Clinic Managers

The best way to learn firsthand about clinic managers' work is through an internship or part-time job at a clinic. Volunteering is also possible and will give you the opportunity to experience the clinic environment, observing the interactions between staff and patients, and determining if this type of work is a good fit for you. Your school's career services office can help you locate clinics that offer opportunities for students. You can also conduct your own online search for clinics in your area and look for job and volunteer opportunities on their Web sites. Use the key words "health clinics" and add your city and state to find listings in your region. Another way to explore the clinic manager field is by visiting the Web sites of professional associations, reading the news sections and publications, as well as other sections to keep up with industry topics. Becoming an association member provides you with access to member events and committee meetings as well as other resources. Groups such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (https://www.ache.org) and the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (https://www.aaham.org) offer discounted membership rates for college students.

Participate in information interviews with clinic managers. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask clinic managers about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Ask your school counselor or a health teacher to help you set up information interviews.