Direct patient experience: Medical Assistant or Clinical Research Coordinator

[Saralina]

Hi, I plan on applying to PA school in 2023. I have the opportunity to either take a position as a MA in a foot clinic that would give me lots of hands on experience (vitals, taking history, casts, xrays) and I also have an opportunity to work as a CRC in a cancer clinical trials office within a University that is affiliated with a hospital. This position would provide less hands on experience (vitals, taking history, coordinating patients). I dont have any direct patient care experience, as of now. My question is which position would make me a more competitive applicant, or is there not a significant difference on which job I pick? Ideally I would rather take the CRC role because its better pay, benefits, etc. But I definitely want to prioritize being a more competitive applicant.

[mitskistan69]

The one that gives you more direct, hands on experience will give you more competitiveness. I've only seen one school give preference to people who work as research coordinators. Also, whichever job will let you be closer to providers (PAs, MDs, etc.) would probably be better to take as well as it would help you with letters of rec.