4 answers
Sarah
Student
Webster, Texas
4
Questions
Asked
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How to get a healthcare job at 16?
Hi! I'm looking for any job recommendations for 16yr olds who are interested in healthcare. I currently volunteer at my local hospital, UTMB Health, and have gained 300+ hours of service within a year at their Med/Surg unit.
I graduate High school May 2027, I'll be 17 at that time.
I'm interested in Nursing after high school, and I'm working on the pre-reqs right now.
Any jobs i can get right now before I apply to nursing school to have a strong application?
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3 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1209
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Sarah,
First of all, let me commend you for your many volunteer hours! That shows hard work and dedication already.
While most medical certification exams have an age limit of 18 and require a high-school diploma, you can certainly start to train for e.g. your CNA or EMT license at 16+ to gain some hands-on experience and be ready to take your certification exam when you turn 18. There are some programs aimed at teens specifically. You can also take a first aid and CPR course.
While you are still too young for professional medical certifications, you can look for hospital jobs e.g. as a receptionist or admin assistant. You can use Indeed, LinkedIn or ZipRecruiter to search for jobs. Filter for your age group.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.txhealthcaretraining.com/highschool-students
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/cpr-training/cpr-classes
https://www.kairoscareerinstitute.com/
First of all, let me commend you for your many volunteer hours! That shows hard work and dedication already.
While most medical certification exams have an age limit of 18 and require a high-school diploma, you can certainly start to train for e.g. your CNA or EMT license at 16+ to gain some hands-on experience and be ready to take your certification exam when you turn 18. There are some programs aimed at teens specifically. You can also take a first aid and CPR course.
While you are still too young for professional medical certifications, you can look for hospital jobs e.g. as a receptionist or admin assistant. You can use Indeed, LinkedIn or ZipRecruiter to search for jobs. Filter for your age group.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Jeremy Irish
MRI Technologist
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jeremy’s Answer
What you're doing already is great. If you're able to work in a pharmacy where you get used to the names of meds and maybe even a little about them, maybe helpful.
Danielle Vassell
Nursing
5
Answers
Sayreville, New Jersey
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Hi,
If you're planning to go to nursing school, you'll need BLS certification. Once you've had your certification for a year, you could teach CPR. Another option is to become an EMT, which offers hands-on experience in pre-hospital care, helps you earn money, and builds critical thinking skills. Many EMS jobs are per diem, fitting well with a healthcare student's schedule. Some volunteer agencies might even cover your training costs.
I hope this helps!
If you're planning to go to nursing school, you'll need BLS certification. Once you've had your certification for a year, you could teach CPR. Another option is to become an EMT, which offers hands-on experience in pre-hospital care, helps you earn money, and builds critical thinking skills. Many EMS jobs are per diem, fitting well with a healthcare student's schedule. Some volunteer agencies might even cover your training costs.
I hope this helps!