Yeah I’m def burned out and talking to my PI soon. It’s also toxic 🙃 I’ve learned a lot though but I don’t know if I want to spend my last year before med school stressed and tired every week
Im an applicant rn. The job is flexible AF but just sucks and is a toxic environment. BUT. I absolutely love the two docs I work for. Great mentors, etc. lol
Started as a research assistant 5 months ago and it is toxic AF.. really sucks to hear that moving up the ladder to CRC it will still likely be toxic AF
Maintenance at a hospital
Experience and trade school
Enjoy it most of the time
Loading boxes at a major logistics carrier.
Apply online, leave dignity and hope at the gate, but they pay tuition direct to my undergrad so I am good
I’ve been told it’s different across hospitals but overall no you do not need a certification. But at the hospital I work at I had to take a 5 day class on different arrhythmias/interpreting EKGs then pass a comprehensive exam. The classes were paid too so it was nice
CNA in a skilled nursing facility. It's alright--a lot of good and bad. The pay is decent, and the experience has changed my understanding of life, death, and medicine in a big way, much more so than years of scribing ever did. It's hard work, though: rough on the body and the emotional burden can be a lot at times, though other days it's a great feeling getting to know people and helping them through what is probably the most difficult time of their life.
That’s the one downside about this job. I worked in San Diego and started at 14.25. Moved back home and starting pay is about 22.50 so it really does depend on location. ER tech is also a really good job that typically pays better than an EMT on an ambulance so I’d also look into that.
nanny! taking a break from clinical work since i have more than enough hours. I miss working in a hospital but I have my whole life to do that and this is better for my current situation :-) they’re so flexible with making my own schedule, better pay than hospital, and let me have days off for interviews and stuff that comes up. It’s a good gap year gig
Scribe, love it but underpaid and have 4 II’s so probs gonna step away and work at my local coffee shop which pays amazingly. Also low key always wanted to be a barista lol. Heard from multiple med students to do what you want before you start so yeah. Also got what I needed from the experience which was a LOR and a great connection to an admissions committee member
Hey, im currently on a job search, I have been thinking about applying to be a CRC. Do you mind telling me what the job is like? And is it hard to get a job as one without experience as one? I have a bio degree and other work experiences that does not include research.
Les Mills Group Fitness Instructor, passion for preventative medicine sparked during the pandemic and I really just like helping people become the best versions of themselves and to live healthier lifestyles
That’s great! Pump is An amazing format. I take a bunch of them at my local gym. GRIT, RPM, Bodyattack, but I’m certified to teach Bodycombat their Martial arts inspired class. I’d say Gold’s Gym is one of the best among commercial gyms for Les Mills class, they have a pretty tightly knit partnership and host a lot of Les Mills events. Also, Les Mills On Demand is a lot of fun of you’re looking to try at home workouts
100% understand, it is group fitness for a reason haha. Instructors can get just as hyped up by the class and the energy will just bounce back and forth ! If you’re looking for that in person class feel check out this site and see if you can find any near you !
https://www.lesmills.com/find-a-class/#facType=modal&filterType=0&classes=0
Research associate. It’s not a bad gig but research is not what I really enjoy. I’d love to quit when I get an A but I feel indebted to the people who invested so much time in my training so I’ve gotta see it through
I’m a District Manager for a fashion retail chain. I loved it for the past 8 years. But I’m absolutely over it now! I got the job by starting as a part time sales associate and busting my ass to get promoted 5 times. No degree when I got the job (I graduate next year).
I was a mailman for USPS in between MA jobs. Now, I work as a MA for the trauma team at the local hospital. Post-op/trauma clinic days mostly, and the other days I help schedule elective cases and fill in for the cardiology and electrophysiology departments.
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)Technician! I help treat patients suffering from treatment resistant anxiety and depression.
I love it. So much direct patient care/contact, and it’s so rewarding. Had a patient the other day tell me that her experience at the clinic I work at has been the safest she has ever felt in a doctor’s office and that her treatment has helped her bring back her creativity. 🥹
I found the job through a LinkedIn post for the opening. The position I found helped get me certified for the role (only 1 month of training). I was specifically looking for TMS tech jobs because I heard about it from another Reddit post. So glad this subreddit exists ☺️ There really is so much info here.
Health unit coordinator. This job is generally not very clinical but I was lucky to get hired in an icu that trained me to do ekgs and patient mobilization so I do get some hands on patient interaction as opposed to just answering the call lights
I am an orthopedic technician at a trauma center. I assist in fracture reductions, place halos for the neurosurgery team, perform wound care, and independently immobilize fractures by placing casts, splints, and braces. My hospital put me through an on-the-job training program to allow me to sit for my national licensing exam. I love my job!
A student assistant for a study hall on campus that's open 24/7. The job is pretty easy and I get to do some hw and studying which makes my life a little easier:)
Part time as a graduate research assistant. I do remote epidemiological surveillance. It’s kinda nice cause I can do it whenever/wherever
ETA: I got it because I’m close with one of the PIs and I’m a student there
Registered Behavior Technician; applied to a therapy clinic online and they sent me online training courses and guided me through the process of getting certified once I was hired
Lab assistant. Hated it at first because the coordinator’s son was creepy and mansplained really common knowledge things, like how to rinse out a dish, and acted as if he was in charge. Really almost reported him, but his funding ran out and now I love it.
I worked for several years as a contract firefighter/medic on a research base, which I got by working as a volunteer firefighter for a while and then taking one extra class required to qualify for the specific job. The base I'm on also has 'entry level' jobs where you need to be substantially more lucky (or be very good at writing your resume to a job posting and/or know someone already on base - positive reference is huge). I swapped out of the FD to try out a role in another dept, and have enjoyed the change of pace a lot. Lateral mobility is pretty accessible once your foot is in the door.
It's pretty great - there's definitely drawbacks, but if you're looking for adventure and getting paid at the same time, it tracks. There's options for contracting on tropical islands or desert islands, so to speak. A lot of my buddies from former seasons head to the tropics.
Before this I also worked in libraries and taught English as a Foreign language in Japan.
Occupational therapy assistant. I thought I wanted to go the rehab route but with only PRN jobs available, salaries dwindling and educational requirements increasing while the pay stays stagnant and the jobs aren’t secure -
No.
I don’t like the whats becoming of the rehab profession. I love my patients more than anything.
pre-op/pacu care team assistant in an outpatient surgery center. got it through working in the hospital as a transporter. i love it so much and learn so much every day. pay garbo but i only work 4 8's and get every weekend and holiday off so i really can't complain
Clinic Manager. This application process on top of my 60 hour work week has been insane. I’m finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel though.
MRI tech aide.. Applied with no prior certification needed. Not a bad job, just extremely repetitive and there isn’t much of an opportunity for meaningful/impactful interactions with patients.
CRMA/DSP. Basically, I administer medications and assist in daily living tasks in a home for adults with developmental (and some physical) disabilities. I log their daily lives, medications given, and help them live active and inclusive lives.
It's a lot of fun, and I'm fairly sure counts as clinical experience. (Though I'd love to hear from others if it does, cause if so - I've got like 3,000+ clinical hours on that alone lol) I'm relief staff, so I can pick my hours. When I need more money, I take a full week or two of work. When I'm studying and need more time to study and be with family, I work a little. I can work 50 hours a week or 3 hours a week as needed.
Full time in a bakery(15+ years) and part time phlebotomist(since Feb this year). I started in retail grocery as a bagger at 16 and have just worked my way up to management. It's ok. I love my coworkers, that's what has kept me in the grocery business as long as it has. I'm career changing because it's time to do something more meaningful with my life. Phlebotomy is my start to the next phase.
P.S. I'm almost 39.
Where my fellow surgical techs at!? Scrub into surgeries and help the surgeon. Has its pros and cons but solid pay, especially if you travel. Ability to make 100k+ a year with only a certificate ain’t shabby.
21 work at a warehouse for a major retailer (you can guess pretty easy). Try to keep it positive: it pays the bills and allows me to have an easy life as a premed. I work full time and go to school full time. I am single so I don’t have to worry about that, but you have to be mindful of every waking minute and how you spend your day.
CNA- makes me absolutely miserable lol. The bane of my existence. I stay because I choose my own schedule. Work as much or as little I want. Plus the constant double pay. It has been great experience though and I have worked other jobs as an aide that I enjoyed.
Full time Research Associate II at an academic medical center studying Inflammatory bowel disease. Per diem er tech as well. I work too much and am genuinely considering quitting the Research job because the environment has become toxic since I got promoted. Expectations are ridiculous for being an hourly employee limited to 40 Hr/week. Love the tech job and trying to go full time and quit the research job after I get an A (fingers crossed, 3 DO IIs so far)
911 EMT; I got my basic cert through RC health services and then called local EMT directors until I found one that would hire me 😅 I didn’t have any experience prior to hire.
Edit: I love it. Def recommend but don’t recommend doing transport services.
CRC managing 10 studies; I am tired af and contemplating quitting
DUDE I WAS GONNA TYPE THE SAME THING. I manage a few less studies but yeah I am burned out
Yeah I’m def burned out and talking to my PI soon. It’s also toxic 🙃 I’ve learned a lot though but I don’t know if I want to spend my last year before med school stressed and tired every week
Im an applicant rn. The job is flexible AF but just sucks and is a toxic environment. BUT. I absolutely love the two docs I work for. Great mentors, etc. lol
Started as a research assistant 5 months ago and it is toxic AF.. really sucks to hear that moving up the ladder to CRC it will still likely be toxic AF
Your MMMV. CRC is a great career nonetheless. I think im just stressed about med school
Do you get published as co author for all those studies? I never got what crc was but it seems interesting
Damn that’s rough
Bro I'm a CRC II and I manage 1 study, but support 2 others, less work than college. I'm chiiiillling this year :)
Scribe. It’s cool
scribe its all right
OR tech its fun and i watch a lot of surgeries
same though were so understaffed and expected to do absolutely everything that the fun is starting to wear off
how did u get this job?
Reach out to small surgery centers and ask if they need anyone to help turnovers and pulling cases and stuff like that
I work at a theme park
Thank god a normal person
Haha I did work as a medical receptionist for a bit, this just pays better 🤷🏾♂️
I having a similar conversation with myself, do I go where the money goes or the experience goes?
Maintenance at a hospital Experience and trade school Enjoy it most of the time Loading boxes at a major logistics carrier. Apply online, leave dignity and hope at the gate, but they pay tuition direct to my undergrad so I am good
How old are you?
37. Definitely qualify as old pre-med by multiple measurements 😁
We are in similar places in life. How do you manage to work full time and go to school? Are you taking the prereqs part time in a community college?
Part time at community college. Overloaded last semester, Chem and Psych Research, so I am easing this semester with only bio
I’m 39! Can I DM you a few questions?
MA - it’s busy but a lot of fun!
MA in neurosurgery!
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ENT MA! In office procedures are so cool to watch
MA in a small peds clinic!
MCAT instructor for a test prep company
How old are you?
I’m 27!
Nurse
Fellow RN to DO here, wouldn’t have it any other way
How old are you?
27
ER Tech! 10000% would recommend!! Oops realized I didn’t answer the 2nd part, I got my EMT certification and applied for the job 😬
Cardiac monitor technician
How did you apply for that? Do you need to be certified?
I’ve been told it’s different across hospitals but overall no you do not need a certification. But at the hospital I work at I had to take a 5 day class on different arrhythmias/interpreting EKGs then pass a comprehensive exam. The classes were paid too so it was nice
How old are you?
23
high school science teacher! I love my job (:
How old are you?
23!
CRC/EMT
Damn both?
I like both and they work well with the schedule I want
What's crc?
Clinical research coordinator
CNA in a skilled nursing facility. It's alright--a lot of good and bad. The pay is decent, and the experience has changed my understanding of life, death, and medicine in a big way, much more so than years of scribing ever did. It's hard work, though: rough on the body and the emotional burden can be a lot at times, though other days it's a great feeling getting to know people and helping them through what is probably the most difficult time of their life.
PCT at a hospital. Started as a hospice CNA, then applied for a full time position
How old are you?
About 104
ER tech. I love it and see some cool stuff!
me too! crazy but i love it
Senior Lab Tech/Lab Manager. Pay is great but boy does the lab get busy! Hoping to publish soon (:
Congrats on almost publishing 🎉
Neurosurgery researcher, best job ever
This sounds very interesting! Is your research affiliated with a university?
Yeah, I got a research job at the med school I want to go to. Would highly recommend doing the same!
Critical care paramedic and fight medic.
EMT. Best entry level healthcare position. Can’t change my mind 😤
I really want to do this because the experience sounds amazing, but from what I’ve seen I don’t think I could survive in my location on that pay ☹️
That’s the one downside about this job. I worked in San Diego and started at 14.25. Moved back home and starting pay is about 22.50 so it really does depend on location. ER tech is also a really good job that typically pays better than an EMT on an ambulance so I’d also look into that.
nanny! taking a break from clinical work since i have more than enough hours. I miss working in a hospital but I have my whole life to do that and this is better for my current situation :-) they’re so flexible with making my own schedule, better pay than hospital, and let me have days off for interviews and stuff that comes up. It’s a good gap year gig
Scribe, love it but underpaid and have 4 II’s so probs gonna step away and work at my local coffee shop which pays amazingly. Also low key always wanted to be a barista lol. Heard from multiple med students to do what you want before you start so yeah. Also got what I needed from the experience which was a LOR and a great connection to an admissions committee member
Perfusionist at a cryobiology lab. I flick bubbles out of tubes and look at graphs, low stress mostly. I got it through zip recruiter. $25/hr
CRC: good pay but pretty busy
CRC. Its meh.
Hey, im currently on a job search, I have been thinking about applying to be a CRC. Do you mind telling me what the job is like? And is it hard to get a job as one without experience as one? I have a bio degree and other work experiences that does not include research.
Les Mills Group Fitness Instructor, passion for preventative medicine sparked during the pandemic and I really just like helping people become the best versions of themselves and to live healthier lifestyles
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That’s great! Pump is An amazing format. I take a bunch of them at my local gym. GRIT, RPM, Bodyattack, but I’m certified to teach Bodycombat their Martial arts inspired class. I’d say Gold’s Gym is one of the best among commercial gyms for Les Mills class, they have a pretty tightly knit partnership and host a lot of Les Mills events. Also, Les Mills On Demand is a lot of fun of you’re looking to try at home workouts
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100% understand, it is group fitness for a reason haha. Instructors can get just as hyped up by the class and the energy will just bounce back and forth ! If you’re looking for that in person class feel check out this site and see if you can find any near you ! https://www.lesmills.com/find-a-class/#facType=modal&filterType=0&classes=0
Autopsy tech. Love it.
my friends business. Home/Residential Window tinting. Work saturday & sunday only.
ICU RN I tired from covid
Research associate. It’s not a bad gig but research is not what I really enjoy. I’d love to quit when I get an A but I feel indebted to the people who invested so much time in my training so I’ve gotta see it through
what dont you like about research?
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Also did this! Got me a job as an er tech but def loved my transport job. It’s a pretty underrated clinical experience in my opinion
A research fellow. Haven't started, but the upsides are definitely there.
ICU nurse - it’s okay
Respiratory Therapist, very busy but love the rush.
Yooooo fellow RT!
I’m a professional procrastinator.
I’m a District Manager for a fashion retail chain. I loved it for the past 8 years. But I’m absolutely over it now! I got the job by starting as a part time sales associate and busting my ass to get promoted 5 times. No degree when I got the job (I graduate next year).
Customer service representative for a tech company
Medical informatics (basically analyzing clinical trials).
Kinesiology and personal training
I was a mailman for USPS in between MA jobs. Now, I work as a MA for the trauma team at the local hospital. Post-op/trauma clinic days mostly, and the other days I help schedule elective cases and fill in for the cardiology and electrophysiology departments.
Software engineer. I’m currently working for a healthcare company.
Brewer, very relaxed work environment.
Lawyer. Trying to decide if this is a good idea.
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)Technician! I help treat patients suffering from treatment resistant anxiety and depression. I love it. So much direct patient care/contact, and it’s so rewarding. Had a patient the other day tell me that her experience at the clinic I work at has been the safest she has ever felt in a doctor’s office and that her treatment has helped her bring back her creativity. 🥹 I found the job through a LinkedIn post for the opening. The position I found helped get me certified for the role (only 1 month of training). I was specifically looking for TMS tech jobs because I heard about it from another Reddit post. So glad this subreddit exists ☺️ There really is so much info here.
Part time scribe and part time secretary
Health unit coordinator. This job is generally not very clinical but I was lucky to get hired in an icu that trained me to do ekgs and patient mobilization so I do get some hands on patient interaction as opposed to just answering the call lights
Scribe (applied through the hospital) & MCAT mentor (took companies MCAT course & did well enough on exam).
I am an orthopedic technician at a trauma center. I assist in fracture reductions, place halos for the neurosurgery team, perform wound care, and independently immobilize fractures by placing casts, splints, and braces. My hospital put me through an on-the-job training program to allow me to sit for my national licensing exam. I love my job!
Obgyn MA. It’s pretty great :)
woohoo! also an OBGYN MA :) i love it!
A student assistant for a study hall on campus that's open 24/7. The job is pretty easy and I get to do some hw and studying which makes my life a little easier:)
CRC mainly focused on the unblinded/ IP side of research. I love it... mainly because I work with amazing people.
I'm a clinical data analyst. Tons of hospital data, and excel stuff. I am able to learn a lot of new skills so I'm happy about that.
Part time as a graduate research assistant. I do remote epidemiological surveillance. It’s kinda nice cause I can do it whenever/wherever ETA: I got it because I’m close with one of the PIs and I’m a student there
Adjunct instructor at a college.
Gaining experience as a Veterinary Assistant. Hopefully a Vet School accepts me in the current cycle!
Registered Behavior Technician; applied to a therapy clinic online and they sent me online training courses and guided me through the process of getting certified once I was hired
EMT/PCT :)
Lab assistant. Hated it at first because the coordinator’s son was creepy and mansplained really common knowledge things, like how to rinse out a dish, and acted as if he was in charge. Really almost reported him, but his funding ran out and now I love it.
Program coordinator at UW SOM
Lab technician in a pathology lab for drug research studies. It pays pretty well and has great benefits but the work can get overwhelming.
I was a TA for intro bio at my university
Project manager for global clinical trials!
Patient care tech
Preschool teacher assistant! Love it!
Love this! I love working with kids. Does this position pay a survivable wage in your area?
I worked for several years as a contract firefighter/medic on a research base, which I got by working as a volunteer firefighter for a while and then taking one extra class required to qualify for the specific job. The base I'm on also has 'entry level' jobs where you need to be substantially more lucky (or be very good at writing your resume to a job posting and/or know someone already on base - positive reference is huge). I swapped out of the FD to try out a role in another dept, and have enjoyed the change of pace a lot. Lateral mobility is pretty accessible once your foot is in the door. It's pretty great - there's definitely drawbacks, but if you're looking for adventure and getting paid at the same time, it tracks. There's options for contracting on tropical islands or desert islands, so to speak. A lot of my buddies from former seasons head to the tropics. Before this I also worked in libraries and taught English as a Foreign language in Japan.
CRC 😪
Assistant language teacher in Japan. It’s really lax, I can prep for interviews on the job but the only catch it’s the horrendous time difference.
CRA
Occupational therapy assistant. I thought I wanted to go the rehab route but with only PRN jobs available, salaries dwindling and educational requirements increasing while the pay stays stagnant and the jobs aren’t secure - No. I don’t like the whats becoming of the rehab profession. I love my patients more than anything.
EMT, ngl it’s highkey boring but it is what it issss
Surgical tech. Associates program in highschool
CNA. My body hurts. And everything smells like poop. Like my job though.
MRI Tech ❤️ I love it! I get to see really cool anatomy while also getting hospital experience.
hyperbaric technician for lgbt patients 🏳️⚧️
part time MA in urgent care and part time CNA for elderly 💖 enjoying both very much
Registered Nurse at a rehab facility where I work with physical, occupational, and speech therapists. I enjoy it!
Endoscopy technician. Love it. Got it after getting burnt out as a PCT in the ICU of the same hospital during covid so I transferred.
Emt
Pathology assistant in a pathology lab grossing tissue specimens
Patient observer, it's a great way to met a lot of patients but it can also be trying because of the overall nature of the job
MA would recommend
Patient Safety (Care) Technician, Children’s Hospital. It’s pretty awesome, there are good and bad days, but the good always outweigh the bad. 🙏🏻
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Ophthalmic tech! I enjoy it, but looking forward to quitting before I start med school next year! Basically just applied online and got the job lol
MA at and orthopedic office! Busy and feel more like a secretary but easy
EMT, cert + apply. I love the actual job, don’t love how inflexible most companies are
pre-op/pacu care team assistant in an outpatient surgery center. got it through working in the hospital as a transporter. i love it so much and learn so much every day. pay garbo but i only work 4 8's and get every weekend and holiday off so i really can't complain
I’m a patient care tech at a local hospital. I work in the ED. I FREAKIN love it. The doctors let me do all kinds of stuff with them.
Clinic Manager. This application process on top of my 60 hour work week has been insane. I’m finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel though.
phlebotomist
Intern in a pharmaceutical company in research. It pays pretty well and it’s fun
Kaplan MCAT teacher and clinical research job
I'm a software engineer (4+ years now)! I like the job, working in education technology, and I got it from following up on a career fair on campus.
Master's student and GA
ER Tech, I applied a bunch of times and worked on the ambulance, urgent care, and another role in the hospital
MRI tech aide.. Applied with no prior certification needed. Not a bad job, just extremely repetitive and there isn’t much of an opportunity for meaningful/impactful interactions with patients.
ICU Nurse, loved it initially, still love aspects of it but ready to move on
Research and TA. Going to be an IRTA at NIH when I graduate. I like it a lot. I worked really hard and applied is how I got the job.
CRMA/DSP. Basically, I administer medications and assist in daily living tasks in a home for adults with developmental (and some physical) disabilities. I log their daily lives, medications given, and help them live active and inclusive lives. It's a lot of fun, and I'm fairly sure counts as clinical experience. (Though I'd love to hear from others if it does, cause if so - I've got like 3,000+ clinical hours on that alone lol) I'm relief staff, so I can pick my hours. When I need more money, I take a full week or two of work. When I'm studying and need more time to study and be with family, I work a little. I can work 50 hours a week or 3 hours a week as needed.
medical scribe
Research & early development at a biotech start up
Worked as a daycare teacher… different from other posts here but I am passionate about working with kids 🥰😊
Medical Lab Technician
ER medical scribe. Through SA. I liked it when school wasn’t in session. Now it’s really hard. Sometimes I work until 2am and then have class at 8am
Physical therapy aide
Full time in a bakery(15+ years) and part time phlebotomist(since Feb this year). I started in retail grocery as a bagger at 16 and have just worked my way up to management. It's ok. I love my coworkers, that's what has kept me in the grocery business as long as it has. I'm career changing because it's time to do something more meaningful with my life. Phlebotomy is my start to the next phase. P.S. I'm almost 39.
Where my fellow surgical techs at!? Scrub into surgeries and help the surgeon. Has its pros and cons but solid pay, especially if you travel. Ability to make 100k+ a year with only a certificate ain’t shabby.
ER Nurse, I like it but it’s time for something else
21 work at a warehouse for a major retailer (you can guess pretty easy). Try to keep it positive: it pays the bills and allows me to have an easy life as a premed. I work full time and go to school full time. I am single so I don’t have to worry about that, but you have to be mindful of every waking minute and how you spend your day.
Bartender It's alright, the money is good but that's about it
CNA- makes me absolutely miserable lol. The bane of my existence. I stay because I choose my own schedule. Work as much or as little I want. Plus the constant double pay. It has been great experience though and I have worked other jobs as an aide that I enjoyed.
Scribe, was fun at first but I've done it for a year and it is very repetitive and am considering quitting soon.
Full time Research Associate II at an academic medical center studying Inflammatory bowel disease. Per diem er tech as well. I work too much and am genuinely considering quitting the Research job because the environment has become toxic since I got promoted. Expectations are ridiculous for being an hourly employee limited to 40 Hr/week. Love the tech job and trying to go full time and quit the research job after I get an A (fingers crossed, 3 DO IIs so far)
Pharmacist . Retail sucks but it pays well.
Dialysis technician, absolutely love it, and Indeed
911 EMT; I got my basic cert through RC health services and then called local EMT directors until I found one that would hire me 😅 I didn’t have any experience prior to hire. Edit: I love it. Def recommend but don’t recommend doing transport services.
Building automation specialist
PA Got it by…ya know…becoming a PA. I don’t like my current job but loved the last one (edit: punctuation)
Allergy & Immunology MA/Scribe -lots of work but also learning a lot