Episode 7: Pre-AA Perspectives on Getting Clinical Experience

Adrienne and Tiffany break down what it actually takes to build clinical experience from the outside — the real barriers, the most common entry points in pre-AA communities, and what seems to matter once you're building hours. In this episode, we cover:• Why getting your first clinical role is harder than "just get your hours" suggests• The pay cut and scheduling realities that don't get talked about enough• Common clinical roles in pre-AA communities• Healthcare experience vs. direct patient care — and why the distinction matters• What seems to carry weight when building toward AA school• How to document your hours before application time Chapters00:53 — Why clinical experience can be the hardest part of your pre-AA journey02:31 — The real cost of gaining clinical experience03:17 — Strategic patience & building healthcare experience05:16 — Common entry roles introduced & information on Medical Assistant positions07:51 — Certified Nursing Assistants and Patient Care Technicians10:17 — EMT, paramedic, and OR tech options11:15 — Anesthesia Tech positions14:05 — The difference between healthcare experience and patient care hours16:00 — Shortcuts or stepping stones? Phlebotomy, scribing, volunteering, and their roles21:02 — What we think really matters24:10 — Tracking, Documenting & Preparing Early28:27 — Final takeaways & Closing Resources & Links:🔗 Learn more at preaapathways.com Connect with PreAA Pathways:• Instagram• TikTok• YouTube@preaapathways Adrienne and Tiffany are pre-AA applicants in the 2026 CASAA (Centralized Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants) cycle. Nothing here is application advice or a guarantee of any outcome. Program requirements change — always verify directly with each program. Not affiliated with CASAA, the AAAA, any AA program, or CAAHEP. Music license code: 6JJQRMA689NY4NTL