You can have a rewarding career in the healthcare field without spending four years of your life in a classroom. Many healthcare careers need on-the-job training or post-secondary certificates. Here are some jobs in healthcare which don't require a college degree.
Certified Nursing Assistant
CNAs work in a variety of healthcare settings including nursing homes, hospitals, adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, and personal homes of patients. CNAs are responsible for the general care of patients. Typical job duties may include recording vital signs, feeding and bathing patients, applying bandages or dressings, moving patients to and from treatment areas, and transporting biological or medical materials. Due to high demand, those with certification can always find a CNA staffing agency to help them secure employment.
Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist draws blood in medical lab settings. To become an entry-level phlebotomist, you will need a certificate that takes about three months to complete. Phlebotomists can work in a variety of healthcare settings including clinical laboratories, nursing homes, doctor's offices, and blood donation centers. Phlebotomists must be able to put patients at ease because they may be afraid of needles. Excellent motor skills are required to pinpoint veins and extract blood on the first stick.
Licensed Practical Nurse
LPNs work under the supervision of registered nursing and doctors to provide basic nursing care. Daily duties include checking vital signs, assisting with tests and procedures, changing dressings or bandages, and taking patient histories. LPNs are required to earn a practical nursing diploma that typically takes about a year to complete.
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants provide clinical care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Duties include taking vital signs, administering injections, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, drawing blood, taking electrocardiograms (EKGs), and removing sutures and changing dressings. Most employers require a certificate and on-the-job training. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports Medical Assistance is one of the nation's careers growing must faster than average.
Massage Therapy
Do you enjoy patient interaction, but do not want to deal with needles, blood, or bandages? Massage therapy may be the right choice for you. Massage therapy is a rapidly growing career in the healthcare field. Massage therapists help reduce pain, rehabilitate injuries, promote relaxation, and enhance general wellness. As a licensed massage therapist, you will be qualified to work in many different locations. Spas are fantastic locations to create a soothing and memorable experience for your clients. You can also be more adventurous and work for a cruise line! Many people splurge for a massage during their vacations, and you can capitalize on the influx of clients. Massage therapists can also open private practices to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working alone.
Physical Therapy Aide
A Physical Therapy Aid works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapist Assistant. Active listening, interpersonal skills, and service orientation are necessary skills for this career. Duties include preparing equipment, transporting patients, assisting patients into or onto equipment, and observing patients during treatment. Most positions require a high school diploma or a GED and on-the-job training.
Before you invest in a costly college degree, consider these jobs in healthcare which don't require a college degree. You will be on your way to work a lot faster and save a mountain of debt.
