Healthcare Careers Requiring Limited Education
The job market has in no way, shape, or form become an easy place to navigate. Jobs are hard to come by, and many of the industries that were once thriving no longer exist. For many college students, this has meant switching from liberal arts degrees to more practical programs such as pre-med or education.
However, not everyone has the ability to dedicate 4 or more years of their life to higher education, and many of those who can’t already have jobs – they are simply looking to switch to something with greater pay and upward mobility. If you are interested in the field of healthcare, there are career options available that don’t require a four year degree. Such healthcare positions include:
Pharmacy Tech
A pharmacy tech works in a pharmacy and assists the pharmacists. While they do help fill prescriptions and orders for patients, they also help with basic clerical duties so that they pharmacist doesn’t have to. While the average pharmacy tech earns around $38,000 a year, those who become tech supervisors can earn more. In order to become a pharmacy tech, those interested much complete a two- year program and pass their board exams.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
As the healthcare industry becomes more reliant on technology, the need for medical billing and coding specialists has only increased. Medical billing and coding specialists enter the code medical facilities and insurance companies used to communicate with each other. Programs generally take a year or less to complete, and the average salary is equivalent to that of a pharmacy technician: $38,000.
Radiation Tech
Radiation tech take x-rays and other scans such as CAT or MRIs, and analyzes the data shown. They may also take ultrasounds or mammograms. To become a radiation tech, those interested must complete an accredited two-year program and pass their board exams. The average salary for a radiation tech is $57,000; however, many choose to pursue an additional year long program to become a radiation therapist which substantially increases their salary.
The job market is tough, so even those with the right education may still struggle with finding a job. However, because of the hands-on experience often provided by healthcare training programs, many students are given the experience necessary for success.
