While many jobs in healthcare require degrees and years of extensive education, there are also jobs you can start without a degree. And, there are jobs that are ideal for extroverts, who may want to work directly with the public, and for introverts, who may be more drawn to the technological side of the healthcare field.
Our research partner, Burning Glass, has compiled data to pinpoint the best entry level jobs for those seeking a career in the healthcare field. The top jobs for entry level workers in healthcare include:
Let’s take a quick look at each healthcare job on this list, to learn a little more about each role…
Pharmacy Aid: this healthcare position assists pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with tasks to help operations run smoothly; education required is a high school diploma and previous customer service experience, and most training will be done on-the-job.
Practical/Vocational Nurse: this healthcare role works under the supervision of doctors and RNs, performing duties such as taking vital signs, collecting samples, administering medication, and ensuring patient comfort; while no degree is required, an accredited vocational diploma/certificate will be needed. Be sure to check out Stride’s educational post on top skills for nursing jobs!
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA): this healthcare role works under the supervision of a physical therapist and helps with patients of all ages, who have injuries or health conditions that limit their ability to move and perform daily activities; physical therapy assistants entering the occupation typically need an associate's degree from an accredited program and a license or certification. Physical therapist aides usually need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training.
MRI/CT Technician/Technologist: this healthcare job (or, in some cases, this will be more than one job) operates the scanner technologies to create diagnostic images for the physician and maintains the equipment; an associate’s degree and/or certification may be required, but this will vary depending on the needs of each individual role within this aspect of care.
Dental Hygienist: this healthcare position assists dentists by providing dental cleanings, helping with screenings, and aiding the dentist in their clinical work; an associate’s degree and state licensure will likely be required for this job.
There are many roles and career paths within the large professional field of healthcare, and there are lots of jobs suited to all different personality types and interests. If you think a job in healthcare may be for you, check out some of Stride’s Career Prep options to learn more!
