medical assistant / patient contact jobs for pre-meds

[Poisson]

I am wondering what types of positions can one have (especially that don't require extensive training / professional courses) in order to get patient contact experience? Is there any way to be in the operating room without being a surgical technician / technologist? A doctor from my local town is going to help me out I think, and let me observe (he is an orthopaedic surgeon), but is there any way to be a medical assistant in a private practice like that with no training? Offices in my city are always asking for medical assistant positions, but this I would think would require mandatory training programs. I am considering doing the EMT-B (this is a big extension from basic life support right? ... which is what I did some time ago) training and applying for a position where I can use that.

Thank you very much for the help,

Poisson

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[FirefighterDoc]

The thing is, you're not gonna be able to find direct patient contact jobs unless you have SOME type of medical training. It's saves the hospitals ass. If something were to go wrong and you never were trained in this or that then they'd be screwed.

Think of it this way too, if it were you, or your mom, or your grandmother coming into the hospital you would want them to receive the best care from the most experienced people. You wouldn't want some punk kid they took off the streets who has no training in anything caring for them.

The EMT-B isn't really that bad. I got it done in a summer. The most I took out of my class is how to take vitals and some basic medical term. Its not super intensive, you'll be fine.

 

[COMedic2Doc]

The thing is, you're not gonna be able to find direct patient contact jobs unless you have SOME type of medical training. It's saves the hospitals ass. If something were to go wrong and you never were trained in this or that then they'd be screwed.

Think of it this way too, if it were you, or your mom, or your grandmother coming into the hospital you would want them to receive the best care from the most experienced people. You wouldn't want some punk kid they took off the streets who has no training in anything caring for them.

The EMT-B isn't really that bad. I got it done in a summer. The most I took out of my class is how to take vitals and some basic medical term. Its not super intensive, you'll be fine.

+1. There are very few physicians that will go around this rule with their own private clinics these days. Best approach is to get an EMT-B or MA certificate if you would like to get hands on experience before medical school.

 

[nicolemsm]

+1. There are very few physicians that will go around this rule with their own private clinics these days. Best approach is to get an EMT-B or MA certificate if you would like to get hands on experience before medical school.

Don't forget, you can also get your CNA or caregiving certification. Having gotten my caregiving certificate, I can tell you there wasn't much benefit to it other than being able to assist in giving meds at my local hospice.

If you're interested in working in a hospital, there is more benefit to the CNA however b/c you can become a PCT/A (patient care tech/assistant). Hospitals here in AZ (at least) hire tons of PCAs for their PACU, endoscopy and surgery floors. That's quote on quote direct patient experience right there... in reality most of the time you'll be transporting patients, cleaning gurneys and assisting the nurses.

 

[COMedic2Doc]

Don't forget, you can also get your CNA or caregiving certification. Having gotten my caregiving certificate, I can tell you there wasn't much benefit to it other than being able to assist in giving meds at my local hospice.

If you're interested in working in a hospital, there is more benefit to the CNA however b/c you can become a PCT/A (patient care tech/assistant). Hospitals here in AZ (at least) hire tons of PCAs for their PACU, endoscopy and surgery floors. That's quote on quote direct patient experience right there... in reality most of the time you'll be transporting patients, cleaning gurneys and assisting the nurses.

True, but CNA doesn't emphasize the same train of thinking that medical school or PA school will eventually emphasize. However, if one's goal is to become an RN then by all means go CNA because it is quick (not always cheaper than EMT/MA but quicker). PCT jobs are always available for the EMTs as well, at least in most states (incl AZ, have a friend that is working up here as a PCT that was a PCT in AZ and has her EMT not CNA).

 

[FirefighterDoc]

I would recommend going the EMT route over CNA as well. I took the EMT and my girlfriend went the CNA route. I did my clinicals in the ER and an ambulance and she did hers in a nursing home. We both did vitals. While I learned how to do a basic patient assessment, she learned how to clean a patient and make a bed.

 

[COMedic2Doc]

I would recommend going the EMT route over CNA as well. I took the EMT and my girlfriend went the CNA route. I did my clinicals in the ER and an ambulance and she did hers in a nursing home. We both did vitals. While I learned how to do a basic patient assessment, she learned how to clean a patient and make a bed.

Exactly.... CNAs do not learn the same depth of information, beginning critical thinking skills, etc that EMTs do. Is it longer, yes but it is wayyyy more valuable imo. Of course I might be just a tad jaded after being in EMS for the past 12 years. 😀

 

[DavetheMD]

I have an AEMT, get to perform: IV's, injections, advanced airways (supraglottic and intubation), and all the general patient assessment skills.

I think it's worth it to get EMT-B and then AEMT. I am eligible to practice as an MA in a lot of areas.

 

[joeDO2]

I know its not exactly direct patient care but many on sdn have been scribes....its basically getting paid for shadowing. I would imagine they must pick up on a good amount of physical assessment skills/interviewing techniques in addition to having a good understanding of terminology.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

I originally planned to do both CNA and EMT, but eventually just went CNA due to being too busy. It was the best decision ever in my opinion. I get to work in a hospital, meet tons of doctors and medical staff, learn tons of things, get as much hands on experience as one in our position can get, and I get paid GREAT. Don't listen to the negativity towards CNA. It is definitely a tough job, but extremely valuable and worthwhile if you use your certification the right way.

 

[dolomite16]

I am working at my psych hospital as a Student Nursing Assistant. My number of patient contact hours will be through the roof.

 

[UTsksk]

I am working at my psych hospital as a Student Nursing Assistant. My number of patient contact hours will be through the roof.

Lucky. The hospitals in my area won't give me a shot. I got lucky in getting an interview and I explained how I have my cert, bachelors in bio, magna cum laude, created shadowing program, lab tech for 2 years, shadowed docs affiliated w/ hospital, blah blah blah...and the interviewer wasn't impressed at all since I didn't have experience w/ my cna certification. According to her, I should start out at a nursing home and work my way up.

 

[nicolemsm]

Lucky. The hospitals in my area won't give me a shot. I got lucky in getting an interview and I explained how I have my cert, bachelors in bio, magna cum laude, created shadowing program, lab tech for 2 years, shadowed docs affiliated w/ hospital, blah blah blah...and the interviewer wasn't impressed at all since I didn't have experience w/ my cna certification. According to her, I should start out at a nursing home and work my way up.

I've run into the same thing too... unfortunately your interviewer is right though.

Although your local nursing home probably isn't all glitzy and glam, I'll tell you, I've had quite invaluable experiences working with residents/patients and wouldn't trade it for the world. Within my first few weeks one of the residents I had really grown fond of passed in her sleep... it was very devastating to have this happen, but the experience and feelings that followed really helped me grow as a person to accept death.

If you're not interested in working with the older population, try finding a care home that works with a certain age population or disorder you 'like'/are interested in. For example, homes that cater to traumatic brain injury or patients with mental disabilities are always great!

 

[doublefrick]

I've run into the same thing too... unfortunately your interviewer is right though.

Although your local nursing home probably isn't all glitzy and glam, I'll tell you, I've had quite invaluable experiences working with residents/patients and wouldn't trade it for the world. Within my first few weeks one of the residents I had really grown fond of passed in her sleep... it was very devastating to have this happen, but the experience and feelings that followed really helped me grow as a person to accept death.

If you're not interested in working with the older population, try finding a care home that works with a certain age population or disorder you 'like'/are interested in. For example, homes that cater to traumatic brain injury or patients with mental disabilities are always great!

Agreed. If you work in acute care, you will learn a lot about medical orders.

 

[NonTraditional3]

My EMT-B expired last week 🙁

 

[UTsksk]

I've run into the same thing too... unfortunately your interviewer is right though.

Although your local nursing home probably isn't all glitzy and glam, I'll tell you, I've had quite invaluable experiences working with residents/patients and wouldn't trade it for the world. Within my first few weeks one of the residents I had really grown fond of passed in her sleep... it was very devastating to have this happen, but the experience and feelings that followed really helped me grow as a person to accept death.

If you're not interested in working with the older population, try finding a care home that works with a certain age population or disorder you 'like'/are interested in. For example, homes that cater to traumatic brain injury or patients with mental disabilities are always great!

Yeah, I completely understood where she was coming from. The main issue I have w/ working as a CNA is that where I'm from they get paid $8/hr and as a lab tech I'm making $13/hr. It's really hard justifying that $5 drop when I have rent/bills/paying for med school applications.

 

[COMedic2Doc]

Yeah, I completely understood where she was coming from. The main issue I have w/ working as a CNA is that where I'm from they get paid $8/hr and as a lab tech I'm making $13/hr. It's really hard justifying that $5 drop when I have rent/bills/paying for med school applications.

Exactly, all the more reason to go EMT over CNA in most situations. Even if you have to start out on the floor as an EMT, ER is still an option. Many hospitals don't allow CNAs into the ER in my area especially. The starting rate for ED Techs around here is $13-15 as well, which is MUCH better than ambulance pay for the private services.

There are other options for EMTs as well such as Telemetry Technician jobs (after an EKG class which generally takes a few weeks to get through and many times is hospital sponsored, etc). EMT certs do actually require continuing education, which personally I am a huge fan of.

If you run into a situation of losing your EMT cert, check with your state regarding re-cert procedures some have grace periods that if you are not currently using your cert you can get it back relatively easily.

 

[dolomite16]

Lucky. The hospitals in my area won't give me a shot. I got lucky in getting an interview and I explained how I have my cert, bachelors in bio, magna cum laude, created shadowing program, lab tech for 2 years, shadowed docs affiliated w/ hospital, blah blah blah...and the interviewer wasn't impressed at all since I didn't have experience w/ my cna certification. According to her, I should start out at a nursing home and work my way up.

Seriously? I am going to be a junior next year and had no prior experience when applying. The hospital is one of the best in the nation as well, and the location is part of the reason why I chose my undergrad as so. The work I do certainly wouldn't necessitate a bachelors or even a cna certification. Keep looking, there are always great patient contact jobs out there. Now, I just need some research, haha.

 

[thecgrblue]

I am working at my psych hospital as a Student Nursing Assistant. My number of patient contact hours will be through the roof.

I worked as a Psychiatric Technician at a state mental hospital. I only lasted 4 months (getting attacked will do that), but I worked 50 hours/week for those 4 months, needless to say I've got plenty of patient contact hours...and actual contact for that matter.

 

[dolomite16]

I worked as a Psychiatric Technician at a state mental hospital. I only lasted 4 months (getting attacked will do that), but I worked 50 hours/week for those 4 months, needless to say I've got plenty of patient contact hours...and actual contact for that matter.

Haha, very punny. I've been hit a few times too. I have hours from this summer (full time) and will probably do a shift a week (8 hours) for my junior year.

Do you think I should still get some clinical volunteering, or is it not necessary?

 

[Dmr6186]

Haha, very punny. I've been hit a few times too. I have hours from this summer (full time) and will probably do a shift a week (8 hours) for my junior year.

Do you think I should still get some clinical volunteering, or is it not necessary?

I would just keep working in a clinical setting for as long as possible, even if it's only a little bit per week during school. To me (this is my opinion), it shows a continuation and a commitment to the healthcare profession, and not just trying to fulfill some clinical requirement for medical school.

 

[Rezonance]

You should definitely look up to see if there is a hospital around you or your school that endorses the program "PhysAssist Scribe" as a Pre-Med you have the opportunity to follow an ER Dr. around the hospital while patients come in - sort of a medical assistant job right there, plus you get paid!

And if that does not work out you may want to get a certification as a caregiver!

Some kind of proof of knowledge, that piece of paper certifying you know what you know - to get a job

 

[toxicwombat]

I highly recommend EMT training. It's very practical, even if you don't pursue an EMS career afterwards.

On a personal level, It helped me become more comfortable around patients, performing vitals, etc. And it may have helped me get my foot in the door when applying to be an ER Scribe.

 

[psychgirrrl]

I worked as an Autism Therapist for few years and that's how I got my pt experience.

All you need is to be 18 and willing to undergo the hours of training your state requires (mine was 30) and sometimes they require at least a 6 month commitment to the job for the child's well-being.

It is an invaluable experience you see health care from a very personal, up-close perspective because you have to go to people's homes to give the therapy and you get to know the family, their struggles and everything else that comes along with having a child with a mental disability.

 

[painmd87]

If you are open to ideas beyond hospital work, contact private practice physicians and see if they have any positions open. Even if they don't have anything listed, just call and explain to the office manager what you want to do. Some are willing to train you to be an MA, without you having to go through a formal, wallet-draining training program. You'll likely have to contact many before any give you a chance. You said most listings are looking for formally trained MAs, but contact them and see if they're willing to train you for X amount of weeks at reduced pay.

I was a sleep tech for two years after college. I was trained on-the-job and eventually got my RPSGT certification, paid for by the office. I can put in hours while in med school at pretty much any sleep lab I can find, and earn a little on the side. Good patient contact, great physician contact, excellent pay (overnights!).

A friend of mine was an ophthalmic tech, trained on-the-job, for a while. Good patient contact, good physician contact, decent pay.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Wow! Some of you CNAs only make $8 an hour?! That's absurd. it's a crazy amount of work for that low, I make much much much more than that, so I guess that's why I don't mind it haha

 

[mdny]

wow, after reading all these posts, i feel extremely privileged at my job..
i don't have any type of certifications, i just graduated undergrad last may and got hired at a local clinic to work as a medical translator/receptionist... but the physician really liked me, and decided to use me as a medical assistant..

now i'm doing h&p's, vitals, phlebotomy/venipuncture, diagnostic exams, and scrubbing in on office procedures getting $20/hr

if i had to give you any advice though, get EMT-B and apply as a ER Tech!
I woulda loved to have done that 👍

 

[mdny]

If you are open to ideas beyond hospital work, contact private practice physicians and see if they have any positions open. Even if they don't have anything listed, just call and explain to the office manager what you want to do. Some are willing to train you to be an MA, without you having to go through a formal, wallet-draining training program. You'll likely have to contact many before any give you a chance. You said most listings are looking for formally trained MAs, but contact them and see if they're willing to train you for X amount of weeks at reduced pay.

I was a sleep tech for two years after college. I was trained on-the-job and eventually got my RPSGT certification, paid for by the office. I can put in hours while in med school at pretty much any sleep lab I can find, and earn a little on the side. Good patient contact, great physician contact, excellent pay (overnights!).

A friend of mine was an ophthalmic tech, trained on-the-job, for a while. Good patient contact, good physician contact, decent pay.

👍 +1

 

[JaBoomDay]

I'm going to have to cheer for the EMT too. I did some really kick ass things as an ER tech. I had a national registry so I was able to move around and still easily find work. I did it for 8 years and learned tons. I worked as an ER tech in a busy Washington DC hospital and they gave us tons of responsibilities like IV's, external jugular IV's, NG tubes, foley catheters (eww), splinting fractures, sometimes intubating, suturing simple lacerations, etc... Best pre-med experience I could ask for.

 

[Charlie Hustle]

When I was in college, I worked at my hometown hospital as a patient transporter. The only requirements were a high school diploma and passing the hospital physical, so I didn't have any trouble getting hired. Most of the work I did was taking patients to and from radiology, but the cool thing about it was I got to see literally every aspect of the hospital. In a single shift, it wasn't uncommon for me to spend time in the ED, oncology, cardiac rehab, MICU/SICU, labor and delivery, and peds. I got a lot of experience managing patients with C-spine injuries and really developed a good feel for the logistics of patient care in the hospital setting. As far as learning procedures before medical school, there are much better ways to go (EMT-B is a great option); however, if all you're looking for is patient contact hours then I would recommend something of this nature.