Top 5 Health Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
Even if a traditional four year college isn’t right for you, there are still opportunities to work in the health care industry that will put you on the front lines of patient care. Positions ranging from the nursing, emergency care, and dental industries are available without advanced schooling, and can be sought and attained directly after graduating high school.
Take a look below at our list of the top five health jobs you can earn without an advanced degree.
Top Health Job
Personal Care Aide/Certified Nursing Assistant
Median Salary: $21,000
Job Growth by 2022: 21%
Overview:
A personal care aide is a rewarding position wherein you will assist patients unable to care for themselves. This position is best described as a a personal nurse, and your duties will coincide what what is expected from that profession. People become personal care aides for a variety of reasons, but with no additional schooling necessary, it’s a great career to jump in directly out of high school.
Brief Job description:
Assist the elderly, convalescents, or persons with disabilities with daily living activities at the person’s home or in a care facility. Duties performed at a place of residence may include keeping house (making beds, doing laundry, washing dishes) and preparing meals. May provide assistance at non-residential care facilities. May advise families, the elderly, convalescents, and persons with disabilities regarding such things as nutrition, cleanliness, and household activities.
How You Can Get There:
A high school diploma is typically required. To get started you will need to complete an accredited training program like the ones listed below. Some states will require you to get a license. Additional certification/experience may be needed depending on the employer and state regulations.
>> Learn More About How To Become a Nursing Assistant
Health Job #2:
Massage Therapist
Median Salary: $40,400
Job Growth by 2022: 23%
Overview:
A massage therapist is an essential role in the treatment of deep muscle pains and rehabilitation after injury. Whether you’re working for an established company or starting your own business, massage therapy provides plenty of opportunity for growth and advancement, and the unique ability to interact with members of the community and become an unparalleled resource for healing.
Brief Job Description:
Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.
How You Can Get There:
A high school diploma is typically required. You may also need the completion of a training program and some states will also require you pass a written exam in order to obtain a license such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. Additional requirements may be needed depending on employment.
>> Learn More About How to Become a Massage Therapist
Health Job #3:
Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic
Median Salary: $34,870
Job Growth by 2022: 23%
Overview:
Emergency medical technicians are the first ones on the scene of an accident, and are responsible for moving an injured person from the scene of an accident or trauma to a hospital for professional care. You will have introductory training in resuscitation transfusions, and basic medical care, and will be responsible for the care of the patient before the hand off. This is a face-paced position where every day is different, and you will be trusted with the responsibility of saving patients’ lives.
Brief Job Description:
Assess injuries, administer emergency medical care, and extricate trapped individuals. Transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
How You Can Get There:
You may need a high school diploma and to obtain a certificate of training, usually the cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification. All states require you to gain a license, and completing a training course could help you prepare for the exam. Some employers may also require you to get an associate’s degree, but that is dependant on the institution. It is important to contact local hospitals and medical institutions to get an idea of what their personal requirements are.
>> Learn More About How to Become a Paramedic
Job #4:
Radiation Therapist
Median Salary: $81,740
Job Growth by 2022: 24%
Overview:
As a radiation therapist, you won’t be responsible for diagnosis or analysis of results, but you will be the person administering treatment and in the position to soothe and calm those who are undergoing the procedure. This is one of the highest-paying positions in the health care industry accessible without a college degree, and an in-demand position that will only grow with time.
Brief Job Description:
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
How You Can Get There:
In most states, you need to earn a license in order to become a radiation therapist. You may also need to complete at least a training program in order to become certified. Training programs usually run around 12 months. However, because this is a competitive field you may want to consider earning a bachelors or associates degree in radiology therapy or sonography. It is important to also check with local employers to see what qualifications they may have.
Job #5:
Dental Hygienist
Median Salary: $71,530
Job Growth by 2022: 33%
Overview:
A dental hygienist position is a quick way to work in dentistry without any advanced schooling. While you may not take on the advanced surgical aspects of the industry, which make the most money, you’ll play an imperative roll in a patient’s experience at the office. You’re the first person a patient works with, so you’ll be in charge of calming nervous patients and doing preliminary work before the doctor steps in for analysis.
Brief Job Description:
Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.
How You Can Get There:
Most states require dental hygienists to get a license. Taking a training course or earning a certificate can help you get ready for the license exam. Because this is a growing and fruitful job, you may also need to look into getting an associates or bachelors degree depending on where you live. It is important to speak with local employers to find out what requirements they have for their dental hygienists as well.
>> Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist
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