Clinical experience is one of the most critical components of a strong medical school application. While shadowing a physician is a great way to observe the medical field, it’s often a passive experience. Medical schools are looking for hands-on engagement—opportunities where you directly interact with patients, contribute to healthcare teams, and develop essential clinical skills.

At AcceptMed, we help premed students navigate the ever-changing landscape of medical school admissions. Gaining meaningful clinical experience can set you apart, reinforcing your commitment to medicine and helping you develop the skills you’ll need in medical school. In this guide, we’ll explore the best hands-on clinical experiences beyond shadowing and how to maximize their impact on your application.

1. Medical Scribing: Front-Row Seat to Patient Care

Medical scribing allows premed students to work alongside physicians in real-time, documenting patient encounters and learning how medical decisions are made.

• What You’ll Gain – Exposure to patient histories, diagnoses, and treatments while improving medical terminology and documentation skills.
• Why It Stands Out – Unlike shadowing, scribes actively contribute to patient care by keeping detailed medical records.
• How to Find Opportunities – Many hospitals, private practices, and companies like ScribeAmerica hire premed students.

2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Fast-Paced, High-Impact Experience

Becoming an EMT is one of the most hands-on clinical roles available to premed students. EMTs respond to medical emergencies, stabilize patients, and provide critical pre-hospital care.

• What You’ll Gain – Direct experience in emergency medicine, patient interaction, and working under pressure.
• Why It Stands Out – Demonstrates the ability to handle real-world medical scenarios and communicate effectively with patients.
• How to Get Certified – EMT courses are available at community colleges and accredited EMT programs, usually taking a few months to complete.

3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Direct Patient Care in a Clinical Setting

CNAs provide hands-on assistance to patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Duties include monitoring vitals, assisting with daily activities, and supporting nurses.

• What You’ll Gain – Extensive patient interaction and exposure to healthcare teams.
• Why It Stands Out – Proves your ability to handle the physical and emotional demands of patient care.
• How to Get Certified – CNA programs are typically 4-12 weeks long and available at many community colleges.

4. Hospice Volunteering: Building Compassion and Patient Interaction Skills

Hospice volunteers provide emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families. While this role does not involve medical procedures, it emphasizes compassionate patient care.

• What You’ll Gain – Experience with end-of-life care, communication skills, and emotional resilience.
• Why It Stands Out – Medical schools value applicants who demonstrate empathy and patient-centered care.
• How to Find Opportunities – Many hospice organizations and hospitals offer volunteer programs.

5. Clinical Research Assistant: Combining Medicine and Scientific Inquiry

Research assistants work with clinical studies, often interacting with patients, collecting data, and assisting in medical research projects.

• What You’ll Gain – A deeper understanding of medical advancements, ethics, and patient care in a research setting.
• Why It Stands Out – Shows medical schools that you’re engaged in scientific inquiry and understand the evidence-based side of medicine.

How to Find Opportunities – Check university research labs, hospitals, or NIH-sponsored studies.