2 answers
Alexa
Student
Conyers, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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How am I supposed to get a job in healthcare with no experience if all the jobs out there say "must have experience"?
I’m a second-year biochemistry student on the pre-med track, and I’m trying to build strong clinical experience. I recently got my phlebotomy certification, but I’m having trouble finding positions without prior experience. What are the best strategies to break into clinical roles (like phlebotomy, MA, or lab assisting) when you’re just starting out, and what should I focus on to stand out to employers?
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2 answers
Grace Paul
Caregiving
8
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Grace’s Answer
The honest answer is: most people don’t start with “perfect experience” in healthcare—they start small and build it.
Even when jobs say “experience required,” what they really want is someone who has been around patients in any way.
So the way in is to:
Start with entry-level roles like caregiver or assistant
Get exposure through hospital attachments or volunteering
Show your training and willingness to learn
Once you get that first step, experience starts to build from there. In healthcare, your first job is usually what gives you the experience you need for the next one.
Even when jobs say “experience required,” what they really want is someone who has been around patients in any way.
So the way in is to:
Start with entry-level roles like caregiver or assistant
Get exposure through hospital attachments or volunteering
Show your training and willingness to learn
Once you get that first step, experience starts to build from there. In healthcare, your first job is usually what gives you the experience you need for the next one.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
257
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
There is a demand for most healthcare roles, so if you are not able to find something right away, keep at it - perhaps by expanding your range a few more miles. Apply even if they say they require experience. Speak to your confidence and your willingness to learn and grow professionally. I have found that it is often relatively easy to find work as an EMT, and sometimes as an ED Tech, so if the phlebotomy or MA ideas aren't panning out, consider that training (which is helpful to physicians anyway).
Many medical students don't have any meaningful clinical experience, so do not feel it is absolutely necessary. Working in a research laboratory might influence medical school admission folks as much. Most important in your "getting in" will be your grades and then test scores and letters of recommendation. Find away without being obnoxious, to impress a couple professors so you can obtain strong letters.
Many medical students don't have any meaningful clinical experience, so do not feel it is absolutely necessary. Working in a research laboratory might influence medical school admission folks as much. Most important in your "getting in" will be your grades and then test scores and letters of recommendation. Find away without being obnoxious, to impress a couple professors so you can obtain strong letters.