Premed Clinical Experience Ideas

When deciding which clinical experience to explore, keep in mind that any “patient-facing” opportunity qualifies as clinical exposure. Medical school admissions committees expect you to have firsthand experience with patients in a clinical setting to ensure you understand why you want to become a doctor. As a premed, it’s crucial to learn about the patient experience, and any role that brings you face-to-face with patients will provide valuable insight.Many of these opportunities require specific training. The training requirements can vary by job and state, and may be offered on the job or as part of paid work experience.

Premed Volunteer Clinical Experience Ideas

Clinic Volunteer

Especially if you are volunteering at a free clinic, you will learn about the social determinants of health, health care inequities, and common medical problems in the community.

Hospice Volunteer

You will learn about end of life care by offering patients comfort and support, the teamwork involved in end of life care, and the impact a fatal illness has on patients and loved ones.

Nursing Home or Hospital Volunteer

Understanding the inner workings of a nursing home or hospital while offering support for patients, will offer valuable insight about clinical care.

Volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Many communities and colleges have volunteer EMS and EMT squads. Not only does this allow a student to learn about their local community, but it also positions them to offer direct care.

Paid Clinical Experience

Audiology Technician

As an audiology technician, you will work directly with patients performing hearing tests and fitting patients for hearing aids. You will also perform administrative tasks and learn about amplification devices. You will learn about hearing health and communication.

Behavioral Health Technician

Behavioral health technicians support the care and treatment of patients with mental health disorders, working alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. They monitor patients’ behavior, assist with therapeutic activities, and help implement treatment plans. This role often involves working in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, or outpatient centers, providing care for individuals dealing with conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or severe mental illness.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNAs provide basic care to patients, such as bathing, feeding, and helping with mobility. This role offers direct patient interaction and insight into the daily care needs of patients in various settings.

Clinical Research

You’ll assist with clinical trials or research projects, working with patients to gather data and help in the design and execution of studies. This role offers insight into the research behind medical advancements and patient care.

Medical Technician

Medical technicians work with diagnostic equipment like X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging tools. This role involves technical knowledge and direct patient interaction as you perform tests and explain procedures.

Doula

A doula provides emotional and physical support to mothers during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. This role emphasizes holistic care, advocacy, and patient empowerment.

EKG Technician

As an EKG technician, you will monitor patients’ heart health by performing electrocardiograms. This position is key for learning about cardiac care and developing a strong understanding of cardiovascular conditions.

Emergency Room Technician

Working in a fast-paced emergency room environment, you’ll assist doctors and nurses with patient care, perform medical procedures, and monitor patient vitals. This role provides excellent experience in urgent care and quick decision-making.

Emergency Medical Technician

EMTs respond to emergency calls, providing immediate care and transporting patients to medical facilities. You’ll learn to think on your feet and handle high-pressure situations involving trauma and acute illnesses.

Home Health Aide

Home health aides provide personalized care to individuals in their homes, helping with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. They often work with elderly or disabled patients, assisting with mobility and basic medical needs, like monitoring vitals or administering medications. This role offers insight into long-term care and the emotional and physical challenges patients face outside of clinical settings.

Medical Assistant

In this role, you will help doctors with patient care by taking vitals, preparing patients for exams, and performing basic clinical tasks. You’ll gain hands-on experience with clinical procedures and patient interaction.

Medical Translator

Medical translators help patients communicate with healthcare professionals in their native language. This role involves translating medical information and ensuring accurate communication, which is crucial for patient safety and trust.

Neurotechnician

Neurotechnicians assist in performing neurological tests, such as EEGs, to monitor brain activity. This role offers specialized experience in neurophysiology and patient care in neurology settings.

Ophthalmic Technician

Ophthalmic technicians assist ophthalmologists in diagnosing and treating eye conditions. Their tasks include conducting vision tests, measuring eye pressure, administering eye drops, and preparing patients for procedures. They also assist with minor surgical procedures and manage patient records. This role provides hands-on experience in eye care and offers insight into specialized clinical work in ophthalmology.

Patient Care Technician

Patient care technicians assist nurses and doctors in providing direct patient care, including tasks such as taking vital signs, drawing blood, assisting with mobility, and monitoring patients’ overall well-being. PCTs often work in hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation facilities, helping with both medical and daily care needs. This role provides hands-on experience with patients across a variety of conditions, offering insight into the daily demands of patient care.

Patient Transporter

Patient transporters help move patients between different areas of a hospital or clinic, ensuring their safety and comfort. This role offers insight into the hospital’s workflow and patient logistics.

Personal Caretaker

Personal caretakers assist with daily living tasks for individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities. This role requires compassion and patience, offering a deep understanding of long-term patient care.

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood from patients and preparing it for testing. This role offers direct patient contact and is essential for accurate lab results.

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy techs assist pharmacists in preparing medications, managing inventory, and interacting with patients about prescriptions. This role is key for learning about pharmacology and patient medication management.

Scribe

As a medical scribe, you will work alongside physicians, documenting patient interactions in real-time. This role offers a deep understanding of medical terminology, workflows, and decision-making in clinical settings. You’ll also develop strong observation skills and witness patient-doctor communication firsthand.