31 Jul 20 Medical Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
Want to work in medicine but don’t want to go to school for four years? Many great jobs don’t need that long degree. Each one offers a unique role in the healthcare field, thus making it a rewarding choice for your career path. So, here are 20 jobs in the medical field that don’t require a degree:
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, ensuring 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, helping 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, ensuring 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
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.