First of all, don’t be discouraged! While it’s disappointing to not be accepted into the program this time, remember that setbacks are a part of life. Every successful person has faced rejection at some point. What matters most is how you respond and how you can turn this experience into an opportunity.
Limited Spots, Strong Competition
Each externship organization that hosts NIMAA students has a limited capacity. That means we can only accept a certain number of students each cohort. Just because you weren’t selected doesn’t mean you’re not qualified or ready. It might mean there was fierce competition this time around.
Reapplying
You can apply again in the spring or fall, and we’d love to see your application again! Seeing that you've applied before shows determination, which is a quality we value in our students. During the time between cohorts, you have the opportunity to reflect, grow, and close any gaps in your skills or experience. This can only make your application stronger the next time.
Remember, just because you’ve applied before doesn’t mean you don't have to be thorough on your application. Your previous application may not be reviewed with your new application, so bring your A-Game when its time to apply again.
If you choose to re-apply, it is important to keep in mind that the externship organizations may vary slightly cohort to cohort. For example, some externship organizations only host students for Fall
or Spring cohorts, while others host students for both cohorts. NIMAA posts the full list of participating externship organizations on the NIMAA website under
Where is NIMAA currently offered? before the application opens.
What Now?
Here are a few tips for moving forward:
Reflect and Reassess – Just like the changing seasons, this is a great time to pause and reprioritize. Take a moment to reflect on your application and think about what you’ve learned from the process. What can you do differently next time? What’s most important to you right now?
- Create a Vision Board – A vision board can help you clarify your ambitions, not just for becoming a medical assistant, but for any future path you may choose. It’s a great way to stay motivated and focused on what matters most to you, whether it's in healthcare or another field you discover along the way.
- Do an Informational Interview – Reach out to someone in the field, or even in a different career you're curious about, and ask them about their experience. Gaining insights from others can help you prepare for your next application, and it might also open your eyes to new opportunities that align with your goals and interests. Plus, getting insider insights from someone in the program can help you prepare even better for your next application.
- Set an Action Plan – Take proactive steps to close any gaps you feel you have. This could mean gaining more experience, improving your interview skills, or clearing the path to modify your schedule or availability. Write out your plan and hold yourself accountable to it.
- Embrace a Growth Mindset – Life is about progress, not perfection. Keep your head up, and stay focused on your long-term goals.
Dear Future Me
I know this didn’t go as planned, and I can feel the weight of disappointment right now. But no one’s journey is without its challenges. The important thing is how I respond in this moment. Now, I take control of what I can and focus on the things that will help me move forward. I know I’m capable, and this is just one step along the way. So, future me, let’s stay determined, stay focused, and be ready to pivot apply again when the time comes.
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