What do you imagine a first-year student should purchase upon their acceptance into med school? Which is the best stethoscope for medical students?
Most of you would have thought of medical books, of course. However, besides the undeniable books, one of the most purchases for a medical or nursing student is a stethoscope.
A stethoscope for medical students is what a map is for a tourist. Without one, you will find yourself entirely lost in the vast world before you. And so, it’s no wonder that the first thought students have upon receiving their admission is related to this instrument. Yes, you guessed it – “Where can I buy a stethoscope near me?”
Purchasing Your First Ever Stethoscope Can Be Confusing – And That’s Okay!
However, this is not the only worry most students have about the stethoscope. Many have never used one and do not know what features they should look for in one. They cannot tell what a good stethoscope for medical students is and what is a good stethoscope for nursing students. They are not even acutely aware of the requirements a student stethoscope must fulfill.
Hence – though the experience continues to be exciting – it can prove to be quite nerve-wracking as well. How is one to avoid making the wrong purchase? And how can one buy a quality stethoscope while not having to sell off a limb? Is there any special stethoscope student discount that one can avail of?
It Is Essential To Do Your Research Before The Purchase, Or Else…
These were precisely the fear and reservations I had when I bought my very first stethoscope as a medical student. But whenever I asked someone, “What stethoscope should I buy for medical school?” I got a different answer. Some suggested options that looked pretty good, but were not available in my area. One of my priorities at the time was to buy a stethoscope near me.
I then ended up buying something that left quite a hole in my pocket. My justification for this indulgent experience was that I was told this stethoscope would last me a lifetime. Unfortunately, what I failed to recognize was the tendency that expensive stethoscopes for students have of getting lost or swiped. By the end of the year, I had presumably ‘lost’ my prized possession. Trust me, and it still hurts as bad as it did then.
What Are The Best Stethoscopes For Medical Students?
For this reason, I decided to today review some of the most recommended stethoscopes for medical students. These student stethoscope kits have been praised by clinicians and teachers alike, but are they that high performing? And what about the pricing?
My advice to students who are just starting med school would be to start with an economical option. As a student, you most probably are already low on funds. For learning basic medical sciences, you do not necessarily need a stethoscope with a high price tag. You can always upgrade your stethoscope later on! Let’s talk about some affordable options.
GreaterGoods Dual Head Stethoscope
This is a great beginner level stethoscope that is perfect for checking blood pressure and performing necessary heart rate assessments. The chest piece is double-sided, with an adjustable diaphragm and a non-chill rim to prevent shock. The ear tips are designed to seal the ear entirely for accurate sound transmission.
ADC Adscope Lite 609 Clinician Stethoscope
ADC typically makes stethoscopes that are a little high end. However, this option is perfectly affordable for students on a budget.
The soft ear tips are incredibly comfortable for extended wear, and the stethoscope itself is super lightweight as well. Manufactured with stainless steel, it is sure to be durable too. The best part is that the package includes all the free consumables that come with every ADC Adscope stethoscope!
Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope
When you are looking for the performance of a premium-priced stethoscope but are a little short on the funds, this is your answer. It is often considered as the recommended stethoscope for nursing students. It is reasonably accurate in its diagnostic performance and can pick up a lot of subtle sounds. Other than the basic heart and lung sounds, it can also be used to detect a variety of valve abnormalities. The only downside to it is that the performance falls in a noisy environment.
The tubing of this nursing student stethoscope is made from latex-free materials, so there are no allergies triggered. It is available in 3 different sizes of open bells and two different sizes for the diaphragm.
MDF Dual Head Lightweight Stethoscope
For those who keep affordability and comfort their top priorities, there is nothing better than the MDF Dual Head Stethoscope. It has a double-headed, aluminum chest piece that is so lightweight that you will forget you are carrying anything around your neck!
Although it significantly lacks in making a complicated diagnosis, it is the best option for a starting student. You can easily take blood pressure readings or make necessary assessments about the heart and lung health. The non-chill rim of the chest piece ensures patient comfort during use.
A Special Piece – The 3M Littmann Cardiology IV Diagnostic Stethoscope
This is arguably the best Littmann Stethoscope for medical students. Why I have listed it as a ‘special’ piece is because it is indeed an expensive model. However, with the premium pricing comes the signature Littmann quality.
So what makes this stethoscope for students the best there is? The Littmann student discount.
For those of you who did not know, this prominent company offers a special Littmann Stethoscope student discount. In this way, students can afford the superior performance of a Littmann stethoscope while not going out of their budget.
This Littmann stethoscope for medical students is excellent for those who plan to work in emergency care. Able to pick up even the most subtle of sounds, it is undoubtedly a great help during the diagnostic process.
If you are wondering what stethoscope I should buy for nursing school, there are equally affordable Littmann Stethoscopes for nursing students that you can purchase.