Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always need a college degree to find success in the healthcare sector. In fact, there are various roles within healthcare that not only offer competitive salaries and benefits but also come with promising career prospects. For example, I performed SEO for Physical Therapy Clinics in my first role in the healthcare field. These careers also all come without the prerequisite of a four-year degree or having to do continuing education. In this discussion, we’ll explore the top 11 healthcare jobs where you can achieve both financial and job security without the burden of higher education. Let’s dive right in!
1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Pay:
Starting salaries for CNAs typically range from $23,000 to $29,000, with more experienced CNAs earning up to $35,000 or more.
Career Outlook:
Employment for CNAs is expected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
What They Do:
CNAs work under the supervision of nurses and are responsible for various tasks, such as taking vital signs, assisting with patient mobility, and general caregiving. They also often serve as the primary point of contact between patients and the healthcare team, which adds an extra layer of patient interaction and engagement to their role.
First Steps:
To become a CNA, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program, which typically lasts 4 to 12 weeks, followed by a state certification exam.
Requirements:
Entry into a CNA training program commonly requires a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, a successful background check and some health prerequisites like immunizations may be necessary.
2. Medical Assistant
Pay:
The average pay for Medical Assistants is around $35,000, but this can vary widely depending on location and experience.
Career Outlook:
Employment for Medical Assistants is expected to grow by 23% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than average.
What They Do:
Medical Assistants handle a variety of administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments, taking patient history, and drawing blood. They serve as a vital link between the doctor and patient.
First Steps:
Most Medical Assistants complete a certificate program, which can be done in a year or less.
Requirements:
High school diploma and completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program, followed by a certification exam.
3. Pharmacy Technician
Pay:
Pharmacy Technicians earn an average salary of $33,000 to $41,000 per year.
Career Outlook:
Employment is projected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029.
What They Do:
Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists in managing prescriptions, inventory, and customer service.
First Steps:
Training typically includes a high school diploma and on-the-job training or a postsecondary education program in pharmacy technology.
Requirements:
Usually after passing an exam, most states require certification.
4. Dental Assistant
Pay:
Dental Assistants can expect to earn between $29,000 and $41,000 annually.
Career Outlook:
Employment for Dental Assistants is expected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029.
What They Do:
Dental Assistants work alongside dentists, handling tasks like equipment sterilization, patient care, and administrative duties.
First Steps:
Certificate or diploma programs in dental assisting are available, and some states require licensure.
Requirements:
High school diploma and completion of a dental assistant program. Certification varies by state.
5. Home Health Aide
Pay:
Salaries range from $25,000 to $34,000 per year.
Career Outlook:
Expected to grow by an astonishing 34% from 2019 to 2029 due to an aging population.
What They Do:
Home Health Aides provide personal care for patients in a home setting, helping with tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
First Steps:
Training typically consists of a short course, often provided by the employing agency.
Requirements:
No formal education is typically required; however, certification may be needed for working with specific populations.
6. Medical Transcriptionist
Pay:
The annual salary for Medical Transcriptionists ranges from $27,000 to $36,000.
Career Outlook:
Employment is expected to decline by 2% from 2019 to 2029, partially due to advancements in technology.
What They Do:
Medical Transcriptionists convert voice recordings from healthcare providers into written reports.
First Steps:
It usually requires completion of a medical transcription training program and potentially a certification exam.
Requirements:
High school diploma, followed by a specialized training program in medical transcription.
7. Medical Biller and Coder
Pay:
Salaries typically range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
Career Outlook:
Employment is expected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029.
What They Do:
Medical Billers and Coders manage patient records, insurance billing, and coding information for medical procedures.
First Steps:
You’ll generally need to complete a certificate or associate degree program in medical billing and coding.
Requirements:
High school diploma, followed by a post-secondary educational program. Certification is often encouraged but not always required.
8. Physical Therapy Aide
Pay:
Physical Therapy Aides can expect to earn between $25,000 and $38,000 annually.
Career Outlook:
Employment is expected to grow by 21% from 2019 to 2029.
What They Do:
Physical Therapy Aides assist physical therapists in providing care, handling tasks like equipment setup and patient assistance.
First Steps:
Most Physical Therapy Aides are trained on the job, although some vocational schools offer programs. Learn more about how to become a Physical Therapy Aide.
Requirements:
High school diploma, on-the-job training is generally sufficient.
9. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Pay:
EMTs earn between $35,000 and $55,000 per year.
Career Outlook:
Employment is expected to grow by 6% from 2019 to 2029.
What They Do:
EMTs provide immediate medical care during emergency situations, transporting patients to medical facilities.
First Steps:
Completion of an EMT-basic training program, which often takes less than one year.
Requirements:
High school diploma, EMT-basic training program, and licensure in the state of employment.
10. Veterinary Assistant
Pay:
Pay typically ranges from $25,000 to $38,000 per year.
Career Outlook:
Employment is expected to grow by 16% from 2019 to 2029.
What They Do:
Veterinary Assistants handle animal care duties in veterinary offices, assisting in procedures and taking care of animals.
First Steps:
Typically, training is on-the-job, although some vocational programs are available.
Requirements:
High school diploma. On-the-job training is usually provided.
11. Medical Secretary
Pay:
Annual salaries for Medical Secretaries generally range from $35,000 to $45,000.
Career Outlook:
Employment is projected to grow by 10% from 2019 to 2029.
What They Do:
Medical Secretaries handle administrative tasks in healthcare settings, such as appointment scheduling and medical record-keeping.
First Steps:
A high school diploma is usually sufficient, although some offices may require additional training or certification.
Requirements:
High school diploma. Some healthcare settings may require specialized training or certification in medical terminology or healthcare procedures.
Why Choose a Non-Degreed Career in Healthcare?
Flexibility in Career Pathways
One of the most compelling reasons to consider a healthcare career that doesn’t require a degree is the flexibility it offers. You don’t need to commit to several years of higher education to start your career. Many roles offer on-the-job training, allowing you to earn while you learn. They also don’t require the hassle of ongoing education. For example, a physical therapy aide is not required to take ongoing Physical Therapist CEUs a licensed PTA is required to have. Becoming a Physical Therapy Aide is also a great pathway to becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Affordability
Avoiding the cost of a four-year degree can save you tens of thousands of dollars in tuition and additional expenses like books and housing. This makes these roles financially accessible to a wider range of people.
Job Security
Healthcare is an ever-growing field with a constant demand for workers. Jobs in the healthcare sector are more secure and less susceptible to economic downturns, making it generally considered recession-proof.
Rapid Career Advancement
Many healthcare jobs that don’t require a degree have clear paths for career advancement, offering you the opportunity to gain additional certifications or move into supervisory roles. This enables you to continually grow in your profession without the need for formal education.
Making an Impact
Perhaps the most gratifying aspect of healthcare careers, degree or no degree, is the direct impact you can have on individuals’ lives. Whether you’re a Home Health Aide helping the elderly maintain their independence or a Dental Assistant ensuring a smooth and effective dental procedure, your work genuinely matters.
Work-Life Balance
While healthcare roles can be demanding, many jobs offer flexible schedules, including part-time options, night shifts, and more, allowing for a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle.
Variety of Roles
From clinical settings to administrative roles, the healthcare field offers a variety of jobs that can suit different skills, interests, and personalities. Whether you’re interested in patient care or more drawn to the business side of healthcare like billing and coding, there’s likely a role that’s a good fit for you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a healthcare career without a degree doesn’t mean you’re compromising on job satisfaction, financial stability, or career growth. In fact, these roles offer a unique combination of advantages that make them an attractive choice for many individuals.
Healthcare offers numerous opportunities for individuals looking for stable and rewarding careers without the necessity of a degree. From clinical roles like medical assistants to non-clinical positions such as medical billing and coding specialists, there’s a range of options that provide competitive salaries and promising job outlooks. Investing in certifications or specialized training can further enhance employability and career growth in these fields.