It can be good to gain some hands-on experience to add to your application. Check out these certifications. There are additional ways to gain direct patient care experience, so we recommend exploring all of your options.
Emergency Medical Services
Healthcare Interpreter
Medical Assistant
- Medical Assisting
- American Association of Medical Assistants
- Explore Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant - Online CMA programs
- Explore Medical Assistant Career Choices
Nursing Assistant
- Certified Nurses Aid
- Certified Nursing Assistant Training Providers
- Certified Nursing Assistant Credentialing FAQ
Optician
Pharmacy Technician
- Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomy
Physical Therapy
These positions can foster an understanding of what it means to provide direct medical care and treatment. Medical scribing, while not hands-on care, can be a great way to learn more about the diagnostic process, the significance of accurate coding in electronic health records and the rapport-building strategies of physicians. As these positions do not require an undergraduate degree, they typically pay low hourly wages. Specifically, for medical assisting jobs, a physician's office can sometimes provide on-the-job training. These positions can happen organically through shadowing or volunteering connections.