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Clinical Jobs/Certifications for Pre-Med Students?
Hello everyone! Hope y’all are having an amazing week.💫
I’m a sophomore in college studying neuroscience and currently looking for jobs or internships that offer clinical experience. I’ve heard of positions like medical scribe, but I’m not sure it really gives the hands-on experience I’m looking for.
I know a lot of clinical jobs require certifications, but I’m not exactly sure which ones are worth pursuing. I’d love to hear suggestions from other pre-meds or anyone in healthcare about:
Jobs that actually provide meaningful clinical experience
Certifications that can help boost a pre-med application
Any internships or paid roles that don’t require prior experience but still count as clinical
Any advice or insight would be super appreciated. Thank you!! 🙏🏽
God bless you :)
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4 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Angel by gaining clinical experience shows you have the soft skills necessary to succeed as a physician. Showing the initiative to seek meaningful experiences prior to medical school will help you stand out. Beyond a high GPA and MCAT score, medical schools are searching for compassionate students who can easily interact with patients. Pursuing clinical experiences before medical school shows you’ve tested your motivation to become a doctor, understand the work and responsibilities you’ll eventually have, and have started developing the key skills you’ll need to become an excellent physician. Medicine is ideally a lifelong commitment. Medical school and residency alone take at least seven years to complete; schools want to make sure you’ve done your due diligence to expose yourself to the field.
MEDICAL SCHOOL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Clinical experience for med school encompasses any medical-related activity you’ve participated in where you’ve interacted with patients and their care. Clinical experience can include (but isn’t limited to) shadowing a physician, volunteering or working as a hospital scribe etc. If you’re wondering how to gain clinical experience, your college is an excellent place to start. Your school may be able to connect you to volunteer opportunities if you connect with your pre-med advisors or the school medical center.
• MEDICAL SCRIBE — If you’re interested in becoming a medical scribe, you’ll want your resume and cover letter to reflect your interest and qualifications. A high school diploma is always required. If you are currently taking college courses such as anatomy, physiology and biology, make note of that in your cover letter as well. Those courses will demonstrate a strong knowledge in medical terminology. If you’re considering pursuing a career in medicine, state that clearly in your application. Hiring managers look to employ students considering a career in medicine as medical scribes, as they often have a working knowledge of medical terminology and hospital process, and will have the passion and motivation to learn and grow on the job.
• EMT VOLUNTEER — Serving as a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) is a great way to gain hands-on experience as an entry-level health care provider. Volunteer EMTs provide a needed service in their communities and are exposed to a variety of medical conditions. As an aspiring physician, you’ll become knowledgeable about the health care needs in your community and will gain exposure to the delivery of health care in various environments.
• SHADOWING — The easiest way to find shadow opportunities is by starting with who you know and asking. You can try asking your family doctor, science professors, or reaching out to your pre-med advisor to learn whether your school is affiliated with nearby medical centers and hospitals. Additionally, it can be beneficial to consider what type of physician you want to shadow. After you’ve decided, search for that type of physician in your area and begin the cold calling or cold emailing process. Remember, physicians are busy, so you likely won’t be able to stop by and talk to them. Also, securing more than one opportunity is always a good idea.
CONCLUSION
As a college student Angle, searching for clinical exposure, a part-time opportunity may be best. Try to plan for several months at minimum to show admissions committees your ability to commit to a position long-term. A quality choice is a position you’re enthusiastic about doing.
MEDICAL SCHOOL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Clinical experience for med school encompasses any medical-related activity you’ve participated in where you’ve interacted with patients and their care. Clinical experience can include (but isn’t limited to) shadowing a physician, volunteering or working as a hospital scribe etc. If you’re wondering how to gain clinical experience, your college is an excellent place to start. Your school may be able to connect you to volunteer opportunities if you connect with your pre-med advisors or the school medical center.
• MEDICAL SCRIBE — If you’re interested in becoming a medical scribe, you’ll want your resume and cover letter to reflect your interest and qualifications. A high school diploma is always required. If you are currently taking college courses such as anatomy, physiology and biology, make note of that in your cover letter as well. Those courses will demonstrate a strong knowledge in medical terminology. If you’re considering pursuing a career in medicine, state that clearly in your application. Hiring managers look to employ students considering a career in medicine as medical scribes, as they often have a working knowledge of medical terminology and hospital process, and will have the passion and motivation to learn and grow on the job.
• EMT VOLUNTEER — Serving as a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) is a great way to gain hands-on experience as an entry-level health care provider. Volunteer EMTs provide a needed service in their communities and are exposed to a variety of medical conditions. As an aspiring physician, you’ll become knowledgeable about the health care needs in your community and will gain exposure to the delivery of health care in various environments.
• SHADOWING — The easiest way to find shadow opportunities is by starting with who you know and asking. You can try asking your family doctor, science professors, or reaching out to your pre-med advisor to learn whether your school is affiliated with nearby medical centers and hospitals. Additionally, it can be beneficial to consider what type of physician you want to shadow. After you’ve decided, search for that type of physician in your area and begin the cold calling or cold emailing process. Remember, physicians are busy, so you likely won’t be able to stop by and talk to them. Also, securing more than one opportunity is always a good idea.
CONCLUSION
As a college student Angle, searching for clinical exposure, a part-time opportunity may be best. Try to plan for several months at minimum to show admissions committees your ability to commit to a position long-term. A quality choice is a position you’re enthusiastic about doing.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
angel
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Angel !
I am happy to know that you are in your Sophomore year at college ! That is truly awesome !
Your very first step would be to consult with your professors and when you do, you can verify the advice I will give to you. As a Neuro Science Major in your first year of college, with no experience or licensure or certification, you will not be able to get paid work or volunteer for Clinical work. But there are some things you can do.
This is not anything to worry about. Ask one of your Neuro Science professors if students are placed in Internships during their Junior and Senior years. Ask what the requirements are to qualify for the Internships if some are offered. I am interested in saving you time by bypassing trying to do clinical work now. You'll certainly get there, but in due time.
The next time you can apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, choose the Work Study option. Having a Work Study job will give you the opportunity to work under a professor's supervision in the science lab or any area or building relating to Neuro Science. They will teach you on the job. This will also provide you with the convenience of working around your class schedule as well as not having to commute to an off campus job. This will also afford you the opportunity to make stronger bonds in your Major Department so that you will have information at your fingertips for other opportunities. It's a winning situation with Work Study, so discuss Work Study with your financial aid officer on campus and get the details you'll need to apply for it.
For now, before you apply and start working a Work Study job, you can do any sort of volunteer work only if you want to. Sure, volunteer work will look good for you on your Medical School Application, but certifications are not required for Medical School admissions and you would need to qualify to be certified. It is my advice to not be focusing on your application to Medical School right now. There are a lot of steps between now and then. Medical Schools want to see high scores on the MCAT exam, a high GPA from your Bachelors Degree, so you should concentrate on getting high grades and making sure you know the requirements for admission of the Medical School you intend to apply to. You can explore the admission requirements by reading them at the colleges websites.
It's okay to visit the local hospitals to inquire about volunteer positions. Go to the Human Resources Department at hospitals and they'll let you know which positions are available. You can also explore doing volunteer work at community agencies that serve clients with cognitive, neurological and or sensory disabilities. Just being around the population will familiarize you with and bring to light the subjects you will learn in college.
So, take it back a few steps, verify everything I've advised with your Neuro Science professors and you'll be able to navigate this career path step by step. I hope this is something to think about and I wish you all the best !
I am happy to know that you are in your Sophomore year at college ! That is truly awesome !
Your very first step would be to consult with your professors and when you do, you can verify the advice I will give to you. As a Neuro Science Major in your first year of college, with no experience or licensure or certification, you will not be able to get paid work or volunteer for Clinical work. But there are some things you can do.
This is not anything to worry about. Ask one of your Neuro Science professors if students are placed in Internships during their Junior and Senior years. Ask what the requirements are to qualify for the Internships if some are offered. I am interested in saving you time by bypassing trying to do clinical work now. You'll certainly get there, but in due time.
The next time you can apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, choose the Work Study option. Having a Work Study job will give you the opportunity to work under a professor's supervision in the science lab or any area or building relating to Neuro Science. They will teach you on the job. This will also provide you with the convenience of working around your class schedule as well as not having to commute to an off campus job. This will also afford you the opportunity to make stronger bonds in your Major Department so that you will have information at your fingertips for other opportunities. It's a winning situation with Work Study, so discuss Work Study with your financial aid officer on campus and get the details you'll need to apply for it.
For now, before you apply and start working a Work Study job, you can do any sort of volunteer work only if you want to. Sure, volunteer work will look good for you on your Medical School Application, but certifications are not required for Medical School admissions and you would need to qualify to be certified. It is my advice to not be focusing on your application to Medical School right now. There are a lot of steps between now and then. Medical Schools want to see high scores on the MCAT exam, a high GPA from your Bachelors Degree, so you should concentrate on getting high grades and making sure you know the requirements for admission of the Medical School you intend to apply to. You can explore the admission requirements by reading them at the colleges websites.
It's okay to visit the local hospitals to inquire about volunteer positions. Go to the Human Resources Department at hospitals and they'll let you know which positions are available. You can also explore doing volunteer work at community agencies that serve clients with cognitive, neurological and or sensory disabilities. Just being around the population will familiarize you with and bring to light the subjects you will learn in college.
So, take it back a few steps, verify everything I've advised with your Neuro Science professors and you'll be able to navigate this career path step by step. I hope this is something to think about and I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much, Michelle!
angel
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Hi there Angel!
When reading your question about hands on learning opportunities that could help boost your med-school application in the future, my first thought was that becoming an EMT could be a really great option. It’s one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to get clinical experience while you’re still in college. A lot of schools seem to offer EMT certification courses as part of the curriculum or through local ambulance partnerships, and some even have campus-run ambulance services where students can get real, hands-on experience! It’s a great way to apply what you learn in class right away and it gives you an early jump on seeing patients early.
From my own experience working in healthcare, I’ve seen how much being an EMT can prepare you—not just technically, but mentally and emotionally, too. You can learn to stay calm in high-pressure situations, communicate clearly with patients and other healthcare professionals.You also learn to make quick decisions based on what you’re seeing in real time but with the support of your other crew members and the supervising physician, who is just a phone call away. Plus, it seems like most med schools love seeing applicants who’ve had meaningful, direct patient care roles as it shows initiative, responsibility, and a genuine interest in the field of helping others.
I also think that becoming an EMT will give you some great experiences to reflect on when it comes time to write your personal statement or interview with schools. You’re quite literally on the front lines of the healthcare system, helping people in some of their most vulnerable moments. That kind of experience really sticks with you and shapes the kind of provider you want to be!
If the EMT route doesn’t fit your schedule or interests, there are plenty of other great options that others have spoken too in their responses. The key is to find something that gets you involved with patients regularly and helps you start thinking like the advanced healthcare provider you want to become.
Good luck, and enjoy the process!
Ben
When reading your question about hands on learning opportunities that could help boost your med-school application in the future, my first thought was that becoming an EMT could be a really great option. It’s one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to get clinical experience while you’re still in college. A lot of schools seem to offer EMT certification courses as part of the curriculum or through local ambulance partnerships, and some even have campus-run ambulance services where students can get real, hands-on experience! It’s a great way to apply what you learn in class right away and it gives you an early jump on seeing patients early.
From my own experience working in healthcare, I’ve seen how much being an EMT can prepare you—not just technically, but mentally and emotionally, too. You can learn to stay calm in high-pressure situations, communicate clearly with patients and other healthcare professionals.You also learn to make quick decisions based on what you’re seeing in real time but with the support of your other crew members and the supervising physician, who is just a phone call away. Plus, it seems like most med schools love seeing applicants who’ve had meaningful, direct patient care roles as it shows initiative, responsibility, and a genuine interest in the field of helping others.
I also think that becoming an EMT will give you some great experiences to reflect on when it comes time to write your personal statement or interview with schools. You’re quite literally on the front lines of the healthcare system, helping people in some of their most vulnerable moments. That kind of experience really sticks with you and shapes the kind of provider you want to be!
If the EMT route doesn’t fit your schedule or interests, there are plenty of other great options that others have spoken too in their responses. The key is to find something that gets you involved with patients regularly and helps you start thinking like the advanced healthcare provider you want to become.
Good luck, and enjoy the process!
Ben
Thank you for taking the time to help.
angel
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi! I am currently in the process of applying for PA school. I have gained all my PCE hours through being a medical assistant. I cannot recommend this enough. For example, a medical scribe great experience, but it’s not very hands on and not too much direct patient care. Being an MA gives you a chance to practice taking vitals and take progress notes on how they are feeling. It’s the best id both worlds in my opinion!