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when in high school, what job can you get that involves the medicine field ?
#medicine #job #healthcare #highschool
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5 answers
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Jasleen’s Answer
This is a great question and one that I wished I had asked early on! A great way to get started is volunteering at your local hospital. This was one way I was able to connect with a variety of healthcare workers. Additionally I would look into a CNA or EMT certificate as these jobs have many openings in all areas and can provide you exposure to patient care. Hope this helps!
Updated
Marney’s Answer
Thanks for the great question.
First, please realize that not everyone who works in the medical field had a job in this field during high school. Opportunities have been much more limited during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the others mentioned, summer jobs are a great way to gain exposure to the medical field. You likely won’t get opportunities to participate in medical care but you can gain a lot of knowledge about the way a clinic or hospital functions. Ask locally - doctor’s offices are great, but remember there may be opportunities at other types of offices: therapists (speech, occupational, physical), dentists, even veterinarians.
Volunteer positions are a great way to learn more - hospitals, rehabilitation centers (eg physical), nursing homes, research centers, and laboratories are some options. (See suggestions here: https://students-residents.aamc.org/getting-experience/finding-health-care-related-volunteer-opportunities).
Some career oriented high schools have pathways for you to learn technical skills (such as a certified medical assistant). These pathways can be a great option for some students.
Good luck!
First, please realize that not everyone who works in the medical field had a job in this field during high school. Opportunities have been much more limited during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the others mentioned, summer jobs are a great way to gain exposure to the medical field. You likely won’t get opportunities to participate in medical care but you can gain a lot of knowledge about the way a clinic or hospital functions. Ask locally - doctor’s offices are great, but remember there may be opportunities at other types of offices: therapists (speech, occupational, physical), dentists, even veterinarians.
Volunteer positions are a great way to learn more - hospitals, rehabilitation centers (eg physical), nursing homes, research centers, and laboratories are some options. (See suggestions here: https://students-residents.aamc.org/getting-experience/finding-health-care-related-volunteer-opportunities).
Some career oriented high schools have pathways for you to learn technical skills (such as a certified medical assistant). These pathways can be a great option for some students.
Good luck!
Updated
Karen’s Answer
I also recommend looking into a CNA (certified nursing assistant) position or looking for volunteer opportunities at a hospital. Additionally, many cities have non-profit medical clinics that provide free or low cost healthcare. Those clinics typically need volunteers, and they are a great way to see another side of healthcare!
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi!
As already stated, volunteering at a hospital is a great start.
If you can’t find a place to volunteer or you need to have a paying job, I would suggest a customer service position. Healthcare jobs obviously provide healthcare, but customer service is also key. Learning to deal with people and their personalities is a skill that is used often in many fields and is helpful to learn. If you can find a job to sharpen computer skills, that would also be beneficial. Healthcare uses technology and it’s great if you already know how to do a lot of it. Good luck!
As already stated, volunteering at a hospital is a great start.
If you can’t find a place to volunteer or you need to have a paying job, I would suggest a customer service position. Healthcare jobs obviously provide healthcare, but customer service is also key. Learning to deal with people and their personalities is a skill that is used often in many fields and is helpful to learn. If you can find a job to sharpen computer skills, that would also be beneficial. Healthcare uses technology and it’s great if you already know how to do a lot of it. Good luck!
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
That is wonderful that you want to start gaining experience early on! When I was in high school I applied to work at doctor's offices in the summer and found a wonderful podiatrist office that helped me get experience with appointment scheduling, administrative tasks, and even let me shadow the medical assistants in the room with the patients. It was a great way to get a glimpse into healthcare and what I was/was not interested in pursuing.