Choosing Between Medical Scribe and CNA for Nursing School Preparation

As you embark on your journey towards becoming a nurse, understanding the different roles and educational pathways can be crucial. One of the key considerations is whether to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) before applying to nursing school. This article will explore the pros and cons of both roles to help you make an informed decision.

Short-Term Options: EMT and CNA

EMT can be a short-term option that provides immediate clinical experience and insight into medical practice. After completing a short course at a local community college, you can become an EMT and gain valuable experience by working as a volunteer part-time. This role offers a taste of what it’s like to be on the front lines of emergency medical care and can be a valuable learning experience. However, it's important to note that EMTs do not typically qualify you for direct admission to nursing school but can provide a good preparatory grounding.

The Pros and Cons of EMT

One of the key advantages of becoming an EMT is the potential for rigorous clinical experience. Additionally, you can leverage this experience to gain a better understanding of the medical field. However, EMTs may not provide the depth of knowledge and immediate feedback necessary for career and educational decisions. For instance, one of the authors of this article was a clinical assistant in the ER and found that the experience did not provide specific advantages in terms of medical school admission, except for demonstrating commitment to healthcare.

Medical Scribe: A Valuable Role

Medical scribes are another viable option, especially those who are looking for more in-depth clinical experience. This position is particularly beneficial for pre-med undergraduate students, as some programs offer a comprehensive package including job experience, shadowing opportunities, and mentoring by physicians. For instance, a high-quality scribe program near one of the authors provides pre-med students with the chance to shadow in every clinical department, receive mentoring, and get strong letters of reference for medical school applications. Scribes often have an edge in being able to directly observe the work of physicians, which can be highly insightful and beneficial for career decisions.

The Decision: Scribe vs. CNA

CNA is traditionally considered a more direct route towards nursing school, with many institutions recognizing CNA experience as pre-nursing clinical experience. CNAs gain hands-on experience in direct patient care, which is essential for nursing. However, the need for a scribe program specifically designed for pre-med students, as seen in some academic health centers, illustrates a growing recognition of the value of scribing for those aspiring to careers in medicine.

While neither EMT, scribe, nor CNA will guarantee admission to nursing school or medical school, these roles can significantly enhance your application. Factors such as your grades, MCAT scores, leadership activities, research, and the quality of your interview all play a crucial role. However, gaining relevant experience and demonstrating a strong commitment to healthcare is essential.

Seeking Expert Advice

To make the best decision, it's essential to seek advice from experts. University pre-health advisors can provide valuable guidance, and often, a simple offer to buy a cup of coffee can get you more detailed advice. Additionally, talking to current pre-med students can also provide insights into the various pathways and the experiences they have had.

In conclusion, while both EMT and CNA offer valuable experience, the role of a medical scribe has become increasingly recognized for its potential to provide comprehensive insights into the medical field, which can be particularly beneficial for those aiming to become doctors. For nursing school preparation, CNA experience remains a strong choice, but for those considering a future in medicine, a scribe role offers a distinct advantage.