Clinical Experience

[RSB715]

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What are some of the best ways to gain clinical experience as a premed? I have heard that being a PCT or an EMT is a good option. Currently, I work as a pharmacy technician, and I know that there is very little direct patient care involved in that, so looking for better options.

 

[HybridEarth]

Volunteering in an ER has been amazing, I highly recommend it. If you have employment experience in customer service, you get to translate a lot of those skills to a clinical setting where everyone is sick. You truly feel like you're making an impact and it is entirely patient contact depending on your hospital's policies.

 

[DrYoda]

EMT and other patient care jobs are good. However, it's also important to shadow a physician to at least get some idea of what they do on a day to day basis since what an EMT, STNA, nurses ect do is different from what the doctors do.

 

[RSB715]

I may look in to that. When I was in high school, I volunteered in a PACU. I loved that. I am facing a third brain operation this summer, might be something for after recovery from that. Thanks for the input!

 

[RSB715]

EMT and other patient care jobs are good. However, it's also important to shadow a physician to at least get some idea of what they do on a day to day basis since what an EMT, STNA, nurses ect do is different from what the doctors do.

What is an STNA?

 

[DrYoda]

What is an STNA?

Something something nursing assistant.

 

[Doctor Dream]

Something something nursing assistant.

"State Tested Nursing Assistant", same thing as a CNA evidently. For some reason Ohio calls them STNA's.

I'd agree though, CNA is a good gig if you're looking for clinical experience and make some $$. I only had to take a summer class and could start working once the school year started. The pay isn't as good as a pharm tech (I happen to be one too hehe), but it's not bad. You have to get up close and extremely personal with patients which I feel makes it a really valuable experience.

PS: Best of luck on the surgery OP! Hope all goes well.

 

[RSB715]

"State Tested Nursing Assistant", same thing as a CNA evidently. For some reason Ohio calls them STNA's.

I'd agree though, CNA is a good gig if you're looking for clinical experience and make some $$. I only had to take a summer class and could start working once the school year started. The pay isn't as good as a pharm tech (I happen to be one too hehe), but it's not bad. You have to get up close and extremely personal with patients which I feel makes it a really valuable experience.

PS: Best of luck on the surgery OP! Hope all goes well.

Thanks! I will look in to that. In my area, they are also called "Patient Care Technicians". Would definitely be good experience in patient care!
And i'm hoping this operation is the answer I am looking for. Had the consult yesterday and it's all scheduled!