Are you interested in pursuing a career with excellent benefits, flexible hours, and growth opportunities? Are you currently considering careers in the medical field?
Believe it or not, there are actually a number of high-paying medical careers that require little schooling. And opportunities are available no matter where you live.
Here’s what you need to know about the lesser-known healthcare careers you can qualify for.
1. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are responsible for making contact with patients as soon as they enter a medical office or exam room. They can take a record of patient history, check vital signs, and document symptoms and concerns before a doctor sees you.
Medical assistants are responsible for a number of different medical tasks. These include drawing blood, performing diagnostic tasks, and sterilizing equipment. They may also administer IV medication and help with clinical trials.
You’ll need a high school diploma or GED in order to become a medical assistant. You can then enroll in medical assistant school, where you will be able to choose from certificates or associate’s degrees.
Certificate programs are shorter and will allow you to enter the workforce sooner. Associate’s degrees, however, will provide you with a solid foundation for pursuing more education in the future. Both types of programs will cover a number of topics that include first aid, medical law, and anatomy.
After you complete the program, you will enter an externship that will give you hands-on experience in a clinical setting. Finally, you can get certified as a medical assistant after passing an exam. It’s then time to begin your new career!
2. Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound technicians are specialized medical providers. They can enjoy full-time or part-time work with flexible hours. Ultrasound techs make an average of over $69,000 per year.
Ultrasound tech educational options include a one-year certificate, a 2-year associate’s degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Certificate programs are designed for those who already have experience in healthcare. Yet they may be looking to make the transition into diagnostic medical sonography. Education programs involve both classroom study and clinical components.
Certificates allow you to specialize in areas like the abdomen, breast, or obstetrics. Ultrasound training courses cover topics like anatomy, patient care, and ultrasound imaging.
3. Dental Assistant
Dental assistants enjoy excellent earning potential, variety, and many opportunities for employment.
In order to become a dental assistant, you’ll need to enroll in a dental assistant program at a community college or technical school. You can pursue a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree. Coursework usually includes studies in oral anatomy, dental radiology, and first aid.
Next, you’ll complete an externship with hands-on experience in a dental office. You can focus on specialized areas such as pediatric or orthodontic care.
Finally, you can complete your state licensing exam in order to become officially certified. It’s then time to begin the search for an entry-level job in your field!
4. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists collect blood for donation or testing. These blood tests can get used to diagnose illnesses, evaluate medications, and determine the nutritional well-being of patients.
Phlebotomists enjoy a good job outlook and training that lasts only a few months. In fact, education programs can take as little as eight weeks to finish, depending upon the school and type of program you enroll in. Phlebotomy programs are relatively inexpensive, and phlebotomists can earn a comfortable salary.
5. Community Health Workers
Community health workers conduct healthcare education within communities. They work to provide support and coordinate health services for a community. These could include flu shots or blood pressure screenings.
Those who wish to work in community healthcare often earn certificates or a masters in public health online. They will study ethics, communications, and leadership. Those employed as community health workers work for health departments, outpatient clinics, and religious and civic agencies.
6. Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists with tasks such as filling prescriptions. Community colleges offer online programs that allow students to complete coursework quickly. Some states also require certification.
7. Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified nursing assistants work under the supervision of registered nurses to provide first-line patient care. Training programs usually last between four and twelve weeks. They involve instructional hours as well as clinical practice.
You’ll need to earn a passing score on a competency exam in order to become a CNA. These professionals often get employed by assisted living facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
8. Home Health Aide
You can get certified as a home health care aid through online programs, community colleges, or vocational schools. Here, you’ll study topics such as emergency handling, monitoring vital signs, and assistance with personal hygiene.
If you enjoy caring for people in residential environments, a career as a home health aid could be right for you. And job prospects are expected to continue to grow.
9. Physical Therapy Assistant
Physical therapy assistants work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. They help patients use therapeutic equipment, complete exercises, and learn stretching techniques.
Online PTA programs can get completed through community colleges. Make sure your program is accredited before you begin. You’ll need to complete a supervised clinical practicum before becoming certified.
10. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing problems. These could include asthma or other respiratory problems. You’ll work with physicians to test for diseases and determine treatment.
Respiratory therapists are required to get an associate’s degree. Many programs are offered by community colleges. You’ll need to get certified through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC.)
Options for Medical Careers
Medical careers offer an exciting opportunity for great pay, job growth, and learning opportunities. And with so many new healthcare opportunities that require little schooling, you could be on your way toward an exciting career in no time.
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