Many of us assume that having a degree is a necessity if you want to work in healthcare. And for many roles, it is a necessity – almost all nurses and doctors must have some type of college degree. However, there are some roles that don’t require obtaining a degree. If you’re eager to get into healthcare but don’t fancy going to college, why not consider one of these careers?
Home health aide:
Home health aides are technically a type of nurse. They go into patients’ homes and provide much of the role of a carer, but are also qualified to administer various medications and treatments, as well as running vital signs tests. A nursing degree is one avenue into this field, however, you can also become a home health aide by doing on-the-job training. A high school diploma and some basic first aid certification could help you to break into this career. It’s ideal for people that want the reward of nursing without having to work in a hospital setting.
Phlebotomist:
A phlebotomist is trained to take blood from patients. This blood may be used for sampling or as donations. These healthcare professionals work at hospitals, local clinics and blood banks. You do not need a degree to become a phlebotomist. You will need to undergo phlebotomy training – which can take several months. If you’re not squeamish about needles or blood and are eager to work in healthcare, this could be a field to consider. Explore vacancies in your local area online.
Hospital receptionist:
You do not need a degree to work at the reception desk of a hospital or clinic. Some receptionist work experience could be beneficial – and there are healthcare admin courses that you can take to further improve your chances. However, many hospitals and clinics offer on-the-job training without qualifications or experience being necessary. As you will be in charge of booking appointments and processing people, you will need to show that you have a good level of organization and that you’re good at talking to people.
Medical biller:
Medical billers handle the task of giving patients invoices, receiving payments and setting up payment plans. All hospitals and clinics employ billers – who may or may not work on site. You do not need a degree to become a medical biller, however a medical billing and coding program does need to be completed, which takes about four to six weeks. Experience in accounting or general billing may help you get your foot in the door, but is not necessary. Generally speaking, this job is suited for people with an interest in finance who have good analytical and communication skills.
MRI technician:
MRI technicians operate magnetic resonance imaging machinery in order to take 3D images of patients’ internal organs. These images are used to diagnose and treat a variety of different health problems. To become an MRI technician, you will need to enroll in an MRI tech program at a local hospital. You do not need a bachelor’s degree to enroll in one of these programs, but many hospitals will require a two year community college degree. So technically you do need a degree for this one – but not a full bachelor’s degree.
Cardiovascular technician:
The role of cardiovascular technician only requires an associates degree at a community college. This job involves using various equipment to monitor the heart health of patients, as well as helping prepare equipment like stents and pacemakers. The role of a cardiovascular technician comes with a lot of responsibility, but can be incredibly rewarding. Once you have a community college degree, you will need to undergo on-the-job training to receive your license.
EMT:
EMT stands for ‘emergency medical technician’. These professionals are trained to provide basic life support, often going out in ambulances to attend to patients in emergencies. They then have the job of transporting patients to the hospital to receive further care. A bachelor’s degree is rarely necessary when becoming an EMT. You will need to obtain CPR certification and then complete an EMT program – which is a 170 hour course.
Paramedic:
What’s the difference between an EMT and a paramedic? Generally speaking, paramedics have more advanced training. Along with providing emergency care, they are qualified to administer medication, interpret ECGs and carry out an array of emergency procedures. They typically work with EMTs and are called to the most serious emergencies. While a bachelor’s degree can be a quick route into the role of paramedic, you can also become a paramedic without a bachelor’s degree. You will generally need to become licensed as an EMT first. Then after several years, you can undergo paramedic training.
Interested in the medical field minus the degree? Explore these options today!
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