What jobs can pre-med students get in their gap year?

I'm considering pre-med, but I'd like to take a gap year before college. Are there specific jobs that would be beneficial for someone on a pre-med track during this time? Looking for anything related to healthcare if possible.

It's great that you're open to exploring healthcare-related jobs during your gap year. Not only can these experiences provide you with practical knowledge of the medical field, but they also demonstrate your commitment to and interest in medicine to future admissions committees.

Here are a few job options you might consider:

1. Medical Scribe: As a scribe, you'd work directly with doctors, often in a hospital or clinic. Your main duty would be to observe patient-doctor interactions and record the detailed medical information, which is later used for documentation and billing. The hands-on, real-life experience can be invaluable for future medical students.

2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic: With a special certification course, you can work as an EMT or paramedic. This is a high-stakes job where you'll get firsthand exposure to emergency medicine and patient care.

3. Pharmacy Technician: In this role, you'd assist pharmacists with dispensing medication to customers or health professionals. You'll learn about different medications, their uses and effects.

4. Research Assistant: Consider looking for positions at university labs, hospitals, or other research institutions. While this might not offer patient interaction, it does give you a valuable understanding of the medical research process.

5. Caregiver or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): These roles could involve working in a nursing home, home healthcare, or hospice. Though the work can be challenging, it provides very valuable patient care experience.

Remember that to qualify for some of these roles, you might need to complete an additional course or certification. In any case, the experience you gain will be beneficial to your pre-med journey. It will not only make your application stronger when applying to college or medical school, but also give you a more informed perspective about your future career in medicine. Good luck in your gap year!