Having clinical experience under your belt is absolutely necessary for applying to medical school. Medical schools need to know you’re committed to the arduous journey of becoming a physician, and there’s no better way to demonstrate that than by amassing an abundance of clinical experience hours.
Buckle up, this blog will tackle various clinical experience positions pre-medical students can take part in to facilitate their journey of becoming a physician.
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Counts As Clinical Experience for Medical School.
Becoming a CNA is a great way to gather clinical experience hours. Some of their duties include assisting patients with activities of daily living, providing basic care, and checking patients’ vital signs. Pre-medical students are required to take a state certification course and a state licensing exam prior to being issued a CNA license. CNA positions tend to be quite flexible, therefore pre-medical students can make a work schedule that works around them.
Medical Scribe Counts As Clinical Experience for Medical School.
Scribing allows pre-medical students to familiarize themselves with medical terminology. Also, by scribing pre-medical students will directly interact with practicing physicians. Interacting with physicians will give premeds a better idea of the medical profession. Most scribe positions don’t require any certifications and training is performed on the job.
International Volunteering Experiences Count As Clinical Research Experience for Medical School.
Embarking on a Global Medical Brigade, such as the trip currently being offer to Panama, offers a comprehensive clinical and research exposure for pre-med students. Participants engage directly with underserved communities, shadowing physicians, supporting triage, and participating in health workshops. This immersive program allows students to witness primary healthcare delivery in remote settings and contribute significantly to community health research. Alongside their clinical interactions, students partake in an intensive global health research project, collecting data, and potentially publishing their findings. Trips like this provide a unique blend of practical medical experience and valuable research opportunities, all set against a rich cultural and natural environment.
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Counts As Clinical Experience for Medical School.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMTs “respond to emergency calls, perform medical services, and transport patients to medical facilities. Becoming an EMT is a fast-paced job that will expose you to many elements of the healthcare system. Pre-medical students must complete an accredited course and pass a national exam in order to receive licensure.
Phlebotomist Counts As Clinical Experience for Medical School.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research or blood donations.” Learning how to draw blood by becoming a phlebotomist, will prove extremely beneficial for pre-medical students while there in medical school. Specifically during their 3rd and 4th-year clinical rotations. Pre-medical students must enroll in an accredited phlebotomy program and pass a licensure exam in order to work as a phlebotomist.
Hospice Volunteer Counts As Clinical Experience for Medical School.
On the path to becoming a physician, it’s inevitable that pre-medical students will deal with a death of a patient. Volunteering at hospice allows pre-medical students to learn strategies on how to cope with death and how to provide care to dying patients.
