Clinical Experience
Getting clinical experience as a pre-health/vet undergraduate is essential for gaining practical insights into healthcare and strengthening your application to health professions programs. Here are some ways to get involved:
Volunteer at local hospitals or clinics
Many healthcare facilities offer volunteer opportunities that allow you to shadow professionals, assist with patient care, and gain hands-on experience.
Common local opportunities
Animal Opportunities:
Community/Human Opportunities:
Other Opportunities:
Other opportunities
a. Volunteer – Adams Camp Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities & Therapy Summer Camps | Adam’s Camp
b. Volunteer – Camp Wapiyapi Volunteer with us and make your summer more meaningful – Camp Wapiyapi
c. Volunteer – Roundup River Ranch Colorado Camp | SeriousFun Camp | Roundup River Ranch
Get a certification
Certifications such as CNA, Phlebotomy, or EMT offer direct exposure to clinical environments, allowing you to work closely with healthcare providers while learning about medical practices and gain valuable patient contact hours.
Shadowing opportunities
- Reach out to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ask about shadowing.
- Check out tips for shadowing: Shadowing a Doctor | Students & Residents
These experiences will help you build skills, gain insight into patient care, and better understand the demands of healthcare professions.
