any people believe that careers in healthcare require many years of formal education. However, the field of healthcare provides opportunities for workers of all academic levels, and many students are eligible to enter the medical field without a degree. Overall, employment in the U.S. is projected to grow by 8.4 million jobs to 169.4 million jobs from 2018 to 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the next 10 years, several healthcare-focused occupations are expected to experience some of the fastest growth in the country, including home health aides, personal care aides, occupational therapy assistants, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners — the first three of which can be pursued with an associate degree or a high school diploma or equivalent.
Overall, the median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations such as dental hygienists, physicians and surgeons, and registered nurses was $66,440 as of May 2018, which was higher than the median annual wage across all occupations of $38,640. Additionally, several health support occupations such as medical transcriptionists, occupational therapy assistants, and home health aides reported a median annual wage of $29,740, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations. Below, we will take a look at some of these positions in addition to several other lucrative, in-demand healthcare jobs that are available without a bachelor’s degree.
What Are Some Healthcare Jobs You Can Get Without a Bachelor’s Degree?
According to the BLS, 77.5 percent of employment in 2018 was in entry-level occupations that typically require less than a bachelor’s degree. Although this figure is representative of all occupations and not healthcare alone, it still provides a sense of the entry-level education required for healthcare-focused positions. Below, we have outlined 15 healthcare jobs ranked according to education requirements and further sorted by the best-paying medical jobs that don’t require a degree.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear medicine technologists are professionals who work in imaging clinics, diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, or hospitals. These professionals prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients before using a scanner to create images of patients’ body parts. Aspiring nuclear technologists must earn an associate degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program by completing coursework in computer science, radioactive drugs, physics, chemistry, and human anatomy. They must also gain practical, hands-on experience by working under the supervision of a certified medical nuclear technologist. Earning a bachelor’s degree and/or certification may provide additional opportunities for career advancement.
Education Requirements: Associate degree
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $76,820
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 7 percent
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians, use specialized imaging equipment to create images that help healthcare professionals diagnose and, ultimately, treat different medical conditions. Diagnostic medical sonographers may pursue a specialty such as neurosonography, obstetric sonography, musculoskeletal sonography, breast sonography, or abdominal sonography. Attaining a position in this field requires either an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate; some employers may also require candidates to hold professional certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Certification testing includes examinations on sonography principles and instrumentation (SPI), physics, and specialty testing.
Education Requirements: Associate degree
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $72,510
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 19 percent
Radiologic and MRI Technologist
Radiologic and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) technologists perform similar duties in that they strive to create images that help doctors diagnose medical conditions. Radiologic technologists perform X-rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations, while MRI technologists operate MRI scanners. More than 50 percent of these professionals are employed by hospitals, many of whom are required to work holidays, weekends, and evenings to accommodate patient emergencies. They must also take careful precautions to minimize their exposure to radiation, including wearing shielding devices such as protective lead aprons. An associate degree is the minimum education required for these occupations.
Education Requirements: Associate degree
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $61,240
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 9 percent
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists specialize in assisting patients who are living with breathing difficulties. These professionals have experience treating those with pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Respiratory therapists must know how to keep detailed treatment records while using aerosol medications, chest physiotherapy, and other methods that allow patients to breathe easier. An associate degree is required for respiratory therapist jobs, and programs typically provide hands-on, real-world practical experience in patient care as well as traditional classroom studies. All respiratory therapists except for those residing in Alaska must obtain state licensure to practice from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Although not required, certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is widely respected.
Education Requirements: Associate degree
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $60,280
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 21 percent
Medical Equipment Repairer
Due to the ever-increasing technology in the world of healthcare, there is a great demand for medical equipment repairers. Today’s healthcare professionals rely on sophisticated equipment such as X-rays and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanners to diagnose and treat patients. When these pieces of equipment break down, healthcare professionals turn to medical equipment repairers to repair and maintain these devices. These individuals may also be tasked with the initial installation of medical equipment. To enter this profession, a student needs to hold an associate degree in engineering or biomedical technology as well as boast strong mechanical skills. Specialty certifications may help evaluate an applicant’s skills for certain positions.
Education Requirements: Associate degree
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $49,210
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 4 percent
Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists, also known as operating room technicians, are responsible for helping surgeons during surgical procedures. These professionals hand supplies or instruments to the surgeon as needed, sterilize and arrange the necessary equipment, prepare patients for surgery by disinfecting incision sites, and prepare operating rooms for procedures. Most surgical technologists hold an associate degree or postsecondary nondegree award after completing coursework in pharmacology, medical terminology, biology, and anatomy. They must also undergo on-the-job training that includes clinical experience under the supervision of a professional.
Education Requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $47,300
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 9 percent
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Not to be confused with registered nurses (RNs) who administer medication and counsel patients and their families about medical care, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic nursing care, including assessing wounds, checking blood pressure, and ensuring their patients are comfortable. To become an LPN or LVN, candidates must complete a postsecondary nondegree program in this specialty area. Most programs train students on the study of pharmacology and the health sciences while helping them develop their nursing, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They may also have opportunities to treat patients from various backgrounds and health conditions via on-the-job clinical experience.
Education Requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $46,240
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 11 percent
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists assist their clients by expertly manipulating the body’s soft tissue muscles. They work to enhance general wellness, promote relaxation, rehabilitate injuries, and manage pain. Since massage therapy is such a rapidly growing career field, massage therapists may find employment in a number of settings such as private offices, spas, fitness centers, and hospitals. Aspiring massage therapists must earn a postsecondary nondegree award by completing a program that investigates topics such as hydrotherapy, massage techniques, kinesiotherapy, hygiene, health, and anatomy. Depending on the state in which one wishes to work, state registration and/or licensure may also be required.
Education Requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $41,420
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 22 percent
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
Medical records and health information technicians, also referred to as medical billing and coding specialists, work to maintain correct patient treatment records and ensure the accuracy of healthcare data so that the facility can be properly reimbursed by the appropriate insurance companies. To pursue this occupation, students must complete a postsecondary nondegree education program that covers topics such as health information management, diagnostics coding, current procedural terminology (CPT) coding, the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), medical office procedures, and medical terminology. Two examples of academic training that would prepare candidates for these positions include an associate degree in medical insurance billing and coding (MIBC) or an MIBC diploma program.
Education Requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $40,350
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 11 percent
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants support the work of healthcare professionals such as physicians by performing a variety of clinical and administrative duties. These include preparing blood for lab tests, recording patient histories, measuring patients’ vital signs, and scheduling appointments. To perform these duties successfully, medical assistants must have strong interpersonal skills, be technologically savvy, and have a solid understanding of electronic health records (EHR) software. To become a medical assistant, most employers prefer candidates who have completed a postsecondary nondegree program in medical assisting via a diploma or an Associate of Applied Science degree. However, depending on the specific job, many aspiring medical assistants may also learn their responsibilities and develop their skills through in-person, on-the-job training.
Education Requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
Median Annual Salary, 2018:$33,510
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 23 percent
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians assist with dispensing prescription medications to health professionals or customers. They work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, who must review prescriptions before they are given to patients. They may be employed by hospitals, drug stores, grocery stores, or any other setting in which a licensed pharmacy is located. Most states require pharmacy technicians to complete an accredited postsecondary education program in pharmacy technology and pass a comprehensive licensing examination. Depending on the employer, however, some will require only a high school diploma or equivalent and allow aspiring technicians to complete their education and/or training with the employer.
Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $32,700
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 7 percent
Nursing Assistant
Nursing assistants, sometimes referred to as orderlies or patient care technicians, are employed in home health care settings, residential care facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals. The primary duty of this occupation is to provide basic, essential care to injured or ill patients. They are frequently physically active and may be required to help move or lift patients. While orderlies generally have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, nursing assistants must complete a state-approved education program and pass the competency exam of the state in which they intend to work. Training in subjects such as electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) technology, phlebotomy, physiology, anatomy, and medical terminology can give candidates an edge over other applicants seeking a position.
Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $28,540
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 9 percent
Physical Therapy Aide
Physical therapy aides are responsible for helping transport patients, setting up physical therapy equipment, and performing clerical tasks as needed. Working under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, physical therapy aides must have strong interpersonal skills as well as a sharp attention to detail. They are also frequently on their feet and moving as they help care for patients and set up equipment. These professionals can be employed with a high school diploma or equivalent as they generally receive on-the-job training. However, those looking to advance to the role of physical therapy assistant will be required to complete postsecondary classes and additional hands-on training to earn an associate degree from an accredited program.
Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $26,240
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 23 percent
Occupational Therapy Aide
Occupational therapy aides, similar to physical therapy aides, are responsible for helping with insurance forms and billing, transporting patients, preparing treatment areas by setting up equipment, and performing other clerical duties as necessary. Occupational therapy aides spend much of their time on their feet and work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Aspiring occupational therapy aides are required to have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Although they typically receive on-the-job training, they may consider taking postsecondary classes and earn an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program if they wish to advance into an occupational therapy assistant role.
Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $28,160
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 19 percent
Home Health Aide and Personal Care Aide
Home health aides and personal care aides are responsible for helping those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or cognitive impairment by helping in their daily activities. They may work in a variety of settings, including day services programs, group homes, assisted living facilities, and clients’ homes. Both home health aides and personal care aides typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, though some positions do not require any specific form of education. However, those working in hospice agencies or certified home health agencies must complete formal training and pass a standardized test.
Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Median Annual Salary, 2018: $24,060
Job Growth, 2018-2028: 36 percent
What Are the Typical Entry-Level Pathways?
Due to the strong demand for healthcare services, there are many opportunities in the industry for job seekers who have the appropriate education, work experience, and training. While occupations have standard pathways for entry, those working in the same occupation may find themselves facing different preparation levels. The BLS assigns one of the following eight educational categories to each occupation: no formal education credential, high school diploma or equivalent, some college with no degree, postsecondary nondegree award, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and a doctoral or professional degree.
Not all positions in broad fields such as healthcare require the same level of training or education. In fact, there are many medical jobs that don’t require a degree or certification for certain healthcare occupations. For instance, an associate degree requires between two and four years of full-time academic study after high school. Postsecondary nondegree award programs allow students to earn a certificate or award but not a formal degree; some programs last one or two years, while others can be completed in just a few weeks. Some occupations, particularly those that can be attained with a high school diploma or equivalent, also require additional preparation in the form of related work experience and on-the-job training.
Why Consider a Career in Healthcare?
Students looking for a growing and dynamic career field may consider entering the healthcare industry, regardless of whether they have a four-year degree or not. Those who are passionate about helping others and having a positive impact on their lives will find a solid job outlook, lucrative salaries, and an exciting, dynamic field that provides positions for all education and experience levels. Regardless of whether you are looking into entering the field with a high school diploma, a postsecondary nondegree or award, or an associate degree, there are five major reasons to consider a career in healthcare:
1. Job Availability for All Education and Experience Levels
Whether one earns a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a General Education Diploma (GED), there is a healthcare career available. Although many years of education and training are required to become a nurse or physician, there are hundreds of other roles to explore in the field of healthcare, including ones for high school graduates, college undergraduates, and every other level of education up to and including the doctoral level. For example, careers like pharmacy technicians and patient care coordinators require only a high school diploma. Phlebotomists and medical scribes, or transcriptionists, must hold a postsecondary nondegree award. Respiratory therapists, registered nurses, and dental hygienists — three careers that are expected to have “much faster than average” employment growth over the next decade — require only a two-year associate degree.
2. Job Growth and Stability
According to the BLS, employment in healthcare is expected to increase 14 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations, resulting in an estimated 1.9 million new jobs over the next decade. In fact, healthcare occupations are expected to add more new positions than any other occupational group. As a healthcare professional, this means that students will have more career opportunities and be able to secure employment more easily than job seekers in other industries. This projection is based on the dramatic growth of the aging U.S. population as well as advances in medicine that boost demand for medical professionals across the board.
3. Job Satisfaction
Pursuing a career in healthcare allows professionals to earn a living while nurturing their desire to help others — a true win-win situation. There are few professions in which professionals can make a difference in the lives of others the way they can in healthcare. For instance, a healthcare professional could help bring a new life into the world or help save one. He or she can work behind the scenes to ensure a medical facility runs smoothly, assist families through some of the most difficult times in their lives, or care for patients as they recover. Regardless of the specific role, healthcare workers play an important part in helping individuals, groups, and even entire communities — and positively affect their lives as a result.
4. Competitive Earning Potential
Careers in healthcare are among the most lucrative job options available, mainly due to the high demand for workers. As expected, the more educated and highly skilled a worker is, the higher his or her salary will be. However, there are healthcare occupations at all education levels that offer competitive salaries compared to those in other industries. In other words, even in hospital jobs that don’t require a certificate or entry-level roles that only require a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award, the earning and growth potential far exceed those in many other fields.
5. Exciting and Fast-Paced
The healthcare industry is ever-changing and exciting. Even “boring,” behind-the-scenes roles such as the health information technician will see new information and tackle new challenges every single day. After all, there is a reason why there are so many television shows about medical professionals and hospitals. Shows like “House M.D.,” “ER,” and “Grey’s Anatomy” are successful because they show the dramatic, ever-changing, and exciting world of healthcare. Filled with challenges, fast-paced, and offering the chance to help patients from all backgrounds and walks of life, most healthcare positions never experience the same day twice.
Conclusion
Healthcare occupations are projected to rapidly increase over the next decade, and opportunities continue to become available for those with on-the-job training, prior work experience, and diverse educational backgrounds. Job seekers can better prepare to enter this dynamic, growing industry by familiarizing themselves with the fastest-growing jobs over the next decade, the education level required of these occupations, and the associated duties of each position.
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