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The Best Clipboards for Nurses and Medical Workers (2024)

by | Updated: Mar 23, 2024

A medical clipboard serves as an essential tool for nurses and healthcare professionals while on the job. It can provide a portable and convenient writing surface for taking notes, recording vital signs, and organizing patient information.

With the numerous options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best clipboard to fit your needs.

As a respiratory therapist, I know the struggle, as it wasn’t an easy decision.

In this article, I will provide reviews of the best medical clipboards for nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, students, and other healthcare professionals.

Best Overall Medical Clipboard

Our Top Pick
SC Printing World Store Nursing Foldable Clipboard

This clipboard stands out as the best overall choice for nurses or nursing students seeking a functional, lightweight, and convenient clipboard.

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Designed with nurses in mind, this foldable clipboard is perfect for those who require quick access to crucial information during their busy shifts. The folding feature allows for easy portability, while the secure storage ensures that vital documents are kept safe.

With the capacity to hold 15–30 sheets of paper without creasing, it eliminates the need for cumbersome notebooks. The included free cheat sheets are a valuable addition, making this nursing clipboard an excellent choice for any healthcare professional.

Budget Pick

Budget Pick
SITHON Nursing Clipboard with Storage

For those on a budget, this clipboard offers an excellent option that doesn't skimp on quality, making it an easy choice for nurses or nursing students looking to save.

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Made from break-resistant material, this clipboard provides a smooth writing surface ideal for standing writing. The built-in storage compartment conveniently holds essential nursing supplies such as penlights, highlighters, scissors, pens, and pencils.

The un-clip feature at the bottom of the clipboard grants easy access to a spacious storage area, perfect for extra documents and other necessities. Furthermore, this clipboard can also serve as an affordable yet practical gift for your favorite nurse.

Upgrade Pick

Upgrade Pick
WhiteCoat Clipboard Medical Edition

This clipboard is the ultimate upgrade pick for healthcare professionals who demand the best and don't mind spending a few extra bucks.

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Featuring a full-size clipboard that folds in half, it easily fits into a white coat or scrub pockets.

The HIPAA-compliant design ensures that sensitive patient documents remain secure, while the lightweight aluminum construction and powder-coated black finish provide durability and style.

Widely used by physicians, interns, residents, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, the WhiteCoat Clipboard Medical Edition is a reliable investment for those who want a premium, high-quality medical clipboard.

Our Top Recommendations

SC Printing World Store Nursing Foldable Clipboard
Best Overall
  • Designed for nurses or nursing students
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Foldable to fit in whitecoat or scrub pockets
  • 3-layer design
  • Quick-reference notes for nurses
  • Premium materials at an affordable price
SITHON Nursing Clipboard with Storage
Budget Pick
  • Budget-friendly price
  • Smooth surface for writing
  • Lightweight
  • Built-in storage
  • Traditional and classic design
  • No reference information
WhiteCoat Clipboard Medical Edition
Upgrade Pick
  • Medical Edition
  • Full-size clipboard
  • Foldable to fit in whitecoat or scrub pockets
  • HIPAA-compliant
  • Lightweight aluminum and powder-coated
  • Used by physicians, residents, and students
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Other Medical Clipboards

In addition to the top picks mentioned above, there are several other medical clipboard options worth considering.

These options vary in terms of features, materials, and price points, catering to different medical professionals, including the following:

  • Respiratory therapists
  • Doctors
  • EMTs
  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Pharmacists
  • Dieticians
  • Veterinarians
  • Students

Best Clipboard for Respiratory Therapists

A clipboard can help respiratory therapists efficiently track patient progress and quickly reference essential therapy data.

WhiteCoat Clipboard® - Black Respiratory Edition

This clipboard offers a specialized design with essential respiratory therapy reference material printed on the back, making it the ideal choice for these professionals.

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Best Clipboard for Doctors

Doctors can use clipboards to securely organize patient records, providing a portable surface for note-taking during consultations.

WhiteCoat Clipboard Medical Edition

This clipboard is perfect for doctors, as its HIPAA-compliant design protects sensitive patient information, and its folding feature allows it to fit easily into white coat pockets.

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Best Clipboard for EMTs

EMTs can use clipboards for documenting critical patient information during emergencies, ensuring efficient communication with other healthcare providers.

WhiteCoat Clipboard® - Blackout EMT Edition

This clipboard is our top pick for EMTs due to its durable aluminum construction, which can withstand harsh conditions, and the self-locking latch ensuring the security of vital documents during emergencies.

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Best Clipboard for Physical Therapists

A clipboard can aid physical therapists in recording patient assessments and treatment plans while providing quick access to therapy-specific references.

WhiteCoat Clipboard® - Lilac Physical Therapy Edition

This clipboard is tailored for physical therapists, featuring a quick reference guide with important physical therapy-related information to assist in patient care.

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Best Clipboard for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists can use clipboards to keep patient information organized and readily available, streamlining their workflow during therapy sessions.

WhiteCoat Clipboard® - Mint Occupational Therapy Edition

This clipboard provides relevant OT references on the back, making it an excellent choice for occupational therapists seeking a practical and informative clipboard.

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Best Clipboard for Pharmacists

A clipboard can assist pharmacists in organizing medication records, facilitating efficient patient consultations and accurate medication management.

WhiteCoat Clipboard® - Black Pharmacy Edition

This clipboard is designed for pharmacists, featuring vital drug information and dosage calculations on the back to facilitate efficient medication management and patient consultations.

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Best Clipboard for Dieticians

Dieticians can utilize clipboards to track clients’ nutritional needs and goals, making it easier to provide personalized dietary recommendations.

WhiteCoat Clipboard® - Mint Dietitian Edition

This clipboard is perfect for dieticians, as it includes crucial nutritional information and guidelines on the back, making it an invaluable tool for providing personalized dietary advice.

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Best Clipboard for Veterinarians

Veterinarians can use a clipboard to manage patient records, ensuring seamless documentation and access to vital animal health information.

WhiteCoat Clipboard® - Lilac Veterinary Medicine Edition

This clipboard is designed with veterinarians in mind, featuring veterinary-specific reference material on the back to support quick decision-making and efficient patient care.

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Best Clipboard for Students

Medical students use clipboards for note-taking and organization during lectures and clinical rotations, providing a portable and convenient way to organize their notes.

SITHON Nursing Clipboard with Storage

This clipboard is an ideal choice for students due to its affordable price. It has a built-in storage compartment and a lightweight design making it perfect for keeping essential supplies and notes organized during clinical rotations.

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FAQs About Medical Clipboards

What Features Should I Look for in a Medical Clipboard?

When choosing a medical clipboard, consider the following features:

  • Durable construction: Select a clipboard made from sturdy materials, such as aluminum or high-quality plastic, to withstand daily use.
  • Storage capacity: Some clipboards include built-in storage compartments, allowing you to keep pens, notepads, and other essentials organized.
  • Portability: Foldable or slim designs are ideal for easy transportation and fitting into pockets, bags, or briefcases.
  • Reference material: Many medical clipboards include essential reference information printed on the back, which can be useful during busy shifts.

Are Medical Clipboards HIPAA Compliant?

Not all medical clipboards are HIPAA compliant. To ensure HIPAA compliance, look for clipboards with specific features designed to protect sensitive patient information, such as secure storage compartments or self-locking latches.

How Do I Clean My Medical Clipboard?

To clean a medical clipboard, wipe it down with a damp cloth or disinfecting wipes, and then dry it thoroughly. For metal clipboards, avoid using abrasive cleaning materials, as they can scratch the surface.

Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, if provided, to ensure the longevity of your clipboard.

Are There Medical Clipboards Designed Specifically for Different Medical Professions?

Yes, there are medical clipboards designed for various healthcare professions, such as respiratory therapists, doctors, physical therapists, and more.

These specialized clipboards often feature profession-specific reference materials on the back, providing quick access to vital information during patient care.

Can I Customize My Medical Clipboard?

Some manufacturers offer customization options, such as adding your name, logo, or other designs to the clipboard. Additionally, you can purchase separate adhesive decals or labels to personalize your clipboard.

Always check with the manufacturer for available customization options and follow their guidelines to avoid damaging the clipboard.

What Size Should My Medical Clipboard Be?

The ideal size for a medical clipboard depends on your specific needs and preferences. Full-size clipboards are great for accommodating standard-sized documents, while foldable or compact clipboards are more portable and easy to carry.

Consider your work environment, storage needs, and how you plan to transport the clipboard when selecting the appropriate size.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best medical clipboard is important for healthcare professionals to ensure efficient organization and quick access to essential information during busy shifts.

With numerous options available, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, portability, storage capacity, and profession-specific features when making a decision.

Our top choice, the Nursing Foldable Clipboard by SC Printing World Store, offers a perfect balance of functionality, convenience, and practicality at an affordable price.

However, we also highlighted budget and premium options catering to the different needs of all medical professionals who work in the medical field.

Finding the right medical clipboard can significantly impact your work experience, so carefully consider your unique requirements and preferences before making a decision.

John Landry, BS, RRT

Written by:

John Landry, BS, RRT

John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.