Potential hospital job roles for high school students?

I’d love to work in a hospital setting while I'm still in high school. What types of positions or volunteer opportunities should I be looking for if I'm interested in the medical field?

There are several roles and opportunities you could consider within a hospital setting that are ideal for high school students interested in the medical field. Often these roles are designed to be flexible and cater to students juggling their school commitments.

Firstly, volunteer roles are quite a common path for students. Many hospitals have established programs for teens that expose them to a wide array of experiences across different departments, such as paediatrics, physical therapy, and emergency services, to name a few. These programs may also offer the opportunity to shadow medical professionals, which can be a valuable experience if you're considering a career in the medical field.

If you're after paid employment, entry-level positions such as a hospital transporter or dietary aide might be worth exploring. Transporters are responsible for moving patients between different areas of the hospital for procedures or tests. This role allows you to interact directly with patients and get firsthand knowledge about hospital operations. Dietary aides, on the other hand, are responsible for ensuring patients receive appropriate meals as per their dietary restrictions or needs.

You could also consider becoming a pharmacy technician or a medical scribe, depending on the specific interests you have in the health care field. Both of these roles provide a more targeted experience. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with dispensing medication and other pharmacy related tasks. Medical scribes work closely with physicians, primarily in documenting patient information during encounters.

Lastly, express your interest to the hospital's human resources department or to a staff member in the field you're interested in. They might be able to provide more targeted resources and help you navigate these opportunities. Remember, any experience in a medical setting can be useful as you figure out if a healthcare career is right for you.