papers, or health articles
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr
Benefit: Work remotely with complete flexibility
Turn your medical knowledge into income by offering freelance writing services in the health and medical fields. Blog owners and academic journals are always searching for knowledgeable individuals to create accurate, insightful content that resonates with their audience. Freelance writing allows you to work from anywhere, whether it’s during your study breaks or late at night. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr let you showcase your expertise, land writing gigs, and build a strong portfolio—all while earning a respectable income.
3. Medical Transcription: Earn While Honing Your Skills
Role: Convert audio recordings from healthcare professionals into written text
Platforms: Rev, TranscribeMe
Pay: Competitive rates
Medical transcription is a lucrative gig for students familiar with medical terminology. By transcribing recordings from doctors and nurses into detailed reports, you’ll strengthen your attention to detail and improve your listening skills. This remote-friendly job offers flexibility, allowing you to work on your own schedule. Platforms like Rev and TranscribeMe make it easy to find transcription gigs, making it a perfect choice for those looking to balance work and studies effectively.
4. Health-Focused Online Surveys: Quick Cash in Your Spare Time
Role: Participate in health-related surveys and market research
Platforms: Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, M3 Global Research
When time is limited, online surveys provide a hassle-free way to earn extra money. Health-focused surveys allow you to share valuable insights and contribute to market research in your field. Platforms like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and M3 Global Research are tailored for healthcare-related topics, making them ideal for medical students. These surveys are quick, easy to complete, and offer cash or gift card rewards, giving you a simple way to earn during downtime.
| Side Hustle | Details |
|---|---|
| Tutoring | Share your expertise in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics on platforms such as Chegg, Course Hero, and Preply. Pay: $20–$30 per hour. |
| Freelance Writing in Medicine | Create content for blogs, academic papers, or health-related articles using platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Benefit: Work remotely with flexibility. |
| Medical Transcription | Transcribe audio recordings from healthcare professionals into text. Platforms include Rev and TranscribeMe. Pay: Competitive rates. |
| Health-Focused Online Surveys | Complete health-related surveys on platforms like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and M3 Global Research for quick cash or gift card rewards. |
5. Telehealth Services: Gain Practical Experience While Earning
Opportunities: Patient support, administrative tasks, data entry
Where to Look: Healthcare institutions offering telehealth services
The growing field of telehealth has opened doors for medical students to earn while gaining real-world experience. In these roles, you can assist with remote patient care, schedule management, or data entry tasks—all from the comfort of your home. Telehealth positions provide a unique opportunity to understand how modern healthcare operates while building your resume. Reach out to local healthcare institutions or explore telehealth programs to find the perfect role that aligns with your skills and career goals.
6. Research Assistant
Assist in data collection and analysis for research projects.
- Opportunities: University professors, hospital departments
Working as a research assistant allows medical students to gain hands-on experience in medical research, which is invaluable for their future careers. These roles often involve data collection, analysis, and assisting with the preparation of research papers. Reach out to university professors or hospital departments to find research assistant opportunities.
7. Work as a Virtual Medical Scribe
Document patient encounters and update medical records for doctors.
- Platforms: ProScribe, Scribe America
Medical scribes support doctors by handling documentation tasks, allowing physicians to focus on patient care. This role enhances your understanding of medical terminology and clinical procedures. Companies like ProScribe and Scribe America offer virtual scribe positions that can be done remotely, making them a convenient option for medical students.
8. Medical Coding and Billing
Translate healthcare diagnoses and services into standardized codes for billing.
- Certifications: AAPC, AHIMA
- Platforms: FlexJobs, Fiverr, Upwork
Medical coding and billing involve translating medical procedures into codes for insurance claims. With proper certification from organizations like AAPC or AHIMA, medical students can pursue this lucrative side gig. Platforms like FlexJobs, Fiverr, and Upwork offer opportunities to work in this field, providing flexibility and a good income.
9. Health and Wellness Coaching
Help clients achieve health and fitness goals.
- Certification: NASM
- Promotion: Social media or gyms
If you’re passionate about fitness and health, consider becoming a health and wellness coach. This role involves guiding clients towards healthier lifestyles through personalized coaching. With a certification from NASM, you can promote your services through social media or local gyms and help others achieve their health goals while earning money.
10. Medical Illustrations
Create visual representations of anatomy and medical concepts.
- Platforms: Freelance marketplaces or approach authors and researchers
- Salary Range: $83,000–$170,000 per year
For those with artistic skills, medical illustration is a unique niche. This gig involves creating accurate and detailed visuals of medical concepts, which are used in textbooks, research papers, and educational materials. Freelance marketplaces or direct collaborations with authors and researchers can help you find work in this field.
| Side Hustle | Details |
|---|---|
| Telehealth Services | Assist with patient support, administrative tasks, and data entry for telehealth programs. Look for opportunities with healthcare institutions. |
| Research Assistant | Gain hands-on experience in data collection and analysis by assisting university professors or hospital departments with research projects. |
| Virtual Medical Scribe | Document patient encounters and update medical records for doctors. Platforms: ProScribe, Scribe America. |
| Medical Coding and Billing | Translate medical procedures into standardized codes for billing. Certifications: AAPC, AHIMA. Platforms: FlexJobs, Fiverr, Upwork. |
| Health and Wellness Coaching | Guide clients toward healthier lifestyles. Certification: NASM. Promote services through social media or gyms. |
| Medical Illustrations | Create visuals of anatomy and medical concepts for textbooks and research papers. Platforms: Freelance marketplaces or direct collaborations. |
11. Content Creation on Medical Topics
Start a YouTube channel, blog, or social media page focused on simplifying medical concepts.
- Monetize: Ads, sponsorships, or selling eBooks
- Platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Medium
Content creation is a creative way to share your medical knowledge with a broader audience. By starting a YouTube channel, blog, or social media page, you can create educational content that simplifies complex medical concepts. Monetizing through ads, sponsorships, or selling eBooks can turn your passion for teaching into a profitable side hustle.
12. Peer Mentoring or Academic Counseling
Offer guidance to pre-med or junior medical students.
- Platforms: University forums, Wyzant
Peer mentoring allows experienced students to offer advice and support to those just starting their medical journey. This gig is fulfilling and helps build your leadership and communication skills. Platforms like university forums and Wyzant are great places to advertise your mentoring services.
13. Creating Study Guides or Flashcards for Medical Students
Design high-quality study materials for tough subjects.
- Platforms: Etsy, Gumroad
Creating and selling study guides or flashcards is a practical way to help fellow students while reinforcing your own knowledge. Focus on subjects like anatomy, pharmacology, or pathology, and sell your materials on platforms like Etsy or Gumroad. This gig not only earns you money but also enhances your understanding of the subjects.
14. Start a Podcast on Med School Life or Health Topics
Share your journey, tips, or discuss health trends.
- Monetize: Sponsorships, Patreon
Podcasts are a popular medium for sharing insights and stories. By starting a podcast focused on medical school life or health topics, you can attract a dedicated audience and share valuable advice. Monetizing through sponsorships or listener support on platforms like Patreon can make this a rewarding side hustle.
| Side Hustle | Details |
|---|---|
| Content Creation on Medical Topics | Start a YouTube channel, blog, or social media page to simplify medical concepts. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, or selling eBooks. Platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Medium. |
| Peer Mentoring or Academic Counseling | Offer guidance to pre-med or junior medical students. Platforms: University forums, Wyzant. |
| Creating Study Guides or Flashcards | Design and sell high-quality study materials for subjects like anatomy and pathology. Platforms: Etsy, Gumroad. |
| Start a Podcast | Share your med school journey, tips, or health trends through a podcast. Monetize via sponsorships or Patreon. |
15. Social Media Management for Healthcare Professionals
Support doctors and healthcare businesses in effectively handling their social media presence.
Many healthcare professionals need help managing their social media accounts. By offering social media management services, you can create content, engage with followers, and help healthcare businesses build their online presence. This gig is creative, profitable, and enhances your networking skills.
16. Hosting Workshops or Webinars for Aspiring Med Students
Host sessions on topics like medical school entrance exams.
- Platforms: Zoom, social media
Hosting workshops or webinars on topics like medical school entrance exams, time management, or effective study techniques can establish you as a knowledgeable figure. Promote your workshops on social media and use platforms like Zoom to conduct sessions. Charging a fee for participation or offering free sessions initially can help build your credibility.
17. Selling Custom Medical-Themed Merchandise
Design creative medical-themed merchandise.
- Platforms: Redbubble, Teespring, Shopify
Designing and selling custom medical-themed merchandise like T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags can be a fun and profitable side hustle. Platforms like Redbubble, Teespring, and Shopify make it easy to sell your designs and reach a wide audience.
18. Freelance Editing for Medical Papers or Journals
Offer proofreading and editing services for academic papers.
- Platforms: Freelancer, Upwork
As a medical student, your expertise is invaluable for editing academic papers, dissertations, or journal articles. Offering freelance editing services helps sharpen your editing skills and provides a steady income. Platforms like Freelancer and Upwork are great places to find clients in need of your services.
| Side Hustle | Details |
|---|---|
| Social Media Management for Healthcare Professionals | Support doctors and healthcare businesses by managing their social media presence, creating content, and engaging with followers. |
| Hosting Workshops or Webinars | Host sessions on topics like medical school entrance exams or time management using platforms like Zoom. Promote via social media. |
| Selling Custom Medical-Themed Merchandise | Design and sell medical-themed T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags on platforms like Redbubble, Teespring, and Shopify. |
| Freelance Editing for Medical Papers or Journals | Offer proofreading and editing services for academic papers, dissertations, or journal articles. Platforms: Freelancer, Upwork. |
Opportunities for Career Exploration
Engaging in different side gigs can provide medical students with a broader perspective on various medical and non-medical career paths. This exploration can help students identify their interests and potential specialties, contributing to more informed career choices.
Enhancement of Soft Skills
Emphasize the development of essential soft skills such as communication, time management, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are critical for medical professionals and can be honed through various side gigs, providing a well-rounded skill set that complements their medical education.
Where to Find These Gigs
Finding the right side gig can be crucial for balancing work with your medical studies. Here are some practical steps to help you secure these opportunities:
- Freelance Platforms:
- Fiverr, Upwork, Indeed, LinkedIn, FlexJobs: Start by creating a compelling profile that highlights your medical background and relevant skills. Ensure your profile is detailed with examples of past work or projects, even if they are academic. Utilize keywords like “medical student,” “health writer,” or “medical transcriptionist” to increase visibility. Regularly apply to gigs that match your expertise and set notifications for new opportunities.
- University and Hospital Networks:
- Network with Professors, Classmates, and Alumni: Leverage your existing connections within your university and hospital. Attend seminars, workshops, and networking events to meet professionals in the medical field. Express your interest in gaining practical experience or side gigs related to your studies. Join university forums or groups where such opportunities are often posted. Offer to assist in research projects or administrative tasks in exchange for mentorship or experience. Establishing strong connections can result in referrals and even direct job opportunities.
By actively engaging in these platforms and networks, you increase your chances of finding flexible and rewarding gigs that align with your career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do medical students make money?
- By engaging in side gigs such as tutoring, freelance writing, transcription, research assistance, and telehealth services.
- What are some easy side gigs for medical students?
- Online tutoring, freelance writing, medical transcription, and online surveys are considered easy and flexible gigs.
- How much do medical students make from side gigs?
- Depending on the gig, medical students can earn anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour.
- What are the best side gigs for medical students to balance with their studies?
- Tutoring, freelance writing, and working as a medical scribe are highly flexible and allow students to balance their academic responsibilities.
- Are there side gigs for medical students related to their field?
- Yes, opportunities like research assistance, medical transcription, and medical coding are directly related to the medical field.
Conclusion
Side gigs provide flexibility and help manage student debt. Choosing gigs that align with your interests can prevent burnout. Start with options like research assistance, freelance writing, or medical scribe work. If you want a break from your field, explore non-medical side hustles. These gigs not only offer financial relief but also enrich your medical journey.
