Gap Year Program

A Jacksonville Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery MA Program

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Take a Smart Gap Year

Taking a year before Medical School, PA/NP School, or Nursing School?

At JAX Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, our Gap Year Medical Assistant Program is a paid, full-time position designed for recent college grads who want real clinical experience, close mentorship, and strong letters of recommendation, all while working with a team that genuinely cares for each other.

Our north star: Exceptional care for every patient, powered by a kind, high-performing team.

If that sounds like your kind of place, keep reading.

A one-year, hands-on clinical role where you’ll:

  • Work as a medical assistant and scribe alongside dermatologists and advanced practice providers
  • See the full spectrum of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology
  • Build the kind of experience that stands out on Medical School, PA/NP School, or Nursing School applications
  • Pre-Med, Pre-PA, Pre-NP, or Pre-Nursing
  • A recent college graduate or in your final year, and planning a gap year
  • Excited to work directly with patients and providers
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment
  • Someone who loves learning, asks questions, and shows up for the team

Patient Care & Clinic Flow

  • Room patients, take histories, vitals, and photos
  • Prepare exam rooms, manage supplies, and help keep the clinic moving smoothly
  • Assist with biopsies and other procedures
  • Learn how to handle specimens, dress wounds, and support patients pre- and post-op
  • Observe the full process: from diagnosis → treatment → follow-up

Scribing & Documentation

  • Scribe visits in the EMR in real time
  • Learn to document like a future clinician: clear, concise, and accurate
  • Understand how coding, documentation, and medical decision-making actually work

Practice & Professional Growth

  • Participate in team meetings, case discussions, and quality improvement projects
  • Help with patient education, instructions, and follow-up

By the end of your gap year, you’ll walk away with:

  • Serious clinical experience: hundreds of hours of direct patient contact
  • Assist in hundreds of procedures
  • A deep understanding of dermatology, skin cancer, and outpatient care
  • Strong professional relationships with physicians and APPs who know your work
  • A compelling story for your personal statement and interviews (“Tell me about a time…” becomes easy)

And yes, when you show up, work hard, and live our values, you’ll be in an excellent position for a strong, personalized letter of recommendation.

Program Snapshot

  • Title: Gap Year Medical Assistant
  • Locations: JAX Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in Jacksonville, FL
  • Type: Full-time, paid position
  • Duration: 1 year (minimum)
  • Schedule: Monday–Friday clinic hours (exact schedule may vary by location)
  • Ideal Start: Late spring / early summer (to align with most application cycles)
  • Application Timeline: Rolling consideration until positions are filled

Hear From a Successful Past Gap Year Program Graduate

“My gap year was the single best decision I made before applying to medical school. I wasn’t just shadowing I was in the room, working directly with patients, assisting with procedures, learning medicine and seeing firsthand how compassion and excellence show up in day-to-day medicine. The team invested in my growth, pushed me to think like a clinician, and gave me honest feedback that strengthened my applications and interviews. I left with incredible experience, lifelong mentors, and a letter of recommendation that truly reflected the depth of what I learned here. This practice is a true springboard for future physicians and PAs“

Caitlin Wright

What We’re Looking For in Applicants

  • Professionalism: You show up on time, prepared, and ready to help
  • Coachability: You take feedback well and use it
  • Detail Orientation: You double-check IDs, labels, medications, and orders
  • Empathy: You treat every patient with kindness and respect
  • Team Mindset: You help your coworkers, not just your “assigned tasks”

How to Apply

Please include the following:

  1. Resume
    • Education, GPA, relevant experience (clinical or non-clinical), leadership, volunteering
  2. Short Cover Letter / Statement
    • Why are you taking a gap year
    • Why are you interested in dermatology and outpatient care
    • Why do you think you’d be an excellent fit for JAX Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

Apply Here Today