Think vans are too small for mobile clinics? In this video, we explore what full-sized vans can actually offer, from essential healthcare services to major cost advantages. You’ll also learn when a van is the right fit and when it’s not.
Key Moments in this Video
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Are vans too small to be mobile clinics?
“When people think about mobile clinics inside vans, they often imagine something small, tight, and cramped — like the walls are closing in and there’s no space for real medical equipment. But that’s not the reality. A full-sized van like a Ram Promaster or Ford Transit is completely different. It’s not a soccer-practice minivan. In many cases, vans are actually the best option for mobile healthcare. They offer more than enough space for a wide range of services.”
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What healthcare services can be offered in a van?
“You’d be surprised by how much you can do in a van. They can be fully customized to meet your specific healthcare needs. Need refrigeration for vaccines? No problem. Want an exam table, storage for supplies, even private partitions? All doable. Vans are ideal for services like health screenings, routine checkups, vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, and behavioral health. Most importantly, they’re accessible, they can go where larger units can’t park, bringing care directly to the people who need it.”
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What are the practical benefits of van-based mobile clinics?
“Driving a large bus or RV can be intimidating and often requires special licensing and extra training. Even parking one in a tight urban space can be a challenge. But vans? Anyone with a standard license can drive one. You can pull up almost anywhere — a school, church, parking lot, even narrow streets, and start serving right away. On top of that, vans cost a fraction of what an RV or bus would. They use less fuel, are easier to maintain, and they’re cheaper to insure. For organizations with tight budgets, that’s a big deal.”
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How do you decide between a van and a larger clinic vehicle?
“Vans aren’t right for everything. If you’re running a dental clinic with full chairs and equipment, or setting up surgery or anything with very large gear — a van isn’t going to cut it. For those, larger units like RVs or trailers are more appropriate. But most mobile clinics don’t need to be a hospital on wheels. They need to be fast, affordable, and able to reach people. And for that, vans are often the best fit. The real question isn’t about space, it’s about the type of care you plan to deliver.”
Russ Evans
Russ
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are vans big enough to be mobile clinics?
Yes, full-sized vans like the Ram Promaster or Ford Transit offer enough space for most primary care services.
What services can you provide in a van clinic?
Vans can support screenings, checkups, vaccinations, behavioral health, and more.
Do van-based clinics need special licenses to drive?
No, a standard driver’s license is all you need to operate a clinic van.
How much cheaper is a van compared to an RV or bus clinic?
Vans cost significantly less, often under a third of the price of an RV build.
When would a van not be the right choice?
If you need a surgical setup, or anything that require large equipment, a bigger vehicle is better.
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