10 Premed Gap Year Jobs (Beyond Clinical Experiences)

Are you bored by the usual suggestions for premed gap year jobs? It seems like most lists only focus on countless clinical positions and give you hardly any other options. 

However, if you’ve already racked up your required clinical hours and are on the hunt for something different to boost your skills and your wallet, what else can you do that’s worth your time and effort with your gap year? 

This post has a ton of exciting, non-traditional premed gap year job ideas, organized and tailored to your needs. Plus, I’ll also share helpful tips on making the most of this valuable time and advice for successfully applying for premed gap year jobs.

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Top Premed gap year jobs

What are the best premed gap year jobs?

If you’re thinking about taking a break before applying to medical school, you might be wondering what kind of job you should look for during this time? Will it make a difference and help you prepare for being a medical student? While there is no “right or wrong” answer, the best premed gap year jobs cater to your specific needs and goals.

Before beginning your job search, answer the following questions. 

• Where do you stand in terms of clinical experience? Have you already had hands-on experience in a hospital or clinic, or do you want to build on that aspect?
• What are your financial goals and needs when looking for a job? Some positions might offer higher pay but with less relevant experience. Others may build your skills but on a smaller budget. 
• What are your interests? Maybe you’ve always wanted to get involved with medical research. Or perhaps you’re itching to travel and experience new cultures. Your gap year is perfect for pursuing these personal goals alongside your premed journey. 

Gap Year Job Choices if You’re Lacking Clinical Experience

So, you’re taking a gap year before medical school and feeling like you could use more clinical experience. The good news is that it’s more than possible to build up your clinical experience in just a year. And there are plenty of opportunities to choose from to find the perfect fit for you.

To help you save time looking, I’ve compiled a list of the “7 Best Pre-Med Jobs for Clinical Experience.” Head on over and check it out for some great ideas to make your gap year memorable and meaningful. 

I personally worked as an EMT during my gap year which helped me gain so many meaningful experiences in healthcare!

Premed Gap Year Jobs if You Already Have Enough Clinical Experience

Have you already gotten your fill of clinical experiences and are ready to explore some unique gap year job? And are you looking for options that can help you save up some cash for those looming med school applications? Well, look no further! Here are a few exciting suggestions.

Non-Clinical Job Ideas in the Medical Field

The following positions can give you valuable experience and a steady income outside of direct patient care. Keep in mind that most of these do require prior knowledge or specific training. So make sure it matches your background or find out how you can fulfill any necessary gaps with training programs.

• Virtual Scribing – Working remotely from the comfort of your own home, you’ll have the opportunity to document patient interactions, update medical records, and assist healthcare providers in real time. 
• Healthcare IT Specialist – Merge your passion for technology with your interest in healthcare in this dynamic role at the forefront of integrating technological solutions into the healthcare system. The possibilities are endless, from managing electronic health records to optimizing healthcare software. 
• Healthcare Consultant –  Improve healthcare organizations’ efficiency and patient care as you work closely with various healthcare stakeholders to identify challenges, implement strategic solutions, and drive positive change. 
• Medical Sales Representative – Engage with healthcare providers, pitch cutting-edge solutions, and build strong relationships to drive sales growth for innovative medical products and devices.  

High-Paying Employment in Other Industries

If you’re ready to explore different fields and make the most of your time off from school, keep reading! Learn other opportunities that can help you earn a steady income while gaining valuable life experiences. 

• Nanny – If you love working with kids, being a nanny could be an excellent option for you. This rewarding job can pay well, especially if you find a family looking for a full-time nanny. Plus, it’s a great way to develop your interpersonal skills and patience, essential for your future in medicine.
• Construction laborer – As long as you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty and are okay with taking on a physically demanding job, becoming a construction laborer could be a perfect fit. You’ll learn valuable skills on the job, and earn a competitive salary.
• Retail sales associate – Working in retail can be a fun and fast-paced job that allows you to interact with customers and develop your communication skills. Whether you’re working in a clothing store, electronics shop, or grocery store, you’ll have the opportunity to earn commission on sales and gain experience in customer service.
• Bartender or Server – Working in the food service industry as a bartender or server can be a lucrative job option during your gap year. You’ll have the chance to earn tips on top of your hourly wage, work in a social environment, and develop your multitasking and communication skills. 
• Office Assistant – If you have strong organizational skills becoming an office assistant could be a great opportunity. You’ll learn about office operations, assist with administrative tasks, and gain valuable experience in a corporate environment.
• Freelance Writer or Graphic Designer – If you have a creative side and enjoy writing or graphic design, freelancing could be a flexible job. It is also considered as financially rewarding. You can work on projects from the comfort of your own home. Additionally, you set your own hours, and potentially earn a high income depending on your skills and experience.

After I worked as an EMT and gained clinical experience, I switched over to a job as a nanny where the pay was just so much higher. Such jobs can be a great way to add extra cash to your medical school budget!

Build Research Experience During Your Gap Year

If you’re interested in a research-heavy school, your gap year can be the perfect time to become a research assistant. This role allows you to work closely with experienced researchers and roll up your sleeves on cutting-edge projects. Also, you will gain invaluable skills. Plus, it looks super impressive on your med school application!

Look for research opportunities in universities, hospitals, or research institutions. You could also consider gigs in pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, or non-profit organizations.

Advice on Travel During Your Gap Year

When planning your gap year, why not find a balance between gaining valuable experience and satisfying your wanderlust? Consider these opportunities to add interest to your resume.

• Work part-time or remotely – Without having to report somewhere in person, you gain the flexibility to explore new places while still adding valuable skills to your resume. 
• Volunteer Abroad –  Immersing yourself in a whole new healthcare system and culture to experience different ways of approaching patient care. The added bonus of exploring a new destination in your downtime will surely make your gap year unforgettable.
• Maintain a travel blog – Share your adventures and possibly combine the focus of your blog with your medical interests. You could write about local healthcare practices, interview medical professionals worldwide. Or document the impact of public health initiatives in different communities.

I personally combined shadowing with a trip to Europe and spend a few weeks shadowing a doctor in Spain through a premed program.

Should I Get a Gap Year Job or Use My Gap Time in Other Ways?

Especially if you have any weaknesses in your application to medical school, taking a year off before applying can help you to fill those gaps and strengthen your application. While many opt for clinical experiences or research positions, there are other ways to make good use of your gap year. Here are some options to consider to help your medical school application stand out. 

• Post-baccalaureate courses – Consider taking courses to boost your GPA and enhance your academic profile. This will also show medical schools your dedication to improving your knowledge in specific areas. 
• Volunteering and community projects – Engaging in volunteer work and community service projects can demonstrate your compassion. This will also shows your dedication to serving others, as well as your ability to balance multiple responsibilities. Plus, it’s rewarding to make a positive impact! 
• Extracurricular activities – Joining clubs or organizations related to your interests can be valuable during your gap year. Whether you’re passionate about a specific cause, hobby, or professional field, these activities can help you develop leadership skills. They can expand your network, and demonstrate your well-rounded nature to medical school admissions committees.

Ultimately, deciding between getting a job and pursuing other activities during your gap year also depends on your financial situation. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer on how to spend your gap year.

If you could use step-by-step guidance to decide if you are ready to apply including all the steps that will follow throughout your application process, Road to Acceptance is the perfect fit for you. In this course, you will learn how to maximize your chances in each step along the way – from writing a stellar personal statement, to filling out your primary application, building a rock solid school list, excelling at your interviews and much more. Paving your road to acceptance. 

My Own Gap Year Experience

I personally had a longer gap in between graduating and starting medical school. The reason? I didn’t get accepted the first time I applied since I made so many mistakes and simply didn’t give myself the best chances. After that, I use my gap years to improve every single factor in my control and become a much more competitive applicant. In the end, this helped me to earn 10 medical school acceptances the second time I applied. Here is how I used my gap year: 

• Moved to San Diego to enjoy life and spend time in a place that feels like paradise to me
• Worked as a Laboratory Technician which matched my skill set and medical career path 
• Did a post-bacc program (specifically the PHAP program at CSU East bay) to continue the upward trend in my grades, from a 3.1 to a 3.3 GPA 
• Went through a certification and took a job as an EMT to gain meaningful clinical experience
• Volunteered at an elementary to help tutor elementary school students at a local school
• Did more shadowing since my previous shadowing experiences would have been 5 years old by the time I applied again
• Worked as a nanny which gave me a higher income to get ready for the expenses of upcoming medical school
• Followed my travel bug and went on some great camping trips with my fiancé (now husband) and our dog Oakley

What I learned from this? A gap year is a fantastic opportunity to gain such important life experiences, for becoming a better med school applicant but also beyond your path towards medicine. If you are intentional about how to use your own gap year(s), this can be an invaluable time for yourself as a person as well as a future physician.

How to Find Premed Gap Year Jobs

These practical tips and strategies can help you secure a premed gap year job that complements your academic journey and allows you to gain valuable experiences.

1. Explore online platforms dedicated to job listings. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Idealist are excellent resources for discovering opportunities. Use keywords like “premed gap year,” “healthcare research,” or “medical scribe”. These will narrow down your search and find positions that align with your interests.
2. Networking with professionals in the healthcare industry. Reach out through platforms like LinkedIn or attend networking events and career fairs. By connecting with people already working in the field, you may uncover hidden job prospects. You may also gain valuable insights into different roles within the industry.
3. Visit university career centers and talk with your premed advisor for job opportunities and guidance. These professionals can help you identify relevant job openings, provide feedback on your resume and cover letter, and offer advice on the best ways to communicate your skills and experiences.

By combining these strategies, you can increase your chances of finding a unique premed gap year job that not only complements your academic journey but also allows you to gain valuable experience in the healthcare field. 

Tips for Applying for Gap Year Jobs

Increase your chances of landing a premed gap year job that’s perfect for you by taking these steps to help your job application process go smoothly and make a great first impression.

Craft an Impressive Resume 

Highlight any relevant coursework, research projects, volunteer experiences, or certifications demonstrating your interest and commitment to healthcare. Include any leadership roles, applicable skills, and achievements that can set you apart from other candidates. See my post on “Crafting an Impressive Premed Resume,”. This covers everything you need to know to write and structure your premed resume!

Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Your cover letter is your chance to share your passion for healthcare. This will also explain how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for the job. Customize your cover letter to the specific job and organization you’re applying to. Mention any relevant experiences that match the job requirements.

Prep for Interviews

Before your interview, take the time to research the organization and familiarize yourself with common interview questions in healthcare. Practice answering questions about your experiences, skills, and goals, and be ready to discuss how your gap year job can help you in your future medical career.

Picking the Right Premed Gap Year Job for You

Taking a gap year is your chance to grab hold of unique opportunities and make your application stand out from the crowd. If you’ve got all the clinical hours you need, why not venture into something unconventional that sparks your curiosity? 

Admissions committees love seeing applicants with a fresh spin on things. By choosing an outside-the-box gap year job, you’ll demonstrate your flexibility, imagination, and readiness to push boundaries. These are all qualities that shine in the medical field.

If you’re unsure which premed gap year job suits you best, take a moment to ask yourself what you want to accomplish during your time off. 

• Are you hoping to pick up specific skills, dip your toes into new arenas, or simply recharge before medical school? 
• What are you naturally good at and genuinely enjoy? 
• Is earning a high amount of money a priority for your gap year?
• Does the job align with your lifestyle, from its location and schedule to the tasks involved?

FINAL THOUGHTS

Your gap year job has the power to shape your premed journey, so take the time to explore your options based on your goals and interests. And don’t hesitate to break the mold and try something different. Who knows, your gap year job might just turn into the adventure of a lifetime! 

Related Posts

How to Craft an Impressive Premed Resume

A Pre-Med 4-Year Plan: How to Best Prepare for Medical School