What Are Jobs for Pre-Med Students?

The journey to becoming a healthcare professional begins long before medical school. As a pre-med student, you build knowledge through coursework and gain work experiences that will shape your understanding of healthcare and strengthen your medical school application. At TSAOG Orthopaedics, we recognize that finding the right position can make your pre-med journey truly inspirational. The following jobs for pre-med students provide windows into the healthcare system, opportunities to develop crucial skills, and flexibility to balance your academic demands.

6 Jobs for Pre-Med Students to Gain Experience

Medical Receptionist

Medical receptionist positions typically require a high school diploma and strong interpersonal skills. Previous customer service experience helps, though healthcare-specific experience isn’t always mandatory. In this role, you can glean unique insight into provider-patient relationships. You’ll observe how different communication styles affect patient satisfaction and sharpen the emotional intelligence that distinguishes compassionate physicians. You’ll also gain familiarity with practice management aspects rarely taught in medical school but necessary for career success. During medical school interviews, you can draw on concrete examples of effective patient interactions you’ve witnessed.

Receptionist roles often include varied shifts at physical therapy centers, allowing you to structure work around classes. Since the position typically involves desk work, you might review study materials during quieter periods. Many practices offer part-time positions that accommodate academic demands while providing relevant experience.

Medical Biller/Coder

Medical Billing and Coding roles typically require completion of a certification program lasting several months to a year. You’ll need to learn specific coding systems (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS). Certifications like CPC or CCS strengthen your resume. Entry-level positions may accept candidates still working toward certification.

In medical school, this experience provides a unique perspective on healthcare economics that many peers lack. You’ll understand how documentation affects reimbursement and practice viability—knowledge particularly valuable during healthcare policy discussions. The precision required in coding reinforces the importance of detailed documentation, a critical provider skill.

Many billing positions offer remote work options or flexible schedules, allowing adjustment during exam periods. Project-based positions give you control over when you complete work as long as deadlines are met.

Clinical Coordinator

The Clinical Coordinator role requires more qualifications than many entry-level positions, including a high school diploma, Nationally Registered Medical Assistant Certification, and at least two years of clinical experience with supervisory responsibilities. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, as is familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance requirements. Many employers also look for proficiency with electronic health record systems and scheduling software.

This position offers pre-med students a valuable perspective on healthcare operations management—an aspect of medicine that isn’t always visible during clinical rotations. You’ll develop a systems-level understanding of how various clinical components interact to create an efficient patient experience.

You’ll learn to coordinate care among different providers, manage clinic flow, and comply with healthcare regulations—skills directly applicable to roles as a chief resident or practice leader later in your career. The experience helps develop a process improvement mindset, teaching you to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions that improve patient experiences and outcomes.

While the responsibilities are substantial, the structured nature of clinic operations often allows for predictable scheduling. Many facilities offer day shifts that end by early evening, leaving time for evening classes or studying. The position typically involves less physical exertion than direct care roles, though the mental demands can be significant. The higher compensation compared to entry-level positions may allow you to work fewer hours while maintaining income, creating more flexibility for academic pursuits.

Physical Therapy Aide/Technician

PT aide positions generally require a high school diploma, though some employers prefer candidates with related associate’s degrees. Training primarily occurs on the job. Physical stamina is important for moving equipment and assisting with patient transfers, while basic anatomy knowledge and comfort with physical contact are necessary.

Working alongside physical therapists exposes you to musculoskeletal medicine and rehabilitation concepts. You’ll develop practical understanding of functional anatomy by observing PT evaluations and treatments, giving you advantages when encountering these topics in your studies.

The direct patient care aspects develop clinical confidence through interaction with patients in vulnerable situations—a critical physician skill. Witnessing patients’ progress over time provides insight into recovery processes that inform future practice, which is particularly valuable for specialties like orthopedics, sports medicine, or rehabilitation.

These positions often offer evening and weekend hours that align well with class schedules. The physical nature of the job may provide a welcome break from sedentary studying.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistant positions typically require completion of accredited programs ranging from 9 months to 2 years. Certification (CMA or RMA) is preferred though not mandatory in Texas. Skills in taking vital signs, performing basic procedures, and maintaining records are helpful, although on the job training may be provided.

The role exposes you to both clinical and administrative aspects of healthcare. You’ll perform clinical tasks under supervision while handling documentation and communication. Medical schools value this comprehensive exposure, particularly when you can articulate specific cases that inform your understanding of medicine.

Many positions offer part-time options adaptable to academic demands. The task variety helps prevent burnout through balanced patient interaction, procedures, and documentation.

Research Assistant

Research positions typically require relevant college coursework. Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and basic statistical knowledge are important. Previous laboratory experience helps with bench research, while familiarity with survey methods benefits clinical research. Computer skills, particularly with statistical software, are increasingly valued.

Research experience provides direct insight into medicine’s evidence-based foundation. You’ll understand how medical knowledge evolves and how studies inform practice. Medical school admissions committees highly value this experience, especially when it results in presentations or publications demonstrating a commitment to advancing medical knowledge.

Research positions often offer flexible scheduling, with many investigators primarily concerned with results rather than specific hours. The intellectual nature complements academic studies, reinforcing scientific concepts from coursework.

Explore Jobs for Pre-Med Students with TSAOG

Your path to medical school is uniquely yours, but you don’t have to walk it alone. At TSAOG Orthopaedics, we’ve supported countless pre-med students as they’ve gained valuable experience while maintaining academic excellence. Our team understands the demands of your educational journey and strives to create a supportive environment where you can grow professionally while preparing for your future in medicine.

Apply to join our team today!

ACL Reconstruction Surgery: What Are The Different Graft Options?

Reviewed by Jeffrey B. Shroff, M.D. | Sports Medicine Surgeon in San Antonio

If you’ve suffered an ACL tear, you may be wondering about your treatment options. At TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine, our experienced sports medicine specialists help athletes of all levels recover from injuries and return to their favorite activities. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about ACL reconstruction surgery.

What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery?

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction surgery is a procedure to replace a torn or damaged ACL in the knee joint. The ACL is one of the key ligaments that helps stabilize the knee joint by connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). The ACL primarily helps control anterior translation of the tibia but also tibial rotation both of which are critical for sports or activities that require pivoting or changes in direction. ACL reconstruction surgery restores stability to the knee joint and prevents stress and a injury to other knee structures such as the meniscus and cartilage.

Understanding ACL Graft Options

ACL reconstruction surgery involves replacing the torn ACL with tissue from another source, known as a graft. The graft is a scaffold for new ligament tissue to grow on, which restores stability to the knee. Selecting the right ACL graft is an important decision the patient and surgeon should make together. The type of graft used can impact the surgical process, recovery time, and long-term outcome.

There are two main categories of ACL grafts: autografts and allografts:

Autografts are created from the patient’s own tissue, typically a tendon, that is repurposed as the new ACL. Common autograft options include:

  • Patellar tendon (BTB) autograft
  • Hamstring tendon autograft
  • Quadriceps tendon autograft

The main advantages of autografts include faster and more reliable healing because the tissue comes from the patient’s own body. However, using an autograft requires a longer surgery, resulting in additional incisions and potential weakness where the tissue was collected.

Allografts are taken from a donor, often a cadaver. The main advantages of allografts are avoiding additional incisions, shorter surgery time, and less post-operative pain. However, allografts are associated with increased risk of graft failure and are therefore not recommended for younger more active patients.

Factors That Influence Graft Choice

The choice between autograft and allograft depends on several factors:

  • Patient age and activity level
  • Tissue quality and availability
  • Patient preferences

Autografts are generally recommended for younger patients and high-level athletes, while allografts may be considered for older or less active patients. Discussing the options with your care team is the best way to make an informed and individualized decision about ACL graft selection.

ACL Reconstruction vs. Repair

ACL reconstruction is the more traditional and widely used approach. It is a reliable procedure with good long-term outcomes and is the gold standard for treatment for ACL rupture. ACL repair, Has become an area of increased interest recently with some early studies showing restoration of knee stability and near equivalent outcomes to reconstruction in correctly selected patients and tear patterns. One technique gaining popularity is known as bridge-enhanced ACL repair (BEAR). In this procedure, the surgeon uses a specialized implant to bridge the gap between the torn ACL ends, protecting the healing scar tissue from breakdown by the immune cells in the joint fluid, and stimulating ligament healing. The choice between ACL reconstruction and repair depends on factors such as the type and location of the tear, as well as the patient’s age and activity level.

Is ACL Reconstruction Surgery Necessary?

After an ACL tear, patients often wonder whether surgery is necessary or if they can recover from the injury without it. The decision to undergo ACL reconstruction depends on several factors, including the severity of the tear, knee stability, patient age and activity level, and the presence of other injuries.

ACL reconstruction is typically recommended in the following situations:

  • Complete ACL tear with knee instability
  • Patients who engage in high-demand activities (sports, physical jobs)
  • Patients who experience recurrent knee instability despite non-surgical treatment
  • When other knee structures (meniscus, cartilage) are also injured
  • Young patients with a higher risk of developing knee arthritis without surgery

In these cases, ACL reconstruction can help restore knee stability, reduce the risk of further injury, and improve long-term knee function.

Non-surgical treatment, also known as conservative management, may be an option in some cases:

  • Partial ACL tears with minimal knee instability
  • Older patients with lower activity levels
  • Patients who are willing to modify their activities and avoid high-risk sports
  • When no other significant knee injuries are present

Non-surgical treatment typically involves physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee, bracing to provide stability, and activity modification to reduce stress on the joint.

To learn about care after surgery, read our guide: What Not To Do After an ACL Surgery.

Consult with TSAOG About Your ACL Tear

At TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine, our team of sports medicine physicians and specialists provides personalized care for athletes of all levels. If you have a torn ACL and are considering surgery, we encourage you to partner with our comprehensive care team. Together, we’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Book an appointment today!


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Entry-Level Medical Jobs in Texas: Where to Start

Healthcare offers some of the most rewarding and stable career opportunities available today. If you’re considering entering this dynamic field but aren’t sure where to begin, you’re not alone. Many successful healthcare professionals started without specialized degrees or previous medical experience. The good news is that numerous entry points exist for those eager to make a difference in patients’ lives while building a sustainable career. In this guide, we discuss several entry-level healthcare jobs and some factors that can help you decide where to begin.

Medical Reception

Medical receptionist positions offer one of the most accessible entry points to healthcare. They typically require a high school diploma and strong people skills. Previous customer service experience from any industry transfers well to this role, as the fundamentals of helping people feel welcomed and valued remain the same. Basic computer literacy and organizational abilities round out the essential qualifications, with most healthcare-specific knowledge provided through on-the-job training.

This front-line position provides invaluable insight into the patient experience from the moment someone walks through the door or calls the office. You’ll witness firsthand how administrative processes impact care delivery and patient satisfaction. For those exploring whether healthcare is right for them, reception work offers a window into medical environments without requiring extensive training or certification.

The interpersonal skills developed in this role transfer to virtually any healthcare position. Learning to communicate effectively with patients who are anxious, in pain, or confused builds emotional intelligence that distinguishes exceptional healthcare professionals. Many receptionists discover they have a genuine talent for patient relations, leading them toward patient advocacy, healthcare coordination, or medical office management roles.

Physical Therapy Technician

Physical Therapy Technicians work alongside licensed physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and surgeries. This is a hands-on role that typically requires a high school diploma, with additional training provided on the job. Some employers prefer candidates with an associate’s degree in a related field, but many are willing to train the right person.

Working as a PT Tech offers immediate patient interaction and the satisfaction of helping people regain mobility and independence. You’ll witness remarkable recovery journeys firsthand, like patients taking their first steps after surgery and athletes returning to their sports.

The role develops valuable transferable skills, including patient communication, understanding of human anatomy, and ability to work as part of a healthcare team. Many PT Techs discover a passion for rehabilitation that leads them to pursue careers as physical therapists, athletic trainers, or occupational therapy assistants. Others find the position rewarding as a long-term career, with opportunities for advancement to senior technician or department coordinator roles.

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant positions are one of the most accessible and versatile entry points to healthcare careers. These roles typically require completion of an accredited medical assisting program—ranging from 9 months to 2 years—though some employers provide on-the-job training for promising candidates. Certification (CMA or RMA) strengthens your application but isn’t mandatory in Texas.

The appeal of medical assisting lies in its combination of clinical and administrative responsibilities. You’ll perform direct patient care tasks like taking vital signs and administering medications while also handling documentation and communication. This varied exposure helps you determine whether you prefer the clinical side of healthcare, the operational aspects, or a blend of both—valuable insight for charting your long-term career path.

Medical assistants develop a foundation of skills transferable to numerous healthcare careers. Many use this position as a stepping stone to nursing, physician assistant programs, or specialized technical roles like surgical technology or diagnostic imaging. Others find the variety and patient interaction so rewarding that they remain in the field, moving on to senior medical assistant or clinical team lead positions.

Clinical Coordinator

Clinical Coordinators oversee day-to-day clinic operations, ensuring efficient delivery of services and creating positive patient experiences. While this role requires more qualifications than some entry-level positions—typically including a high school diploma, CMA certification, and two years of clinical experience—it represents an excellent advancement opportunity for those who have started in other support roles.

This position offers a broader view of healthcare delivery, helping you understand how various components work together to create effective patient care. You’ll coordinate testing, manage follow-up appointments, and stay on top of regulatory compliance—responsibilities that develop valuable organizational and leadership skills.

Many clinical coordinators continue advancing into practice management, healthcare administration, or operations direction. Others use this experience to inform their pursuit of clinical careers, having gained an appreciation for the systems that form the backbone of patient care.

Surgical Technician

Surgical Technologists play a crucial role in operating rooms, preparing sterile fields, arranging instruments, and assisting surgeons during procedures. This is a specialized position that typically requires completion of an accredited surgical technology program, which usually takes 12-24 months and results in a certificate or associate degree. Certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is commonly required by employers.

Surgical technology offers an exciting entry into healthcare for those drawn to high-stakes, fast-paced environments. You’ll participate directly in life-changing and often life-saving procedures, working alongside surgeons and nurses in one of medicine’s most critical environments. Few entry-level healthcare positions offer comparable immediacy and impact in patient care.

Many surgical technicians build long-term careers in this field, move up to specialized surgical teams, or take on senior technologist or education roles. Others use this experience as a foundation for nursing education, physician assistant programs, or even medical school, having gained invaluable firsthand exposure to surgical practice.

Browse Entry Level Medical Jobs in Texas with TSAOG

Starting a healthcare career is a significant step, and finding the right environment makes all the difference in your professional development. At TSAOG Orthopaedics, we understand that new healthcare professionals need both opportunity and support to thrive. Our team includes many successful healthcare providers who began in entry-level positions and advanced through dedication and continuous learning.

We offer positions across multiple locations throughout San Antonio and surrounding areas, providing opportunities for entry-level professionals to gain experience in orthopedic and musculoskeletal care.

We invite you to explore current openings and consider how TSAOG Orthopaedics might be the right place to begin or advance your healthcare career. Apply today to join our team!

Do You Have to be Certified to be a Medical Assistant in Texas?

Starting a career as a medical assistant is one of the fastest ways to enter the rewarding healthcare field, and Texas offers particularly accessible entry points for aspiring professionals. A little-known fact that could save you significant time and money: you do not have to be certified to work as a medical assistant in Texas. While traditional education programs leading to certification are available, TSAOG offers a more appealing option through on-the-job training. In this guide, we discuss the options available for launching a successful medical assistant career in the Lone Star State.

Is Certification Necessary For Medical Assistant Careers in Texas?

As we mentioned above, Texas does not have a state-specific licensing or certification requirement for medical assistants. This means you can legally work as a medical assistant in Texas without certification.

What Do Medical Assistants Do?

Medical assistants perform a wide range of clinical and administrative duties that help healthcare facilities run smoothly. At TSAOG, medical assistants take on essential roles that support both orthopedic physicians and physical therapists.

Clinical responsibilities for medical assistants typically include:

  1. Patient intake and assessment: Taking vital signs and recording patient histories with special attention to musculoskeletal conditions, pain levels, mobility limitations, and previous surgeries or injuries.
  2. Procedure support: Assisting orthopedic physicians during examinations, injections, casting, bracing procedures, and minor surgical interventions.
  3. Physical therapy coordination: Facilitating the transition between physician care and physical therapy sessions and helping maintain continuity of care within the integrated practice model.
  4. Diagnostic assistance: Preparing patients for diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs), positioning patients correctly, and sometimes taking basic radiographs under proper training and supervision.
  5. Patient education: Explaining post-surgical care instructions, demonstrating proper use of assistive devices, and reinforcing rehabilitation protocols prescribed by both physicians and physical therapists.

On the administrative side, medical assistants handle:

  1. Specialized scheduling: Coordinating complex appointment sequences that might include surgical consultations, pre-operative assessments, surgical dates, post-operative checkups, and physical therapy session series.
  2. Insurance verification: Managing authorizations for surgical procedures, durable medical equipment, and physical therapy treatment plans, which require specific documentation in orthopedic care.
  3. Electronic health record management: Documenting across the integrated care system, making sure that physician notes, therapy progress, and patient outcomes are properly tracked in shared records.
  4. Equipment coordination: Managing inventory of specialized orthopedic supplies, braces, splints, and rehabilitation equipment used for medical and therapy services.

Why Become a Medical Assistant in Texas?

  1. Versatile skill set: Develop both clinical and administrative skills that are valuable across various healthcare settings.
  2. Direct patient care: Experience the satisfaction of helping patients directly while working alongside physicians and other healthcare providers.
  3. Career flexibility: Work in diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, specialty practices, urgent care centers, and physician offices.
  4. Pathway to advancement: Use medical assisting as a foundation to explore other healthcare careers.
  5. No state certification required in Texas: Begin your career without mandatory state licensing, though certification can improve job prospects.
  6. Variety in daily work: Fulfill diverse responsibilities that combine clinical procedures, patient interaction, and office management.
  7. Competitive salary: Earn a solid wage with opportunities for increases based on experience and specialization.
  8. Work-life balance: Many positions offer regular daytime hours, though flexibility exists for those seeking evening or weekend schedules.
  9. Professional relationships: Build meaningful connections with healthcare teams in a collaborative environment.
  10. Immediate impact: See the direct results of your work in improving patient experiences and supporting healthcare delivery.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Texas

There are two distinct paths to becoming a medical assistant in Texas:

Path 1: Traditional Certification Route

  1. Enroll in a specialized medical assistant education program
  2. Complete classroom training
  3. Gain hands-on experience through an externship or internship
  4. Obtain one of these nationally recognized certifications (optional): Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
  5. Apply for jobs with your education and new credentials

Path 2: Direct Training with TSAOG

  1. Apply directly to TSAOG
  2. Receive comprehensive on-the-job training specifically designed for orthopedic and physical therapy settings
  3. Learn both clinical and administrative skills while earning a paycheck
  4. Gain specialized experience in orthopedic care that many certification programs don’t provide
  5. Build your career with an award-winning healthcare provider

While many employers prefer certification, TSAOG provides the training you need to succeed without requiring prior certification or extensive educational programs.

Explore Medical Assistant Careers in Texas with TSAOG

Why spend months in classrooms and thousands on education when you can learn through hands-on experience while earning a paycheck? At TSAOG, we provide comprehensive training for medical assistants that bypasses the traditional certification route, getting you into a rewarding healthcare career faster. You’ll learn to support both our physicians and physical therapists in delivering integrated care that makes a real difference in patients’ recovery journeys.

TSAOG’s welcoming, inclusive workplace has earned us recognition as one of San Antonio’s best employers year after year. Join our team and discover why medical assistants choose TSAOG for long-term career growth and professional satisfaction in a supportive environment.