Clinical exposure and time spent interacting with patients and health professionals is important to demonstrate that you understand the career you are aspiring to, and that you will be good at it.
- Find out whether the career is a good fit with your skills and interests
- Help identify your strengths and areas for improvement
Find volunteering, shadowing and working opportunities in Washington State at the Career & Internship Center website.
Clinical exposure can be viewed as Professional-Facing Time and Patient-Facing Time.
Professional-Facing vs. Patient-Facing Experiences
| Professional-Facing |
Patient-Facing |
| Shadowing: Following healthcare practitioners during their day |
Volunteering: in a hospital, clinic, pharmacy, or nursing home |
| Medical Scribing: work with a doctor or team of doctors to take notes for them. |
Paid Employment: common jobs include CNA, EMT, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, Pharm Tech, PT Aid (Some of these require specific certifications.)
|
It is up to each student to find these opportunities and the following is a list of some local hospitals and clinics that have volunteer and shadowing programs. Keep in mind this list is only a starting place. There are many other facilities that will allow students to participate in clinical experience.
Some organizations are limiting volunteer opportunities in response to COVID-19. Many require up-to-date vaccines, including for COVID-19. Some are redirecting volunteers to vaccine clinics and testing sites. Check back often to learn more about how you can gain valuable experience.
Shadowing/Observing
Health Care Volunteer Programs
Specific Programs and Community Health Centers
General Volunteering
Mental/Behavioral Health & Counseling
Dental Experience
Undergraduate Research
Summer/Extended Enrichment Programs
Medical Scribe Information