Medicine Work Experience Year 10: Free Medical School Work Experience Year 10
Are you a Year 10 student dreaming of becoming a doctor?
It’s never too early to start exploring the world of medicine. Gaining medical work experience in Year 10 can boost your understanding of the profession and strengthen your future applications. In this guide, we’ll explain why Year 10 is a great time to seek out medical work experience, how to find opportunities (including FREE programs), and how The Medic Life provides supportive, interactive sessions for both students and parents. By the end, you’ll feel encouraged and empowered to jump-start your medical journey!
Why Get Medical Work Experience in Year 10?
Starting medical work experience in Year 10 offers early insight into a medical career. Medicine is a complex, multifaceted field - the earlier you witness it first-hand, the sooner you can decide if it’s right for you. Even a short placement can reveal the pros and cons of working in healthcare and show you what doctors really do day-to-day. This helps you avoid looking at medicine “through rose-tinted glasses” and develop a realistic understanding of the profession.
Early experience also demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment. Medical schools favour applicants who have taken the initiative to explore the field and learned from real-world exposure. By doing work experience at 14–15 years old, you’re showing admirable dedication. Year 10 work experience can also build valuable skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork - qualities every good doctor needs. For instance, volunteering at a care home or hospice at this age can teach you how to interact compassionately with people in need. These insights and skills will later enrich your personal statement and interview answers when you apply to medical school.
Finally, starting early gives you more time to reflect and improve. You can use Year 10 to learn how to reflect on what you observe - a crucial skill for medical applicants. Admissions tutors care more about what you learned from an experience than how prestigious or long it was. Even a brief shadowing or an online workshop can impress if you can thoughtfully discuss what you took away from it. In short, Year 10 is an ideal time to begin because you’ll gain awareness, skills, and motivation that set you up for the years ahead.
Challenges for Year 10 Students with Medicine Work Experience (and How to Overcome Them)
You might be thinking: “Am I too young to get medical work experience?” It’s true that arranging placements in Year 10 (around age 14-15) can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Many hospitals and GP clinics set 16 as the minimum age for work experience due to safety and insurance policies. This means some formal NHS programs or shadowing opportunities won’t accept Year 10 students. Additionally, there’s high competition - tens of thousands of students seek medical work experience each year, so demand often outstrips supply.
How do you overcome these obstacles?
First, be persistent and resourceful. There is no central NHS agency to find placements for you, so you have to reach out locally. Some NHS Trusts do offer Year 10 work experience, typically through school-organised programs or special schemes. Check if your school has a partnership with a local hospital or if they host a “Work Experience Week” for Year 10 - many schools do. If so, sign up early and express your interest in a medical placement. If your school doesn’t have something in place, contact local hospitals or GP surgeries yourself (with help from a teacher or parent). Write a polite email or letter explaining that you’re a keen Year 10 student asking if they have any observation programs. You might get a few rejections - don’t be discouraged. As The Medic Life founder, Dr. Bakhtar notes, if you don’t keep asking, you won’t succeed - the worst they can say is no. Persistence can pay off, especially if you try multiple departments or different healthcare settings.
Another challenge is that at 14-15 you may not be allowed to do much hands-on in a clinical environment. Don’t worry – even just watching and learning is valuable. If hospitals can’t accept you yet, consider other creative avenues for experience. For example, seek out healthcare-related volunteering roles that accept teenagers. This could be helping out at a care home, assisting a local charity for the elderly or disabled, volunteering with St. John Ambulance youth programs, or even working at a pharmacy or Red Cross shop. While these might not be doctor-shadowing, they absolutely count as medical work experience – you’ll learn caring skills, get patient contact, and show altruism. Many Year 10s have found volunteering to be a fantastic introduction to healthcare.
Finally, remember that timing is key. If you can’t secure a placement during the school year, look at school holidays. Some NHS Trusts run work experience weeks during summer for students under 16. You might have to apply early and be flexible with dates. And if an opportunity doesn’t come through this year, don’t give up – you can try again in Year 11 or 12. The key message is: there is always something you can do, even if it’s not a traditional hospital placement. With the tips below, you can find alternatives that are just as enriching.
How to Find Medical Work Experience in Year 10?
Finding the right work experience requires some initiative. Here are several pathways and tips for Year 10 students to get medical work experience:
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Through School or Career Programs
Your first stop should be your school’s career advisor or work experience coordinator. Many UK secondary schools arrange a one-week work experience for Year 10. Let them know early that you’re interested in a medical placement. They might have links with local hospitals, GP practices, or care facilities willing to take a Year 10 student. Some NHS Trusts only accept Year 10 applicants through official school partnerships, so using your school’s help can be crucial. Ask if any NHS “Work Experience Week” programs are available – for example, some hospitals run a structured week for Year 10s to meet different healthcare professionals. Even if it’s observation-based, it’s a great start.
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Contact Local Healthcare Providers
Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to hospitals, clinics, or GPs near you. You (or a teacher/parent) can contact the Human Resources or volunteer office of your local NHS Trust to inquire about work experience. Explain your age and why you’re interested. Some departments (like pathology labs, physiotherapy, etc.) might be open to hosting a curious student for a day or two, even if clinical wards cannot. Also consider smaller settings: local dental surgeries, pharmacies, opticians, or nursing homes might allow short observational visits. It only takes one yes! Just be sure to remain polite, professional, and understanding if policies prevent them from accepting under-16s.
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Volunteering and Community Work
As mentioned, volunteering is often the easiest route for Year 10s. Look for opportunities where you can interact with people in a care context. Common ideas include assisting in a care home, helping out at a disability support group, volunteering at a hospital charity shop, or becoming a young first aid volunteer. For instance, St. John Ambulance cadet programs train teens in first aid – a fantastic experience to discuss later. Any role that involves caring for others or teamwork can be spun into “medical experience” if you reflect on what you learned about healthcare and empathy. Not only is volunteering usually flexible with age, it also shows commitment over time if you continue doing it.
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Online and Virtual Work Experience
In recent years, virtual medical work experiences have become popular and widely accepted. Don’t overlook online programs – they can be incredibly insightful and often free. Some hospitals and medical schools offer virtual work experience modules or interactive videos that simulate a day in the life of a doctor. Companies like The Medic Life, and others provide structured online courses where you watch patient case videos, complete quizzes, and learn about various medical careers. The great news is medical schools will not look down on online experience, especially after the pandemic – they care more about your reflection on it than the format. So, if you’re in Year 10, signing up for a virtual work experience is an easy win. You can do it from home, gain a certificate, and still mention meaningful takeaways in your future applications.
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Special Programs & Workshops
Keep an eye out for medical insight days or workshops aimed at younger students. Universities, charities, and companies sometimes host medicine career days for GCSE students. For example, there are summer schools targeted at Year 10–12 which offer hands-on simulations and teaching. Some are paid and some are free or bursary-funded. Use discretion – you don’t have to pay for an expensive program to get good experience. Often, free opportunities can be just as useful (or even better, since you’re showing self-motivation). In the next section, we’ll highlight one fantastic free program: The Medic Life’s work experience workshops.
How to Get Started: Join for Free Year 10 Medicine Work Experience
Getting involved is simple and free. Here’s how you can kick off your medical work experience journey with us:
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Register for a Free Workshop
Check our upcoming events (we run them year-round, with both online webinars and in-person sessions across the UK). For example, our Medicine Work Experience Workshop 2026 is a full-day event at King’s College London with doctors from various specialties – and it’s free to attend. Visit our website’s Free Events section and sign up to reserve your spot. Remember, spots go fast due to high demand, so register early!
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Join Free Online Sessions for Year 10's
Sign up for live online webinars covering how to get into medical school, UCAT prep, personal statement tips, and more. These often include segments on finding and making the most of work experience. Online sessions are a convenient way to learn from home and still interact with our team (you can ask questions via chat).
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Fill Out Our Year 10 Medicine Work Experience Form
If you’re interested in in-person placements (hospital or GP shadowing), fill out the Work Experience request form on our site. Provide details like your location, age/year group, and the kind of experience you’re seeking. Our team will reach out to discuss options. We collaborate with NHS trusts, clinics, and doctors nationwide; while we can’t guarantee an immediate placement for everyone, we do our best to match students with suitable opportunities. Because safety and quality are our priorities, we ensure any placement is properly supervised and aligns with NHS guidelines.
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Attend and Engage
Once you’re registered or placed, show up ready to learn. Treat your work experience like a professional opportunity – ask questions, help out where appropriate, and be enthusiastic. (For instance, if you’re on a hospital placement, you might follow a structured timetable similar to official NHS programs, including induction and a debrief session.) We encourage you to keep a journal of what you observe and feel; this will be invaluable later when reflecting on your experiences.
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Get Ongoing Support
After your work experience, our mentors will help you unpack it. We offer free follow-up resources, including reflection guides and even one-on-one consultation to discuss how to weave your experience into personal statements or interview answers. You’ll also join The Medic Life community – thousands of students like you aspiring to study medicine. Through our forums and group chats, you can share stories and tips (e.g. what to do if a patient interaction moved you, or how to handle seeing something difficult during a placement). We continue to support you all the way to your application deadlines and beyond.
Ready to jump-start your medical journey?
Don’t let lack of connections or funds hold you back. The Medic Life’s free work experience program is here to empower every student with the insights, skills, and confidence to pursue medicine.
Register now for our upcoming events or submit a work experience request form – take the first step toward your dream career in healthcare!
The Medic Life’s FREE Year 10 Medicine Work Experience Opportunities
The Medic Life’s FREE Work Experience Opportunities for Year 10 Students?
The Medic Life is here to help you if you’re eager for medical experience but not sure where to start. We offer FREE work experience workshops that are perfect for Year 10 students who want exposure to medicine in a fun, interactive way. These aren’t your typical passive lectures – our sessions are dynamic and engaging, designed for aspiring medical and dental students at the school level.
One of our flagship events is the The Medic Life Medical Work Experience Workshop, held annually (and now expanding due to high demand). In this one-day workshop, students hear talks from doctors and dentists across various specialties. You’ll discover what different medical careers involve – from the adrenaline of emergency medicine to the precision of surgery and the compassion of general practice. It’s a rare chance to get inside the heads of real healthcare professionals. Even better, we include interactive elements: recently, we ran an interactive cardiac arrest simulation where students could step into a doctor’s shoes during a mock emergency. Imagine learning how to respond in a life-or-death scenario – it’s exciting and educational!
Students attending The Medic Life’s free Medical Work Experience Workshop, where doctors from various specialties share real-life insights. Such events give Year 10–12 students a head start in understanding medical careers.
Our workshops also teach you how to reflect on what you observe.
We know that simply seeing cool medical cases isn’t enough – you need to learn from the experience. That’s why we guide students in thinking about the skills and qualities they witnessed, and how to discuss these in personal statements or interviews later. By attending a Medic Life event, you’ll come away not just with inspiration, but also with concrete ideas of how to use the experience in your journey to medical school.
Another unique aspect of The Medic Life’s approach is that we welcome both students and their parents. We understand that at Year 10, parents play a big role in supporting aspiring medics. Our sessions often include Q&A opportunities where parents can ask questions about the medical career path, application process, or how to help their child succeed. These interactive sessions ensure that families are informed and on the same page. We’ve found that when parents understand the challenges and milestones ahead (like GCSEs, A-Levels, admissions tests, etc.), they can better support their children. So, we encourage parents to sit in on certain talks or join our dedicated parent info segments. It’s all about creating a supportive environment for the student.
Most importantly, our Medic Life work experiences are accessible and inclusive. They’re free of charge, because we believe passion for medicine should be nurtured, not limited by cost. In fact, our events have become extremely popular – in April 2025, over 2,000 students tried to sign up for a workshop with only 340 places available (tickets were snapped up in under a minute!). This huge interest shows how beneficial these opportunities are. We’re continuously expanding capacity and even offer guaranteed spots to some students via related courses to meet the demand, so that keen Year 10s and other school students don’t miss out.
By trying The Medic Life’s work experience, you’ll get a taste of medical life in a way that’s safe, structured, and incredibly inspiring. You could be in Year 10 hearing a surgeon describe saving lives, or watching a simulated patient “flatline” and learning how doctors think on their feet – all within a single day. Many students say these workshops solidify their decision to pursue medicine and give them talking points for future interviews. Plus, you’ll start building a network of like-minded friends and mentors through our community.
Ready to get involved? Keep an eye on our Free Events page for upcoming workshop dates (both in-person and online). Tickets are released shortly before each event and are first-come, first-served – so be proactive and register early. The Medic Life team can’t wait to welcome you and show you what “living The Medic Life” is all about!
Tips to Make the Most of Your Year 10 Work Experience
Whether you secure a week at a hospital, volunteer at a care home, or attend an online workshop, make sure you maximize what you get out of it. Here are some tips to help you shine:
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Be Curious and Engaged
Treat every work experience opportunity as a learning classroom. Ask lots of questions whenever appropriate. If you’re shadowing a doctor or nurse, inquire about what they’re doing or why (at a good moment). If you’re volunteering, ask the staff how you can help and show initiative. The more interest you show, the more you’ll learn and the more memorable the experience will be. Healthcare professionals generally enjoy teaching enthusiastic young students – as long as you’re respectful of boundaries and confidentiality.
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Keep a Reflection Journal
This tip is golden. As soon as you start any placement or workshop, jot down notes each day about what you observed and how it made you feel. For example, if you saw a patient being treated, note what qualities the healthcare team showed (e.g. compassion, quick decision-making) and think about why those matter in medicine. Write about any challenges or surprises you witnessed. How did you feel seeing, say, someone in pain or a doctor under pressure? By writing these reflections, you’ll capture insights that you might otherwise forget. Later, when you’re writing a personal statement or preparing for an interview, you can refer back to your Year 10 notes and say, “During my work experience, I observed… and learned that…”. This habit of reflection will impress selectors because it shows maturity and self-awareness.
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Variety is Valuable
If possible, try to get a mix of experiences over time. Perhaps you do a day in a hospital, plus volunteer weekly at a charity, plus attend a virtual course. Each setting will teach you something new about healthcare. One experience might show you the fast-paced hospital environment, while another teaches you about long-term patient care and empathy in the community. Together, these build a broad perspective that will really benefit you. Don’t worry if in Year 10 you only manage a small taste – you can seek more in Year 11 and 12. The important thing is to start somewhere and gradually widen your exposure.
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Connect and Network
When you attend events like The Medic Life workshops or go into a hospital, don’t be shy about connecting with people. Talk to other students – they are your future fellow applicants and having peers to share the journey can keep you motivated. If a doctor or med student is friendly and offers advice, listen carefully and feel free to politely follow up with further questions. Occasionally, a professional you meet might even become a mentor or let you know about future opportunities. Building these connections early can open doors (for example, a doctor you shadow in Year 10 might invite you back to observe in Year 12 when you’re old enough).
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Stay Safe and Professional
Lastly, always remember to act professionally. Even as a young student, showing up on time, dressing appropriately (ask if you’re unsure), and respecting patient confidentiality are absolute musts. If you demonstrate maturity, people will be more inclined to help you learn. Also, ensure you have any required permissions – some placements might need consent forms from parents or certain health and safety checks (your school usually helps facilitate this). By being responsible, you make a positive impression and pave the way for the school to send more Year 10 students in the future.
By following these tips, you will not only gain knowledge during your Year 10 work experience but also prove that you have the makings of a great future medical student.
Every experience is what you make of it – so dive in with enthusiasm, an open mind, and a willingness to help. You’ll come out more confident about your dream to become a doctor.
About The Medic Life Free Medicine Work Experience Workshop for Year 10's
Following on from the success of The Medic Life Work Experience Workshops over the last 6 years, and especially due to the HUGE demand this year. We are very excited to announce the FREE Medical Life Work Experience Workshop on 22nd February 2026.
This will be a day packed full of talks from Doctors across various specialties, explaining what their roles consist of. You’ll gain an understanding of the variety of experiences they go through, along with the pros and cons of working in the medical field. We will also guide you on how to reflect on your medical work experience and use it effectively in your personal statements and interviews.
Last year, over 2000 students wanted to attend The Medical Life Work Experience Workshop on 27th April at King's College London, but with only 340 spaces available in the lecture theatre, free tickets were given out on a first come, first serve basis — and sold out within 60 seconds!
HOW DO I SECURE MY SPOT?
To support your application to Medical and Dental School, we’re offering GUARANTEED spaces to anyone who books onto our 2-day LIVE Online UCAT course this summer. Priority will be given to iIf any tickets remain, they’ll be released 1 week before the event. Please register NOW to join the ticket release list.
FAQs - Medicine Work Experience Year 10
Does the NHS do Year 10 work experience?
Yes, some NHS hospitals and trusts offer work experience placements for Year 10 students – but it varies by location. There’s no nationwide NHS program for this age. Instead, individual hospital trusts decide their own policies. Some trusts do accept Year 10s (14–15 year-olds) for certain non-clinical placements or via school-arranged programs. Typically, you need to apply through your school or directly contact the NHS trust’s work experience coordinator. Keep in mind that many trusts have limited spots and often prioritize older students. The key is to start looking early, be persistent, and use any school connections available. If your local NHS cannot accommodate Year 10 students, you can still gain experience through volunteering or events like The Medic Life’s workshop until you’re old enough for an official NHS placement.
How can I find medical work experience near me in Year 10?
To find opportunities “near me,” begin with your immediate community. Ask your school if they have partnerships with nearby hospitals, clinics, or care homes for Year 10 placements. Next, reach out to local healthcare providers: this includes hospitals (contact their HR or education department), GP surgeries, dental practices, and even veterinary clinics if you’re open to learning about healthcare broadly. When contacting them, introduce yourself as a local Year 10 student keen on observing or helping out, and inquire if they have any work experience programs. You might need to contact several places – don’t be afraid to cast a wide net and follow up politely if you don’t hear back. Also, leverage online resources: some regions have NHS trust websites listing work experience opportunities, and sites like Step Into The NHS can guide you to local contacts. Finally, consider informal networking – do you know anyone (a family friend, teacher’s friend, etc.) who works in healthcare who could let you shadow them for a day? Sometimes personal connections can help arrange an informal visit. Remember, even if you can’t find something immediately in Year 10, keep trying in the following years as more options will open up when you turn 16.
Is virtual medical work experience useful for Year 10 students?
Absolutely. Virtual medical work experience is a valuable option for Year 10 (and beyond). Online programs like The Medic Life's work experience programme can introduce you to medical cases and hospital scenarios through videos, interactive quizzes, and live webinars. They are often created by doctors or medical educators to simulate real clinical situations. For a Year 10 student who might have limited in-person opportunities, virtual experience is an excellent way to learn about healthcare roles. Importantly, medical schools accept virtual work experience as valid – especially after COVID, they recognize that online programs can teach you just as much about medicine as in-person shadowing. The key is to treat a virtual placement seriously: attend all sessions, take notes, and reflect on what you learned. For example, if an online module shows how doctors diagnose a patient, think about what skills are needed and what surprised you. Many students also find virtual experiences more accessible (no travel required, often free) and they can obtain a certificate upon completion, which is a nice addition to your portfolio. So, if you see an online work experience opportunity – go for it! It’s a convenient starter before you get hands-on experience later on.
Can parents be involved in the Year 10 work experience process?
Yes, parents can and should be involved, mainly in a supportive capacity. For Year 10 students, parents often help with the logistics – for instance, giving permission, helping to contact organizations, or providing transport to a placement. Beyond that, parents can engage by discussing the experience with you each day, helping you reflect and articulate what you learned. Some programs (like The Medic Life workshops) even invite parents to attend informational sessions or Q&As. This can be very useful as it educates parents about the path to medical school and how to mentor their child’s ambitions. A parent who understands what medical training involves will be better equipped to encourage you through the tough spots (like exam stress or application preparation in later years). So, involve your parents by sharing your goals and progress. Whether it’s accompanying you to an event or simply being a sounding board for your experiences, parents play a key role in your journey. The Medic Life actively encourages both students and parents to participate together in exploring medicine, because a strong support system at home helps future medics thrive.
By following this guide, a Year 10 student can confidently navigate the world of medical work experience.
Remember: it’s all about showing initiative, being open to learning (in any setting), and reflecting on your experiences. Whether you’re observing a GP for an afternoon, volunteering in your community, or joining an interactive The Medic Life workshop, you are taking important steps toward your dream. Year 10 is just the beginning of your medical life – embrace every opportunity, and enjoy the journey of discovery. Good luck, and perhaps we’ll see you at a future The Medic Life event, starting your adventure in medicine.