So, you’ve graduated (congrats!) and have decided to do a gap year before applying to PA school. Maybe you didn’t get in on your first try, or you need more patient care hours, or perhaps you’re taking a breather to boost your GPA. Whatever the reason, using this time wisely can make a huge difference in your application—and your confidence!

One of the best ways to make your gap year productive is to get a job that will not only boost your PA school application but also give you hands-on experience, new skills, and connections that can last throughout your career. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the best gap year job options and why they can set you up for PA school success.

Why Your Gap Year Matters

Before we get into the job list, let’s talk about why your gap year can be a game-changer. Admissions committees love applicants who have taken the time to gain real-world experience. It shows that you’re serious about your future career, you’re willing to put in the work, and you have a deeper understanding of what it’s really like to work in healthcare.

The right gap year job can help you:

• Earn more patient care experience hours
• Develop new skills that are directly relevant to being a PA
• Build connections and get letters of recommendation
• Confirm that healthcare is the right field for you

Top Gap Year Jobs to Consider

Let’s get into the good stuff! Here are some of the best gap year jobs that will not only enhance your PA school application but also give you valuable insight into the healthcare field.

1. Medical Assistant (MA)

As an MA, you’ll be right in the thick of things, taking patient vitals, assisting in minor procedures, updating medical records, and getting direct patient interaction. It’s an amazing way to get hands-on experience and learn the flow of a clinical setting.

Why it’s great: Many PA programs value medical assistant experience because you get direct hands on clinical experience and a foundation of patient clinical skills. It’s one of the only entry level healthcare jobs that most aligns with the responsibilities you’ll have as a PA. Plus, you’ll learn a lot of practical skills that can come in handy during your clinical rotations.

2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic

If you’re ready for fast-paced, high-stakes environments, becoming an EMT or paramedic could be perfect for you. You’ll be dealing with patients in emergency situations, making quick decisions, and working directly with other healthcare professionals.

Why it’s great: This role gives you tons of direct patient care hours and helps you develop a strong sense of confidence, adaptability, and the ability to stay calm under pressure—skills that are essential for any PA. You’ll also develop a large hands on patients clinical skillset which will help set you apart in the sea of other applicants.

3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Being a CNA means you’ll spend a lot of time with patients, providing basic care like bathing, feeding, and monitoring vital signs. While it might not sound glamorous, it’s an incredibly rewarding job that allows you to build rapport with patients and develop strong bedside manner.

Why it’s great: CNAs work closely with nurses and doctors, giving you insight into how the healthcare team collaborates. It’s also a great way to develop bedside manners and gain empathy—a key trait for any future PA. Note, most CNA is considered HCE (healthcare experience) not PCE (patient care experience) because the vast majority of CNA roles are focused on ADLs versus hands on *clinical* skills, such as performing fingerstick glucose or administering IM injections. If you find a CNA position with hands on clinical skills, then great, that can count as PCE, but if not, it will be considered HCE which isn’t as competitive as PCE positions.

4. Scribe

Medical scribes work alongside physicians in clinics, hospitals, or emergency departments, documenting patient encounters in real time. It’s a great way to learn medical terminology, patient interaction, and how providers think through diagnoses and treatment plans.

Why it’s great: You’ll get an inside look at how healthcare providers think, prioritize, and document patient care. Plus, it’s a great job if you’re more interested in the observational side of healthcare but still want to get close to the action. Similarly, you’ll become fluent in medical terminology which will be so helpful as a PA student, in addition to gaining exposure to the correlations between symptoms and patient presentations to the correct labs and imaging to order and treatment plans. As noted above, this is considered a HCE, not a PCE position.

5. Phlebotomist

If you’re interested in honing your technical skills, consider becoming a phlebotomist. You’ll be drawing blood, labeling samples, and ensuring patients are comfortable during the process. It’s a job that requires precision and people skills.

Why it’s great: Phlebotomy is a skill you can carry with you into PA school, where you may be asked to draw blood or assist with similar procedures. It’s also great for gaining confidence in working with patients.

6. Rehabilitation Aide

Rehab aides support physical therapists and occupational therapists in outpatient clinics or hospital settings. You’ll assist with patient exercises, set up treatment rooms, and support patients through their rehab process.

Why it’s great: This is an ideal job if you’re interested in musculoskeletal conditions or want to explore a specialty that focuses on improving patient mobility and quality of life.

7. Home Health Aide

As a home health aide, you’ll provide personal care and health monitoring for patients in their homes. This could include everything from helping with mobility to assisting with medication management.

Why it’s great: This role requires strong communication and empathy as you’ll be working with patients who may be elderly, disabled, or recovering from surgery. It also shows that you’re dedicated to patient-centered care.

8. Behavioral Health Technician

If you’re interested in psychiatry or behavioral health, working as a behavioral health technician in a hospital or mental health facility can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll assist patients with daily activities and support therapeutic interventions.

Why it’s great: You’ll gain experience in mental health—a critical area for any healthcare provider to understand—and develop strong communication skills with a vulnerable patient population.

9. Clinical Research Assistant

If you’re fascinated by the science behind medicine, consider working as a clinical research assistant. You’ll be involved in collecting data, conducting experiments, and potentially co-authoring publications. Aim for a position that allows you to gain and perform clinical skills, such as phlebotomy or taking vital signs.

Why it’s great: This experience can be a great addition if you’re applying to PA programs that value research. It shows that you’re curious, analytical, and able to think critically.

Tips for Choosing the Right Gap Year Job

• Align it with your interests: If you’re leaning toward a specific specialty, consider a job that will give you experience in that area.
• Focus on patient care and positions with hands-on clinical skills: PA schools highly value direct patient care, so prioritize roles where you’ll have face-to-face interactions with patients.
• Think long-term: Choose a role that will give you skills you can carry into PA school and your future career as a PA.

Final Thoughts

Your gap year is a golden opportunity to gain experience, grow your skills, and strengthen your PA school application. Whether you choose to work as an EMT, scribe, or research assistant, the key is to pick something that not only boosts your resume but also helps you confirm your passion for healthcare.

Whatever path you choose, embrace the experience and use it to fuel your journey to becoming a PA. You’ve got this!