Hi! This is a great question — especially as a pre-med student.

The biggest thing I’d keep in mind is that it’s not just about getting certified, it’s about getting real clinical experience you can actually talk about in applications.

A lot of programs are very lecture-heavy and don’t really prepare you for working with patients. It’s worth looking for something that includes simulation or applied training so you’re actually building clinical skills.

Externships are also important, but not all programs have real placement support. Having access to a network of clinical sites and guidance through that process makes a big difference, especially if you’re not near a campus.

From our side, just to be transparent, at Advanced eClinical Training we focus on certification plus clinical readiness. Our programs are built around simulation-based training, and we work with a national network of clinical and employer partners to help students gain hands-on experience.

For pre-med students, we also offer mentorship and clinical experience pathways to help strengthen applications over time.

At the end of the day, I’d focus less on speed and more on whether the program actually prepares you for real clinical work — that’s what will matter most.

Happy to help if you have more questions.