Best Jobs for Clinical Experience

Gaining clinical experience is crucial for anyone looking to build a career in healthcare. It not only provides real-world skills and knowledge but also demonstrates a commitment to the healthcare industry. Here, we explore some of the top jobs that offer valuable clinical experience, which can be beneficial for pre-med students, those aiming for medical school, or anyone looking to enter the healthcare field.

Dialysis Technician

• Average Salary: $40,335
• Job Description: Dialysis Technicians operate and maintain dialysis equipment, assisting patients who require treatments for kidney disease. They are pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of dialysis treatments and monitoring patient vital signs during the process.
• Responsibilities: Setting up and operating dialysis machines, monitoring patients during treatment, and recording vital signs.
• Required Education: Training programs which may last from several months to a year, varying by state.

Phlebotomist

• Average Salary: $40,499
• Job Description: Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood from patients for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. They play a critical role in the healthcare system by collecting blood samples that are essential for diagnosing and treating patients.
• Responsibilities: Identifying patients, explaining procedures, collecting blood samples, maintaining a sterile environment.
• Required Education: Postsecondary non-degree program, typically 8-16 weeks long【5†source】.

Behavioral Health Technician

• Average Salary: $14.63 per hour
• Job Description: Behavioral Health Technicians work with patients struggling with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They are part of a healthcare team focused on providing comprehensive mental health services.
• Responsibilities: Implementing treatment plans, monitoring patient behavior, ensuring patient safety, and providing emotional support.
• Required Education: Training programs, with some positions requiring certification as a Registered Behavioral Technician.

Emergency Room Technician

• Average Salary: $15.06 per hour
• Job Description: Emergency Room Technicians assist in the fast-paced environment of an emergency room. They support nurses and physicians in providing care to patients in urgent situations.
• Responsibilities: Maintaining medical equipment, taking vital signs, dressing wounds, starting IVs.
• Required Education: Typically requires EMT training and certification.

Medical Assistant

• Average Salary: $36,452
• Job Description: Medical Assistants perform a variety of tasks in healthcare settings, primarily outpatient clinics and doctors’ offices. They handle both administrative and clinical tasks, contributing to efficient patient care and office operations.
• Responsibilities: Taking vitals, assisting with medical procedures, administrative duties like scheduling appointments.
• Required Education: Postsecondary non-degree program, with some employers providing on-the-job training.

EKG Technician

• Average Salary: $36,819
• Job Description: EKG Technicians operate specialized equipment to conduct tests on patients’ heart rates and rhythms. These tests are crucial for diagnosing and treating heart conditions.
• Responsibilities: Administering EKG tests, maintaining EKG equipment, assisting with stress tests and monitoring heart rates.
• Required Education: Postsecondary non-degree program, often short-term.

Medical Scribe

• Average Salary: $30,100
• Job Description: Medical Scribes assist healthcare professionals by documenting patient encounters in real-time. They ensure accurate and thorough medical records, which are vital for patient care and treatment planning.
• Responsibilities: Documenting patient visits, updating patient charts, assisting with administrative tasks.
• Required Education: High school diploma, with certification preferred.

Surgical Technician

• Average Salary: $55,960 per year
• Job Description: Surgical Technicians work in operating rooms, assisting during surgeries. They ensure that the surgical environment is sterile and that all equipment is ready and accounted for.
• Responsibilities: Preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, assisting surgeons during procedures.
• Required Education: Certificate or Associate’s Degree in Surgical Technology.

Transporter

• Average Salary: $28,080 per year
• Job Description: Hospital Transporters are responsible for safely moving patients within the hospital. This role is critical for the efficiency and organization of patient care services.
• Responsibilities: Transporting patients to various departments for tests or procedures, ensuring patient comfort and safety during transport.
• Required Education: High school diploma.

Hospice Aide

• Average Salary: $29,620
• Job Description: Hospice Aides provide care and support to patients in the final stages of their life. This role is focused on comfort, dignity, and emotional support for both patients and their families.
• Responsibilities: Providing personal care, assisting with daily living activities, and offering emotional support.
• Required Education: High school diploma and training in hospice care.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a career in healthcare requires not just academic knowledge, but also practical, real-world experience. The jobs listed above provide invaluable clinical experience that can help build a solid foundation for a career in healthcare. Whether you’re a student looking to enter medical school or a healthcare professional aiming to broaden your skills, these positions offer the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to patient care.

Sources

• https://taracaitlin.com/10-premed-jobs-that-will-get-you-valuable-clinical-experience/
• https://www.hospitalcareers.com/blog/9-best-ways-to-gain-clinical-experience/
• https://www.stepful.com/blog/best-jobs-to-do-before-pa-school-for-patient-care-experience
• https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/the-best-premed-jobs/

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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