Step 3: Gaining Experience
Gaining Healthcare Experience
We do not endorse any non-CPP service providers/organizations and assume no liability or responsibility for any potential risks or harms arising out of participation in the listed non-CPP program, event or activity. Please use the information at your own discretion.
Working part-time or full-time (during gap years) as a Medical Assistant is a great way to gain clinical experience and earn a wage!
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 14% increase in demand of Medican Assistants over the 10 years period (2023 - 2030)
- Medical Assistants performs simple clinical tasks that engage patients (ex. taking vitals, interviewing) and some documentation as well.
- Medical Assistants help physicians with tasks that do not require a licensed medical personal and you only need:
- a High School diploma or GED;
- Employers may perfer candidates who:
- are graduates of an accredited Medical Assistant program ( Program or institution accredited by a regional or national accreditation agency approved by the US Department of Education or The Council for Higher Education Accreditation). and/or
- have a Medical Assistant Certification from one of the following: The American Medical Technology Association (AMT), The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), The National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP) Certification, National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or licensure as an intermediate or paramedic level EMT.
- For Medical Assistant positions within the CSU system, please visit the the following CSU MA search listing for more information.
Working part-time or full-time (during gap years) as a Medical scribe is another great way to gain clinical experience and earn a wage! Here is an interview piece published on AAMC on "What It's Like to Be a Medical Scribe"
- Unlike Medical Assistant, Medical Scibe only deals with documentation (documenting patient visits) and has no to minimum direct interactions with patients.
- Medical Scribe does not require certification and training can be and is often done on the job.
Working as EMT or Paramedic in the field of emergency medical services (EMS) is another great way to gain clinical experience. EMTs and paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care, and may transport patients to medical facilities. They typically complete a postsecondary educational program. All states require EMTs and paramedics to be licensed in the state in which they work; requirements vary by state. Overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Paramedics are required to complete more extensive training and qualified to perform more advanced procedures than EMT. EMT students complete a course that is a minimum of 170 hours in length, whereas Paramedic students complete a program between 1,200 to 1,800 hours. To learn more about the difference bewteen EMT and Paramedics, visit UCLA Center for Prehospital Care.
How do I become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)? There is no online process at CEMSA for applying for an EMT certification. For detailed steps to become an EMT, please contact the local EMS agency for the county where you wish to hold your certification.
For detailed information on EMT certification and renewal in California, please visit the California Emergency medical Services Authority (CEMSA) EMT website. Below is an excerpt on how to become an EMT in CA:
To become an EMT in the State of California, you must:
- Successfully complete an approved EMT training program. Here is a list of of approved training programs.
- After completing your training, you must pass the National Registry (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor examinations. Please visit NREMT’s Key Initiatives page to learn more on any updates to ALS Psychomotor examination.
- Apply for certification at a local EMS agency. The certifying agency will inform you of additional requirements such as paying a fee and undergoing a background check using their agency form. It is a good idea to call ahead and find out what additional requirements exist.
How do I become a Paramedic?
For detailed information on Paramedics certification and renewal in California, please visit the California Emergency medical Services Authority (CEMSA) Paramedic website and Visit the National registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for information on Paramedic Full Education Program Pathway.
- You must hold a current National Registry certification or state license at the EMT level, or higher.
- Successfully complete an approved Paramedic training program. Review the list of approved training programs in California (search for Paramedic). Candidates must have completed the course within the past two years and the course Program Director must verify successful course completion on the National Registry website.
- After completing your training, you must pass the National Registry Paramedic cognitive and psychomotor exams (NREMT exams). You can find information on the exam application process at the Paramedic Full Education Program Pathway Website
- After passing the NREMT exams you can now apply for a California Paramedic licensure. First determine your application type (In-State, Out-of-State, or Challenge) and decide whether to submit an online application or a paper application.Once your completed application, supporting documents, and fee are submitted, a licensor will review your application to determine license approval. For more information please visit the CEMSA Paramedic Licensure and Testing FAQs.
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
Volunteer Department
1798 North Garey Avenue
Pomona, CA 91767
(909) 865-9669
Citrus Valley Health/Hospice
820 North Phillips Avenue
West Covina
Volunteer Services Manager: Janene House
626/859-2266 ext. 10348
Citrus Valley Medical Center - Queen of the Valley Campus
1115 South Sunset Avenue
West Covina, CA 91790
Volunteer Services Director: Margaret Pohl
626/962-4011 ext. 22412
Citrus Valley Medical Center - Inter-Community Campus
210 West San Bernardino Road
Covina, CA 91723
Volunteer Services Director
Aliede Klein: 626/331-7331 ext. 16237
Foothill Presbyterian Hospital
250 South Grand Avenue
Glendora, CA 91741
Phone: 626/963-8411
Queen of the Valley Hospital
1135 S Sunset Ave
West Covina, CA 91790
Phone: (626) 962-4011
Research Opportunities
To join any campus-wide research programs, connect with the CPP Office of Undergraduate Research.
Research experience can be beneficial to your education and career development in many different ways and is integrated into many CPP program curriculums. You should identify a faculty member whose research is of interest to you and then contact the faculty directly to learn about opportunities and enroll in a project-related course.
To find out individual faculty member's research interest in different departments, visit their websites:
The Presidents’ Commission Scholars program: This annual program aims to support Summer research experiences for CSU undergraduate in good standing, who are either first-year or second-year students at the time the proposal is submitted. Students will conduct biotechnology-related laboratory-, field-, clinic- or community-based research for the first time. Sponsoring faculty mentors will receive funding to support their research program. This is a great opportunity for first or second year students who are looking for research experiences to supplement their professional school applications. Visit the CSUBiotech website for more information or email csuperb@sdsu.edu.