I've been considering a career in healthcare and want to get some experience early. What types of entry-level positions are available for high school students at hospitals? Do I need any certifications?
There are several entry-level hospital positions that high school students can consider. These include:
1. Volunteering: Many hospitals have volunteer programs specifically for high school students. You could help in areas like the gift shop, information desk, or patient care units. This may not be a paying job, but it provides valuable experience.
2. Hospital Porter / Transporter: This position entails transporting patients to different locations within the hospital. It may not require any particular certifications and is a good way to get firsthand experience.
3. Food Service Aide: This role involves preparing and delivering meals to patients. It can provide a good introduction to the hospital environment.
4. Clerical Work: Some hospitals hire high school students for basic office tasks, such as organizing files or entering data. You might work in the hospital's administrative department or in a specific office like radiology.
5. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): While this does require certification, some high schools offer vocational training that can qualify students for this job. As a CNA, you would assist nurses with patient care.
6. Pharmacy Technician: Some states allow high school students to become pharmacy technicians with on-the-job training, while others may require completion of a certification program.
Before applying for any hospital job, it's important to verify the requirements (like age restrictions or necessary paperwork) with the hospital's human resources department. Additionally, due to patient privacy laws and safety precautions, some roles may not be available to high school students. By investing in hospital experience now, you'll be gaining a valuable insight into the healthcare field that could guide your future education and career choices.
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