Healthcare Experience Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction
Getting experience in a healthcare setting (medical, veterinary, dental, etc.) is one of the best ways to explore your interests, build skills, and prepare for future jobs or graduate programs. This guide lists entry-level healthcare roles that are often open to undergraduate students. Many only require a high school diploma, though some may require or prefer CPR certification or other credentials. Requirements may vary based on employer.
Each role includes:
- A short description of the work
- Whether it involves direct, indirect, or both types of care
- Other job titles you might see for similar roles
- Transferable skills (NACE career readiness competencies) you can build in the role
Full-time
A full-time role usually means working about 36 to 40 hours per week. These jobs often come with benefits like health insurance or paid time off. Full-time positions offer steady experience and training, but they can be hard to balance with a full course load. Students usually consider these during gap years or between academic terms.
Part-time
Part-time roles typically range from 10 to 30 hours per week. These can be a good fit for students who want hands-on experience while taking classes. Part-time roles may or may not include benefits, but they still offer meaningful exposure to patients, teams, and clinical settings.
Per diem
Per diem work is on an as-needed basis. You are not scheduled for a set number of hours each week. Instead, you pick up shifts when the employer has a need or when it fits your schedule. This can be helpful for students who want flexibility or have a full academic load, but hours are not guaranteed.
Seasonal or temporary
Seasonal and temporary roles last for a set period of time, like a summer, a semester, or a specific project window. Many healthcare employers hire extra help during busy seasons. These can be great for building experience without a long-term commitment.
Internship/externship or practicum
Internships and practicums are structured learning experiences. Some are paid and some are not. They often include supervision, skill development, and reflection. Healthcare internships may be clinical or non-clinical, depending on the site.
Volunteer
Volunteer work is unpaid and usually involves helping with tasks that support a unit, clinic, or community program. Volunteers might assist with patient transport, hospitality, administrative support, or outreach. Volunteer roles are valuable for exposure and can help students understand different environments before committing to paid positions or certification programs.
Shadowing
Shadowing involves observing a healthcare professional as they work. There are no direct responsibilities. Shadowing helps students understand the day-to-day reality of a role and is especially common for students preparing for medical, PA, or nursing school.
Healthcare Experience
Direct patient care means working hands-on with patients. This includes helping with personal care, taking vital signs, assisting during procedures, or talking with patients about their needs. If you’re interacting with patients regularly as part of your main job, it’s probably direct care.
Indirect patient care means supporting patient health without directly touching or treating them. These roles include scheduling appointments, cleaning patient rooms, preparing medical supplies, or handling lab samples. You’re helping the care process happen, even if you’re not face-to-face with the patient.
Some jobs involve both. For example, a medical assistant might take vitals (direct) and also check insurance or update records (indirect).
Position Title
Description
Related Titles
Top NACE Competencies
Support dentists during procedures
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), Chairside Assistant
Teamwork, Professionalism, Communication
Provide emergency care and transport for patients in urgent situations
EMT, Ambulance Technician
Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Communication
Assist patients and families in mental health settings
Behavioral Health Technician, Psychiatric Aide, Mental Health Technician
Teamwork, Equity & Inclusion, Professionalism
Help with basic patient care under nurse supervision
Nurse Aide, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Nursing Aide, Certified Nursing Assistant
Teamwork, Professionalism, Communication
Support surgical teams and maintain operating room readiness
Surgical Attendant, OR Assistant, OR Support Technician
Teamwork, Professionalism, Critical Thinking
Monitor patients at risk of injury or confusion
Patient Observer, Patient Sitter
Teamwork, Communication, Equity & Inclusion
Assist clients with daily tasks in their home setting
Caregiver, Home Health Aide
Professionalism, Teamwork, Communication
Perform blood draws and specimen collection
Lab Assistant (Phlebotomy), Venipuncture Tech
Technology, Communication, Professionalism
Assist physical or occupational therapists with exercises and equipment
Therapy Technician, PT Aide, OT Aide
Teamwork, Communication, Professionalism
Assist with animal care during exams, feedings, and procedures
Vet Assistant, Animal Care Tech
Teamwork, Communication, Professionalism
Position Title
Description
Related Titles
Top NACE Competencies
Register patients, verify insurance, collect co-pays
Patient Access Rep, Registration Clerk, Front Desk Associate
Communication, Critical Thinking, Technology
Deliver and organize medical supplies across units
Supply Tech, Inventory Clerk
Professionalism, Technology, Critical Thinking
Process meal orders and manage nutrition-related tasks
Nutrition Services Assistant, Food Services Aide
Professionalism, Communication, Technology
Clean and sanitize patient and clinical areas
Housekeeping Tech, Housekeeping Aide, Custodial Services
Professionalism, Equity & Inclusion, Teamwork
Feed and clean up after animals in clinical or shelter environments
Animal Caretaker, Kennel Tech, Animal Care Attendant
Teamwork, Professionalism, Communication
Handle and process lab specimens
Specimen Processor, Lab Support Tech, Lab Clerk
Technology, Critical Thinking, Professionalism
Greet patients, schedule appointments, verify insurance
Front Desk Coordinator, Patient Services Rep, Office Assistant
Communication, Technology, Professionalism
Provide secretarial support and patient-facing service
Guest Services Rep, Patient Advocate Assistant
Communication, Professionalism, Equity & Inclusion
Record drug deliveries and accept prescriptions for filling
Pharmacist Assistant, Pharmacy Assistant, Front Counter Clerk
Communication, Professionalism, Technology
Clean and prepare surgical instruments and equipment
Central Sterile Tech, Instrument Tech, SPD Tech
Technology, Professionalism, Critical Thinking
Position Title
Description
Related Titles
Top NACE Competencies
Lead group recreation for elderly residents
Recreation Aide, Life Enrichment Assistant
Equity & Inclusion, Communication, Teamwork
Childcare Assistant in Medical Settings
Support pediatric staff or child life teams by engaging children
Child Life Aide, Pediatric Assistant
Equity & Inclusion, Communication, Teamwork
Support chiropractors with patient setup, scheduling, and basic treatments
Chiropractic Aide, Front Desk Assistant
Communication, Professionalism, Technology
Perform both administrative and clinical tasks
Clinical Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant, Administrative Medical Assistant
Communication, Professionalism, Critical Thinking
Record medical info for providers, manage records
Medical Office Assistant, Clinical Scribe, EMR Scribe
Communication, Technology, Critical Thinking
Move patients and equipment throughout the hospital
Transport Aide, Orderly, Patient Escort
Teamwork, Communication, Professionalism
Assist with clinical and non-clinical patient care
PCT, Nursing Tech, Care Partner, Clinical Assistant
Teamwork, Critical Thinking, Professionalism
Supporting Experience
The following opportunities are positions either do not take place clinical settings or may be unpaid, but are still valuable for students who want to build skills and experience that translate well to a future career in healthcare.
These roles help develop important qualities like communication, empathy, problem solving, teamwork, and professionalism.
Position Title
Description
Related Titles
Why It’s Helpful
Call Center Representative
Answer calls, help customers, and solve problems, often in a fast-paced setting
Customer Service Rep, Patient Services Rep
Improves listening, empathy, and conflict resolution
Retail Associate
Assist customers, manage transactions, and work in a team environment
Sales Associate, Store Team Member
Builds patience, people skills, and ability to manage stress
Restaurant Server
Take orders, deliver food, and manage multiple tables
Waiter, Waitress, Food Server
Builds efficiency, interpersonal skills, and ability to work under pressure
Barista
Prepare drinks, take orders, and engage with customers
Coffee Shop Associate
Improves customer service and ability to focus while multitasking
Position Title
Description
Related Titles
Why It’s Helpful
Childcare Provider
Supervise and care for children at home or in group settings
Babysitter, Nanny, Daycare Aide
Develops observation skills, communication, and empathy
Tutor
Help other students learn material or navigate college life
Peer Mentor, Teaching Assistant
Strengthens ability to explain complex information and tailor communication
Resident Assistant
Support and supervise students in residential housing
Community Assistant, Student Support Assistant, Housing Mentor
Offers crisis response and support experience, relationship building experience
Camp Counselor
Lead and supervise activities for children or teens in a camp setting
Youth Program Leader, Summer Camp Staff
Builds patience, adaptability, and leadership
Position Title
Description
Related Titles
Why It’s Helpful
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Assist faculty or staff with research projects through data collection, analysis, or lab work
Student Researcher, Lab Assistant
Develops analytical thinking, attention to detail, and exposure to research methods
Student Organization E-Board Member
Plan events, manage communication, and lead a student group
Student Leader, Club Officer, Executive Board Member
Offers experience managing projects, working with others, and developing leadership skills
Healthcare-Related Volunteering
Help with health fairs, clinics, or community programs
Clinic Volunteer, Outreach Volunteer
Develops service mindset and real-world exposure to care needs
Shadowing
Observe healthcare professionals during their work
Observer, Pre-Health Shadow
Gives insight into real-world healthcare settings and patient-provider interactions
Opportunities On Campus
In addition to jobs and volunteering in the community, students can build healthcare-related skills and experience right on campus. These opportunities help you explore interests, gain practical experience, and connect with peers and professionals.
These are opportunities that are typically available on a regular basis, but details may change from year to year. Application requirements, deadlines, and eligibility vary. This list is not exhaustive, and there may be additional opportunities available. Students should go directly to the sponsoring department, organization, or employer website for the most up-to-date information.
- B-Healthy Graduate/Student Assistants
- B-Healthy Campus Peer Agent Internship
- Binghamton University Athletics Sports Medicine Internship
- Campus Recreation Internships and Student Employment
- External Scholarships and Undergraduate Research Center (ESURC)
- Harpur’s Ferry (student-run ambulance service)
- HWS Department Nutrition and Fitness Peer Education Service-Learning Internship
- HWS Department Research Experience in Nutritional Neuroscience
- Nursing Research Opportunities (NURS 499)
- Residential Life Wellness Assistants
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SOPPS) Summer Research Experience
- Arts in Healthcare Minor
- Campus Recreation Certifications
- Forensic Health Minor
- Healthcare for All People: Educational Modules
- Health and Wellness Studies (HWS) Minor
- Medical Spanish Courses
- Mental Health Advocacy Training
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- NURS 258: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Public Health Minor
- Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) Minor
- Active Minds
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America On Campus
- American Cancer Society on Campus
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
- American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA)
- Binghamton Students for Autism Acceptance
- Charles Drew Minority Pre-Health Society
- Friends of MSF (Doctors Without Borders) at Binghamton University
- Global Medical Missions Alliance
- Master of Public Health GSO
- Medical Research Interest Club
- Medical Roots Project
- Medicine in Sports
- MEDLIFE
- Nursing Student Association
- One Health Medical Association
- Partners in Health Engage
- Pre-Dental Association
- Pre-Genetic Counseling Club
- Pre-Medical Association
- Pre-Occupational & Physical Therapy Association
- Pre-Optometry Association
- Pre-Pharmacy Association
- Pre-Physician Assistant Society
- Pre-Veterinary Society
- SEEK
- Speech and Language Association
- Speech and Language Pathology Graduate Student Organization
- Student Psychological Association
- Binghamton Campus and Community Coalition (BCCC)
- Campus Recovery Support Group (CRSG)
- Eating Awareness Committee
- Fleishman Career Center Skills Labs
- Forage Virtual Experiences
- Harpur Edge Healthcare Mentor Program
- Harpur Edge Physician Alumni Lecture Series
- Pre-Health Listserv
Tips for Finding Opportunities
In many healthcare settings, students need to start with observation before they move into hands-on or paid roles. Shadowing gives employers the opportunity to get to know you, make sure you understand the environment, and confirm that you are committed. After a short shadowing period, some sites may allow you to volunteer, apply for a part-time role, or take on more responsibility. Starting small can open doors to more substantial experience later on.
While some healthcare organizations offer formal shadowing programs, many shadowing opportunities come from networking.
Your personal network is often the fastest way to learn about openings. Think about your primary care provider, specialists you have seen, family friends who work in healthcare, or community contacts. A brief, professional message that explains your interest and asks if they know of any shadowing or volunteer options can lead to helpful connections. Even if they cannot help directly, they may point you toward someone who can.
If you are not sure where to begin, requesting a short conversation with a healthcare professional can help. Use this time to learn how they entered the field, what early roles helped them, and what they recommend for students. These conversations often uncover opportunities that are not posted online.
Use the LinkedIn alumni tool or Mentor Match as a starting point.
Not every job is posted on the same platform. Some roles appear on Handshake, LinkedIn, or Indeed. Others are only listed on the employer’s own website. If you are interested in a specific health system, consider signing up for job alerts on their site or through LinkedIn. For local options, look at Guthrie and United Health Services, since they update their postings frequently.
This guide helps you understand the types of roles available and what they involve. Once you have a sense of your interests and schedule, take the next step by searching for openings that align with your goals. If the process feels overwhelming or you are not sure where to begin, you can meet with a career consultant at the Fleishman Career Center for personalized support.
Sources
This guide was created using a mix of expert resources, professional articles, and tailored advice for Binghamton students. All external sources are linked below.
- O*NET Online: https://www.onetonline.org
- National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): https://www.naceweb.org/
- Direct and Indirect Care: https://www.needle.tube/resources-6/Understanding-Direct-Care-and-Indirect-Care-Roles-in-Healthcare-Management?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Image: freepik.com
- AI Assistance: Portions of this guide were developed with support from ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI, used to help synthesize research, generate summaries, and refine formatting. All final content was reviewed and customized for Binghamton University students.
