Medical Resume Examples & Templates

Hiring managers for medical jobs look for a balance of hard skills and soft skills when evaluating candidates. 

The specific skills that you include on your resume will depend on the role you are applying for. However, there are several common resume skills often required across different medical roles, including:

• Attention to detail: Paying attention to detail is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment and documentation.
• Critical thinking: Medical professionals must be able to analyze information, evaluate options and make informed decisions, especially in high-pressure environments.
• Problem-solving: Medical professionals need strong problem-solving skills to address issues effectively and provide optimal care.
• Ethical decision-making: Ethical decision-making skills, such as respecting patient autonomy and providing equitable care, are crucial. 
• Technical competence: Depending on the specific role, technical skills in using medical equipment, technology and software are often required. 

These skills are valuable assets for individuals pursuing careers in medicine and health care, regardless of their specific role or specialization. 

We recommend using one of our professional resume templates to take the guesswork out of formatting the skills section of your medical resume.

The certifications that employers look for in the medical industry vary depending on the specific job role and the requirements of the health care organization. Here are some commonly sought-after certifications across different areas of the medical field:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Licensure
• Medical Assistant (MA) Certification
• Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT)
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
• Certified EKG Technician (CET)

The specific certifications required will depend on the nature of the job and the employer’s preferences. Browse our resume examples for medical professionals for sample certification sections. 

When your resume is complete, we recommend using our ATS resume checker to receive optimization suggestions to improve your resume score. 

The best resume format for a medical job depends on your experience, career goals and the specific job you are applying for. Here’s a breakdown of when each format might be most suitable for different medical jobs:

• Chronological format: This format highlights your expertise through a detailed work history section. It’s ideal for medical doctors and registered nurses with a consistent work history. It allows them to showcase their progression through medical training, clinical experience and relevant achievements in a clear and organized manner.
• Combination format: This format balances skills and work experience and is the choice for those with a few years under their belt. It may be suitable for medical assistants or pharmacy technicians who want to emphasize both their clinical skills and administrative experience. 
• Functional format: Great for entry-level candidates. Its layout focuses on skills, allowing you to showcase the abilities you bring to the table. Individuals transitioning into the medical field from another industry or recent graduates with limited experience may benefit from a functional resume format. 

Check out our example medical resumes to see how different formats are used. We also recommend browsing our library of 800+ resume examples for real-world samples and tips.

The length of a medical resume depends on the individual’s level of experience, accomplishments and the specific requirements of the job they are applying for. However, as a general guideline:

• Entry-level or early-career candidates: For recent graduates or individuals with limited experience, a one-page resume is often sufficient to highlight education, relevant coursework, clinical rotations or internships and any relevant skills or achievements.
• Mid-career professionals: Medical professionals with several years of experience may find that a two-page resume allows them to adequately showcase their work history, accomplishments, certifications and additional skills.
• Senior-level or highly experienced candidates: Individuals with extensive experience, advanced degrees, multiple certifications and significant achievements may require a longer resume, typically extending to three or more pages. 

Regardless of length, a medical resume must be concise, well-organized and tailored to the specific job and employer. 

A good resume summary for a health care professional should provide a concise overview of your work history, key skills and career goals. 

It should capture the attention of hiring managers and convey your value proposition as a candidate. Here’s an example of a strong health care resume summary:

“Dedicated and compassionate health care professional with over [number of years] years of experience in [specific area of health care, e.g., nursing, medical assisting]. Proven track record of delivering high-quality patient care in fast-paced clinical environments. Skilled in [mention relevant skills, such as patient assessment, treatment planning and EMR/EHR proficiency]. Strong communicator and team player committed to promoting patient well-being and achieving optimal outcomes.”

This summary effectively communicates your experience, skills and commitment to patient care while also expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to a health care team. 

A medical doctor resume typically includes several key sections that highlight education, clinical experience, skills, certifications and professional accomplishments. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

• Education: List your medical degree(s), including the name of the institution, location, degree earned and graduation date. You can also include any relevant honors, awards or academic achievements.
• Residency training: Detail your residency training, including the specialty, institution, location and dates of training. Highlight any notable rotations, research projects or leadership roles during your residency. See our residency CV examples for additional guidance. 
• Fellowship training (if applicable): If you completed fellowship training in a subspecialty, include details such as the specialty, institution and dates of training.
• Clinical experience: Describe your responsibilities, clinical duties, patient populations served and any notable achievements or contributions.
• Certifications and licenses: List any board certifications, state medical licenses and other relevant certifications (e.g., ACLS, BLS). 

It’s important to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for and emphasize relevant qualifications that make you a strong candidate. 

Use clear, concise language, and ensure that your resume is well-organized, error-free and easy to read. See what a resume looks like for more design tips from career advice experts. 

There are several strategies you can use to highlight your qualifications, skills and potential as a candidate when you have minimal experience. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Highlight transferable skills: Identify and emphasize transferable skills that are relevant to the medical field, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, attention to detail and empathy. 
• Include clinical experience and internships: If you have completed any clinical experiences, internships, volunteer work or shadowing opportunities in health care settings, be sure to include them on your resume.
• List relevant certifications and training: List any certifications or completed training programs relevant to the medical field, such as CPR certification, medical terminology courses or health care-related workshops. 

Highlighting your passion for health care, dedication to learning and readiness to contribute can help you stand out to employers and land opportunities in the medical field. See how to make a resume with no experience for additional guidance.