Job Resource Center
Kara, 27
Medical Assistant
I had some health problems as a child, so I spent a lot of time in doctors’ offices. And, at a young age +More
My Account
Forgot my passwordGet training
Return to HomeStarting early
Even if you’re still in high school, there are ways you can start building the skills you need for a job in health care. To get experience and find out how you like working in health care, consider volunteering at a local hospital or health clinic, or inquire about whether there’s a peer health educator program at your school.
Basic Training
If you’re a lifeguard who’s 18 and has CPR training, you may already have the basics for a health job. Organizations like the American Red Cross also offer training in CPR and First Aid in most communities. Check out the website of your local Red Cross to find CPR and First Aid courses near you.
Peer Health Education
Educating patients about how to take care of their own health is an important part of many health jobs, and getting trained as a peer health educator is a great way to learn the basics. To find a peer health education program near you, ask about opportunities at your high school or local community health organizations. Many Planned Parenthood chapters offer peer health educator programs, too.
Volunteering
Volunteer jobs allow you to see up close what it’s like to work in a hospital or health clinic — and many offer opportunities for volunteers starting at age 14 or 15. Depending on your age and interests, volunteer opportunities may include office duties, visiting with patients, helping them get around the hospital or volunteering in the hospital gift shop.
No matter what you do as a volunteer, you’ll learn a lot about working in health care simply by watching what’s going on around you and asking the people you meet what they do day-to-day and how they like their jobs.
The details vary from one place to the next, but most hospitals ask their volunteers to commit a certain number of hours per week over a period of six months or a year. To find volunteer opportunities near you, go to the section on getting real-world experience.
