This may surprise you, but the healthcare field isn’t just for people with advanced degrees. Though many roles do require higher education, a growing number of opportunities are available to all job seekers.
If you’re looking to break into a fulfilling career in health care that offers stability, growth, and purpose, there are plenty of positions available. Read on and discover four healthcare jobs that don’t require a college degree and what you can expect from each role.
1. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
If you work well under pressure and want a dynamic, fast-paced career, becoming an EMT might be right for you. As an EMT, you’ll learn to stabilize patients, provide life-saving care using EMT equipment, and transport individuals to medical facilities. This role requires excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and resilience. If this sounds like you, becoming an EMT may be a wise decision.
The first step towards becoming an EMT is to complete a training program that typically lasts for six months. Afterward, you must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam to become a certified EMT. As a full-time employee, EMTs earn an average of $46,350 per year.
2. Home Health Aides
Are you naturally caring and empathetic? A home health aide works directly with patients in their homes and assists them with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. This position plays an important role in improving a person’s quality of life.
In many states, you don’t need a certification to become a home health aide. Plus, some employers even offer on-the-job training. Even so, voluntary certifications, like the one offered by the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), can make you more competitive in the job market. As a home health aide, you can expect to make an annual salary of approximately $34,900.
3. Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists to fill prescriptions, manage inventory, and provide customer service. If you’re a detail-oriented person who enjoys working in a structured environment, this may be the job for you.
Many employers offer on-the-job training, but completing a pharmacy technician training program in under a year. Obtaining a certification can give you an edge when applying for this type of job. On average, pharmacy technicians earn around $43,460 per year.
4. Dental Assistants
If you’re interested in oral health care, dental assisting is a highly rewarding career. Dental assistants work in dental offices and are responsible for supporting dentists during procedures, sterilizing tools, and educating patients about oral hygiene.
In some states, you may need to complete a short education program and obtain a certification. On the other hand, some states offer training on the job. If you become a dental assistant, you can expect to make roughly $47,300 per year.
Your Dream Career Awaits
Breaking into health care doesn’t mean spending years in school. Whichever role you choose, these four healthcare jobs that don’t require a college degree will give you a meaningful, stable career.
To begin, research healthcare training programs in your area and review any state-specific certifications needed for these roles. Once you’re qualified, you’ll have a clear path toward making a positive impact on people’s lives.
This article was written for WHN by Casey Cartwright, a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries, from highly technical to consumer and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything else. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm
