Many people take one or more gap years to strengthen their clinical experience prior to applying to medical school. Medical assisting is just one of several ways to gain clinical experience during this gap. It can be a good option for short gap periods, as certification is helpful, but not always required. Becoming a medical scribe or clinical research assistant is also a good option for a short gap, as training is completed on-the-job. In contrast, some clinical workers, such as EMTs, phlebotomists, CNAs, and pharmacy technicians, may be required to undergo training and obtain certifications prior to hire. 

As you consider whether medical assisting is right for you, reflect on the skills or experiences you hope to gain during your gap year. For example, if your goal is to maximize patient interaction, becoming a medical assistant may be a good fit, as medical assistants spend a large proportion of their time interacting directly with patients and their families. These experiences can come in handy when completing secondary applications for medical school, and can also be a good talking point during interviews. In contrast, if your priority is to gain a foundational understanding of clinical reasoning and a good sense of how electronic medical records work, you might consider becoming a medical scribe instead. However, remember that clinical jobs fall on a spectrum with a lot of overlap, and you will likely gain many similar skills and experiences no matter what you choose to do. 

Working as a medical assistant or in any of a myriad of other clinical positions will allow you to build foundations that will serve you well throughout your career, but clinical work is just one of numerous ways to spend your gap year and strengthen your application for medical school. You might find that research, continued education, or non-medical employment are better fits for you, and regardless of what you choose, you will bring a unique and valuable perspective to your class when you begin school.