Gap year jobs for pre-med students?

I'm a pre-med student thinking about taking a gap year before college. Are there any specific jobs that would be particularly beneficial for someone on the pre-med track? Something that would also look good on medical school applications in the future?

Absolutely, gaining some hands-on experience in the healthcare field during your gap year can not only be personally enriching but also advantageous when applying to medical school down the line. Here are a few jobs or roles that you might consider:

1. Clinical Research Assistant: Working as a research assistant can provide you with valuable experience in the scientific process, data analysis, and possibly even publication opportunities. Many hospitals and universities have research departments where you could inquire about open positions.

2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic: These roles offer direct patient care experience and can provide a firsthand insight into the medical field. Please note that there is required training and certification processes to become an EMT or paramedic.

3. Medical Scribe: Many doctors hire scribes to help them document patient encounters. As a scribe, you'd have the chance to observe many patient encounters and learn medical terminology.

4. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs work under the direction of nurses to provide care to patients, such as helping with bathing and dressing or taking vital signs.

Remember, any job or role that offers you exposure to the healthcare field, patient care, or medical research can be beneficial for a pre-med student. Additionally, the ability to reflect on these experiences in your future applications and interviews will be highly useful, especially as it demonstrates a committed interest in medicine. Plus, you might also gain some professional connections that could be helpful in the future!