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Gaining virtual medical scribe experience while in college can be a game-changer for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Whether your goal is to become a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, working as a scribe provides firsthand exposure to clinical settings, patient care, and the inner workings of medical documentation. The good news? With advances in technology, getting this kind of experience is more accessible than ever thanks in part to virtual scribe services.
Before diving into how to get started, it's worth understanding why this role is so valuable. A medical scribe works alongside physicians to document patient encounters in real-time. This includes recording patient history, physical exams, lab results, and physician assessments. For pre-med or pre-health students, the role offers unmatched insight into the patient-care process, a deeper understanding of medical terminology, and direct observation of provider-patient interactions.
Beyond building your resume, it helps you develop clinical knowledge and shows admissions committees that you’re serious about your healthcare career. Best of all, many scribing opportunities are flexible enough to fit into a busy college schedule.
Traditionally, medical scribes worked in person, shadowing physicians in emergency rooms, clinics, or private practices. While these in-person roles still exist, the landscape has evolved. Today, the rise of telemedicine and digital health tools has created a growing demand for virtual medical scribes—a role that allows students to work remotely while gaining the same essential experience.
A virtual medical scribe listens to patient encounters through a secure audio or video feed and enters notes into the electronic health record (EHR) in real-time. This setup provides many of the same benefits as being physically present, but with added flexibility and accessibility.
Start your search by checking with local hospitals, physician groups, or national companies that specialize in scribe training and placement. Some well-known companies offer both in-person and virtual scribe services for providers and are always looking for motivated students to join their team.
Job boards, pre-health advising centers, and even LinkedIn can be great places to find these roles. Be sure to search specifically for “medical scribe,” “virtual medical scribe,” or “remote scribe” to find the most relevant opportunities.
College students often juggle class schedules, labs, and extracurriculars. A virtual scribe position allows you to work from your dorm or home, saving time on commuting and offering more scheduling options.
Many companies that offer virtual scribe services provide training programs that can be completed online. These programs prepare you to understand the medical documentation process, common diagnoses, treatment plans, and how to use EHR systems effectively.
Most universities with strong pre-med programs will have clubs, advisors, or online forums dedicated to helping students gain clinical experience. These resources often include job leads, alumni networks, or even partnerships with hospitals looking for scribes.
Join pre-med or health-focused student organizations, attend career fairs, and connect with mentors who can guide you to scribing opportunities.
Many scribe employers are looking for candidates who are detail-oriented, good listeners, and fast typists. You don’t need medical experience to apply, but showing enthusiasm for healthcare, a willingness to learn, and strong communication skills will help you stand out.
If you’re applying for a virtual medical scribe role, highlight your comfort with technology and ability to work independently—key traits for success in a remote setting.
Working as a medical scribe while in college is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the clinical environment before applying to medical or PA school. With the growing availability of virtual scribe services, you don’t need to live near a hospital or clinic to gain this valuable experience.
Whether you choose an in-person or virtual role, scribing provides unparalleled exposure to real-world medicine. It’s a stepping stone that helps you build clinical skills, expand your medical vocabulary, and confirm your passion for a future in healthcare.
