These are 5 examples of jobs you can get as a pre-med student that will also allow you to get clinical experience and work to earn money at the same time. Some jobs such as CNA or Phlebotomist require certifications, others require only on the job training. See the average wages and salaries for each job (will vary depending on your state). Clinical experience is great for your medical school applications and these are 5 ways to start boosting that!
Home Health and Personal Care Aids
Wage: $11-17 an hour depending on the state
Home health aides work for medical facilities or care companies to help patients who have temporary or chronic injuries or diseases. They have one or more appointments per day and work at the patient’s home. They assist the patient with cleaning, cooking, eating, and drinking. Home health aides also assist patients with bathing, dressing, using the restroom, and grooming.
Pre-med students interested in becoming a home health aide should first check their state’s standards. Individuals in some states may just need a high school certificate and on-the-job training, whilst others may require a short certification course and passing a state examination.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Wage: $10-25 an hour depending on the state
Certified nursing assistants can work in many different settings such as a hospital, rehabilitation clinics, assisted living facilities, and in many other health care settings. Their responsibilities include working alongside registered nurses to help with patient activities. These can include record keeping, helping patients bathe, dress and groom, vital signs, and other related tasks. The requirements to become a CNA vary by state, but include a certification program lasting anywhere from 1-3 months.
Pharmacy technician
Wage: $12-25 an hour depending on the state
Pharmacy technicians assist in the day-to-day operations of pharmacies or drug stores. They are responsible for entering the order requests from various doctors into the pharmacy’s system and fill prescriptions. Pharmacy technicians also work with customers to handle
Those interested in working as a pharmacy technician normally need a high school diploma followed by on-the-job training. Depending on your state and intended pharmacy, you may be required to do a certification class and pass an exam through an approved body such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). A pharmacy technician certification might take anywhere from six weeks to two years to obtain, depending on the organization or program you attend.
Phlebotomist
Wage: $17-21 an hour depending on the state
Phlebotomists can work in hospitals, small clinics and lab work facilities. They collect blood and other samples from patients and prepare them for analysis. They use needles for collection (venipuncture) so this job is not for those with a fear of needles! A course in phlebotomy is required through an accredited certification program with a licensing examination.
Medical scribe
Wage: $15-20 an hour depending on the state
A medical scribe works at a doctor’s office or a health care clinic. As a medical scribe, pre-med students will get a firsthand look at the inner workings of a hospital, doctor’s office, or health care clinic. The responsibilities include keeping accurate information updated such as appointment information, medical history, and patient information. They will work closely with a physician to accurately note all the information of the appointment into the hospital or office databases. The requirements include a high school diploma and computer/ typing skills.
