We rounded up a list of the 17 highest-paying premed jobs that offer students clinical experience and a solid financial footing before medical school.
Working in healthcare as a medical student is super helpful for a few reasons. It gives you hands-on experience to better understand the healthcare system, patient care, and medical procedures. This can be especially useful if you’re still figuring out your career path or considering different specialties. Hands-on experience is also important for your medical school application.
Healthcare jobs also offer networking opportunities and connections with professionals in the medical field that can come in handy later in your career.
Plus, they often have flexible schedules, making it easier to balance work and school. Finally, working in healthcare settings is emotionally rewarding because you get to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Overall, working in healthcare as a premed student is a great way to gain experience, build connections, and prepare for a career in healthcare. Here are some great opportunities for premeds to gain clinical experience while also making some much-needed cash.
Visit our Pre-Med Extracurricular Portal to browse and apply to multiple volunteering, clinical, and leadership experiences, all in one place. Get involved with the Red Cross, American Heart Association, ProScribe, and more.
1. Medical Records and Health Information Technician
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians are responsible for organizing and managing patients’ medical records. They ensure that medical records are accurate, complete, and secure.
The average annual salary for Medical Records and Health Information Technicians is $52,267 as of June 2024.
To become a Medical Records and Health Information Technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and you should complete a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in health information technology or a related field.
Certification such as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is often preferred.
2. Medical Transcriptionist
Medical Transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings by physicians and other healthcare professionals and transcribe them into medical reports and other documents.
The average annual salary for Medical Transcriptionists is $51,841 as of June 2024.
To become a Medical Transcriptionist, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, and you should complete training in medical transcription, typically a certificate program.
Knowledge of medical terminology and transcription software is essential.
3. Medical Scribe
Medical Scribes assist healthcare professionals with documentation and administrative tasks. They transcribe physician-patient encounters, maintain patient records, and assist with billing and coding.
The average annual salary for Medical Scribes is $32,000 as of June 2024.
To become a Medical Scribe, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, though some positions may require a college degree. Familiarity with medical terminology and EHR systems, along with strong typing and documentation skills, are a must.
4. Research Assistant
Research Assistants support scientific research by conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results. They assist in preparing research papers and reports, and may work in labs or clinical trials.
The average annual salary for Research Assistants is $47,911 as of June 2024.
To become a Research Assistant, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or psychology. Laboratory experience and familiarity with research methodologies are important, as well as strong analytical and organizational skills.
5. Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists with dispensing prescription medications and providing advice to patients. They may also perform administrative tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and maintaining patient records.
The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians is $35,100 as of June 2024.
To become a Pharmacy Technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and you should complete a pharmacy technician training program and obtain certification (e.g., Certified Pharmacy Technician, CPhT). On-the-job training and state licensure may be required.
6. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, or donations. They may also label and track blood samples.
The average annual salary for Phlebotomists is $37,380 as of June 2024.
To become a Phlebotomist, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent. You should then complete a phlebotomy training program and obtain certification (e.g., Certified Phlebotomy Technician, CPT). State licensure may be required.
7. EKG Technician
EKG Technicians administer and interpret electrocardiogram (EKG) tests, which measure the electrical activity of the heart. They may also assist with stress tests and Holter monitoring.
The average annual salary for EKG Technicians is $39,000 as of June 2024.
To become an EKG Technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should complete an EKG technician training program. Certification (e.g., Certified EKG Technician, CET) may be preferred.
8. Clinical Laboratory Technician
Clinical Laboratory Technicians collect and analyze samples of body fluids and tissues to help diagnose medical conditions.
The average annual salary for Clinical Laboratory Technicians is $54,180 as of June 2024.
To become a Clinical Laboratory Technician, you generally need an associate degree in clinical laboratory technology or a related field. Certification (e.g., Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT) is often required, and state licensure may be required.
9. Dialysis Technician
Dialysis Technicians are healthcare professionals who operate and maintain equipment used in dialysis treatments for patients with kidney disease. They may also monitor patients during treatments and record their vital signs.
The average annual salary for Dialysis Technicians is $41,260 as of June 2024.
To become a Dialysis Technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and you should complete a dialysis technician training program. Certification (e.g., Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician, CCHT) may be required.
10. Patient Care Technician
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) work under the supervision of nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide basic care to patients.
Their duties may include taking vital signs, helping with daily activities such as bathing and dressing, and performing basic medical procedures such as drawing blood.
The average annual salary for Patient Care Technicians is $34,500 as of June 2024.
To become a Patient Care Technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and you should complete a training program that may last several weeks to several months. Certification (e.g., Certified Patient Care Technician, CPCT) may be preferred.
11. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are healthcare professionals who provide basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. Their duties may include bathing and dressing patients, helping with meals, and taking vital signs.
The average annual salary for Certified Nursing Assistants is $30,310 as of June 2024.
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent. You should also complete a state-approved nursing assistant program and pass a competency exam.
12. Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide patient care. They may take medical histories, measure vital signs, and assist with medical procedures.
The average annual salary for Medical Assistants is $37,190 as of June 2024.
To become a Medical Assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and you should complete a medical assistant training program. Certification (e.g., Certified Medical Assistant, CMA) may be preferred.
13. Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic Technologists operate imaging equipment to produce images of the body that help diagnose medical conditions. They work with physicians to evaluate images and develop treatment plans for patients.
The average annual salary for Radiologic Technologists is $63,710 as of June 2024.
To become a Radiologic Technologist, you typically need to complete an associate degree program in radiologic technology. Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and state licensure may be required.
14. Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technologists assist surgeons during surgical procedures by preparing equipment, helping with patient positioning, and maintaining a sterile environment.
The average annual salary for Surgical Technologists is $50,110 as of June 2024.
To become a Surgical Technologist, you generally need to complete a postsecondary non-degree program. Certification (e.g., Certified Surgical Technologist, CST) is often required, and state licensure may be required.
15. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists to provide patient care and rehabilitation. They help patients with everyday tasks and activities, such as dressing and eating, and may also help develop treatment plans.
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants is $61,880 as of June 2024.
To become an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you typically need to complete an associate degree program from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.
Certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and state licensure may be required.
16. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic
EMTs and paramedics provide emergency medical care to patients at the scene of an accident or during transport to a hospital. They may perform basic life support procedures, administer medications, and communicate with other healthcare professionals.
The average annual salary for EMTs is $37,760, while Paramedics earn around $47,680, as of June 2024.
To become an EMT, you typically need to complete a postsecondary certificate program, while becoming a paramedic generally requires completing an associate degree program. Certification and state licensure are required for both roles.
17. Behavioral Health Technician
Behavioral Health Technicians assist in the care of patients with mental health or substance abuse disorders. They may help patients with daily living activities, monitor their behavior, and assist with therapy sessions.
The average annual salary for Behavioral Health Technicians is $39,160 as of June 2024.
To become a Behavioral Health Technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and you should complete on-the-job training or a short-term training program. Relevant experience in mental health care is also beneficial.
FAQs
➕ What kind of clinical experience is best for a pre-med student?
The best clinical experience for a pre-med student involves direct patient care, such as working as a Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or EMT. These roles provide hands-on experience and a deep understanding of patient needs and medical procedures.
➕ What part-time jobs are beneficial for pre-med students?
Beneficial part-time jobs for pre-med students include positions like Medical Scribe, Pharmacy Technician, and Research Assistant, which offer some of the most flexible schedules for those who cannot work full-time jobs.
➕ Can you work in a hospital with a pre-med degree?
Yes, you can work in a hospital with a pre-med degree, especially in roles such as Medical Scribe, Patient Care Technician, or Medical Assistant, where you can gain clinical experience and patient interaction.
➕ Do gap years before med school look bad?
Taking a gap year before medical school doesn’t look bad; in fact, it can be beneficial if you use that time off to pursue clinical experiences, which foster professional connections and look great on med school applications. You may even get a stellar letter of recommendation out of the experience!
Make the Most of Your Premed Journey
There are several healthcare careers available to premedical students that offer competitive salaries and clinical experience.
While some careers require more education and training than others, all of these careers provide exposure to healthcare facilities, patient interaction, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Remember, clinical work experience is just one of the extracurricular areas where you need to shine. Make sure your resume is also packed with research experience, physician shadowing, volunteering, leadership, and life experiences.
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