I have been an AA for 20 yrs and had no healthcare experience before AA school ( worked as a unit clerk in college-does that count?). I don't think healthcare experience is vital. It is nice if you do have it, but wiping rears as an orderly or handing instruments to surgeons, holding retractors and cutting sutures won't really add to your AA education. I had a few nurses in my class, and they did great out of the chute, but by the end of school we were all on the same level.