31 Jul 20 Medical Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
If you’re interested in working in the medical field but want to avoid the lengthy commitment of a four-year degree, you’re in luck. The healthcare industry offers a wide range of medical jobs without degree requirements and doesn’t require an extended period of schooling.
Each role plays a unique and vital part in patient care to provide opportunities to make a meaningful impact without the need for a traditional college education. Below, we explore 20 medical jobs that don’t require a degree and highlight the training needed and what each role entails.
Benefits of a Medical Job Without a Degree
Choosing a medical job without a degree has several benefits and is an attractive career option. One major advantage is job security since healthcare is a stable industry with a constant need for workers.
These jobs also offer good pay, often higher than other jobs with similar education requirements. The healthcare field has many specialties. So, you can choose a role that fits your interests, whether it’s patient care, technical work, or administrative tasks.
Many of these jobs require little schooling, with training programs that take just a few months. This allows you to start working quickly and avoid student debt. These roles can also be personally rewarding, as they involve helping patients and often lead to high job satisfaction. Plus, they can be a stepping stone to higher-level positions in healthcare.
1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
What They Do: Help patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and moving around.
Training Needed: State-approved training program
Length: 1-3 months
2. Phlebotomist
What They Do: Take blood from patients for tests, treatments, or donations. Ensure blood samples are labeled and stored correctly.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program
Length: 1-3 months
3. EKG Technician
What They Do: Use machines to record patients’ heartbeats for doctors to check.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program
Length: 1-3 months
4. Home Health Aide
What They Do: Help older, sick, or disabled people with their daily needs at home.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program or on-the-job training
Length: 1-3 months
5. Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
What They Do: Put special codes on medical treatments and tests so insurance knows what to pay. Make sure the billing is correct and on time.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program or on-the-job training
Length: 1-3 months
6. Medical Scribe
What They Do: Help doctors by writing down patient visits as they happen to guarantee correct medical notes.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program or on-the-job training
Length: 1-3 months
7. Patient Care Technician
What They Do: Help patients with everyday needs and do simple medical tasks.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program
Length: 2-5 months
8. Ophthalmic Medical Technician
What They Do: Help eye doctors with treatments, do eye tests, and care for patients before and after their eye procedures.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program or on-the-job training
Length: 3-6 months
9. Pharmacy Technician
What They Do: Help pharmacists give out medicine, measure doses, and keep the pharmacy running smoothly.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program or on-the-job training
Length: 4-6 months
10. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
What They Do: Help people in emergencies by giving first aid, keeping them stable, and taking them to the hospital.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program
Length: 3-12 months, depending on level of certification
11. Dialysis Technician
What They Do: Run the machines that help people with kidney problems. Watch over patients during the treatment to keep them safe and comfortable.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program
Length: 6-12 months
12. Massage Therapist
What They Do: Use hands-on methods to massage muscles to help people relax and feel better.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program
Length: 6-12 months
13. Medical Equipment Technician
What They Do: Fix and take care of medical tools used in hospitals and clinics.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program or on-the-job training
Length: 6-12 months
14. Medical Transcriptionist
What They Do: Turn doctors’ spoken words into written papers.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program or on-the-job training
Length: < 1 year
15. Dental Assistant
What They Do: Help dentists by preparing tools, taking X-rays, and teaching patients about teeth care.
Training Needed: Post-secondary non-degree program or on-the-job training
Length: ~1 year
16. Medical Assistant
What They Do: Help with tasks like checking patient vitals, setting up exam rooms, organizing patient records, and doing simple lab tests.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program or on-the-job training
Length: ~1 year
17. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
What They Do: Give basic care to patients, including giving medicines, checking on patients, and helping with wounds.
Training Needed: State-approved practical nursing program
Length: ~1 year
18. Optician
What They Do: Help patients choose and fit glasses or contacts based on their eye doctor’s prescription.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program, on-the-job training, or apprenticeship
Length: ~1 year
19. Medical Records Specialist
What They Do: Organize and protect patient health records to make sure they’re correct and easy to access.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate program
Length: 1-2 years
20. Medical Office Administrator
What They Do: Perform daily tasks in medical offices, like scheduling, record-keeping, and billing.
Training Needed: Post-secondary certificate Program
Length: 1-2 years
If you’re looking for a medical job without a degree or seeking to advance within the healthcare field, our training programs at Phlebotomy Training Specialists provide the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. With a wide variety of specialties available and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient’s lives, the medical field offers a fulfilling and stable career path.
All in all, with these 20 jobs, you can start an outstanding medical career without a four-year degree. Explore these options and discover which feels right for you. With so many jobs, there’s something for everyone in the medical field.