There are plenty of opportunities in healthcare, and you don’t always have to have a four-year college degree to start a rewarding and fulfilling career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights several growing healthcare career paths that are accessible to individuals without a bachelor’s degree.
We’ll take a look at the five healthcare professions, which offer job growth, meaningful work and competitive median salaries.
- Medical Records and Health Information Technicians:
Job Growth: 8% (Faster than average)
Summary: Medical records and health information technicians are the backbone of the healthcare system. They manage and organize patient data, ensuring its accuracy and confidentiality. Technicians use electronic health records (EHR) software to code and categorize information, making it easily accessible to healthcare professionals.
Median Salary: $45,720 per year
- Dental Hygienists:
Job Growth: 10% (Faster than average)
Summary: Dental hygienists work closely with dentists to provide preventive dental care. They clean patients’ teeth, examine for oral diseases, take X-rays, and educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices. Their work is vital in maintaining good oral health.
Median Salary: $77,090 per year
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians:
Job Growth: 15% (Much faster than average)
Summary: Medical and clinical laboratory technicians collect samples and conduct tests that help doctors diagnose and treat patients. They work with various lab equipment and technology, analyzing blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids to uncover crucial information about a patient’s health.
Median Salary: $54,180 per year
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN):
Job Growth: 9% (Faster than average)
Summary: LPNs and LVNs provide essential patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They monitor patients, administer medications, change dressings, and ensure patients’ comfort. Their compassionate care plays a critical role in healthcare settings.
Median Salary: $48,820 per year
- Pharmacy Technicians:
Job Growth: 5% (Faster than average)
Summary: Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing prescription medications. They also interact with patients, process insurance claims, and maintain accurate records. As the healthcare industry continues to expand, the demand for pharmacy technicians remains strong.
Median Salary: $35,100 per year
These five growing healthcare career opportunities provide accessible paths to a fulfilling profession. The healthcare sector is offering a wide range of options for those without a college degree, whether you want to manage medical records, support dental hygiene, perform crucial laboratory tests, provide treatment, or help in a pharmacy. These careers continue to play an essential role in shaping the welfare of people and communities as healthcare continues to grow, which makes them attractive choices for anyone who is seeking a positive impact in this field.
All information on this page is cited back to www.bls.gov. This information is provided for informational purposes only.
