Getting experience in the medical field

[apeter]

I currently work as a preschool teacher but since I am making a career change, I would like to get my foot in the door somehow in the medical field. I'm taking Chemistry right now and then my program starts in May. I'm really wanting to find something that would give me a little experience plus be a little more understanding of a nursing student's schedule especially when clinicals come around. I have to work, as close to full-time as possible, while in school since I have a family to support.

Without having prior medical experience, what's the best route to take? Where would you start? Is there anything I'd even be qualified for right now or would I need to wait until I have some classes under my belt?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

You can look at patient care assistant/technician positions, unit clerk positions, basically positions that don't require any licensure. CNA (certified nursing assistant) is an option, but you would either have to take the CNA course/test or check if your state allows nursing students once they've reached a certain point to take the exam.

[SummerWertz]

If you can handle what it would take to do, I would say volunteer with Hospice. I'm volunteering right now and it was fairly easy to get into. It definitely gives you a first hand experience of working with patients and healthcare employees. It's a delicate situation and not for everyone, though.