If the thought of spending years in school and taking on student debt feels like a barrier to your dream of a healthcare career, you’re not alone. The good news? The healthcare industry offers a wealth of opportunities that don’t require a college degree—just the right training.
Whether you’re interested in behind-the-scenes administrative work or prefer the dynamic nature of patient-facing care, there are plenty of careers in healthcare support with shorter education timelines. For some roles, you may even be able to complete certification and training in as little as a year.
To help you explore your options, we’ve put together a guide on 7 healthcare careers that don’t require a degree—along with the programs at The College of Health Care Professions that can help you get started.
The Benefits of Pursuing No-Degree Healthcare Jobs
As the healthcare industry continues to grow, it presents an increasing number of career paths that don’t require the long commitment of a traditional four-year degree. With many healthcare jobs available through certificate or diploma programs, you can start pursuing entry-level roles faster than you might expect. These opportunities provide a practical and efficient route to a stable, rewarding field without the burden of prolonged education. If you’re eager to begin your career right away, a nondegree healthcare job could be the ideal choice.
Experience Your Role on Your Terms with Less Pressure
Many entry-level healthcare jobs can serve as stepping-stones into your career, offering a chance to gain hands-on experience before committing to a long-term career path. Choosing to start with a healthcare job that doesn’t require a degree allows individuals to:
- Understand the Day-to-Day Realities of the Job: Healthcare careers can be fast-paced and demanding, but they are also incredibly rewarding. An entry-level position provides first-hand insight into what working in a hospital, clinic, or medical office is really like.
- Determine the Right Fit: Some people enter the healthcare field with a specific career in mind, only to realize they’re more interested in another role. For example, a medical assistant might discover a passion for diagnostic imaging, or a pharmacy technician might decide to pursue nursing.
- Develop Transferable Skills: Many healthcare roles require foundational skills like patient interaction, medical terminology, and administrative tasks. These skills can be beneficial across different healthcare specialties, making it easier to transition into new roles with additional training.
- Build Professional Connections: Working in an entry-level position allows individuals to network with experienced healthcare professionals who can offer guidance, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.
Strong Job Growth and Demand
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare employment is projected to grow at a pace much faster than the national average, with an estimated 2 million new jobs added to the market each year. This rapid expansion underscores the increasing demand for healthcare professionals.
Flexible Training Options
Many healthcare training programs offer flexible learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid formats. This allows students to balance their education with work, family, and other responsibilities. Online and hybrid programs, in particular, provide opportunities for individuals who may not be able to attend traditional in-person classes due to scheduling constraints.
Opportunities for Career Advancement
With additional certifications, training, or experience, individuals can pursue higher-paying positions with more responsibility. For instance:
Ready to get started? Explore the top medical jobs that don’t require a degree below.
Top 7 Medical Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
Clinical Medical Jobs Accessible without a Degree
1. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are essential healthcare professionals who work alongside doctors and nurses to provide patient care. They handle both clinical and administrative tasks, including taking vital signs, assisting with exams, and managing patient records.
2. Dental Assistant
Dental assistants support dentists during procedures, take X-rays, and educate patients on oral hygiene. They also manage administrative duties, making them a crucial part of any dental office.
- Where You Can Work: Dental offices, orthodontic clinics, specialty dental practices
- Job Outlook: 8% growth (2023-2033)
- How to Get Started: CHCP offers an online and on-campus Dental Assistant Certificate Program aimed at providing the opportunity for students to acquire essential knowledge and hands-on skills to pursue entry-level dental assisting roles.
3. Phlebotomy Technician
Phlebotomy technicians specialize in drawing blood for testing, transfusions, and donations. This role is ideal for individuals who want to work in healthcare but prefer a focused, specialized skill set.
4. Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT)
LMRTs operate X-ray equipment to help diagnose injuries and illnesses under the supervision of radiologic technologists or physicians.
5. Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists assist surgeons by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, and helping during procedures.
Administrative Medical Jobs Without a Degree
6. Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
Medical billing and coding specialists process patient records and insurance claims, ensuring that healthcare facilities receive proper reimbursement. These careers are great for those who prefer working behind the scenes in healthcare.
- Where You Can Work: Hospitals, insurance companies, private medical practices, remote opportunities
- Job Outlook: 9% growth (2023-2033)
- How to Get Started: CHCP's Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Program (available on-campus and online) provides the opportunity to learn skills needed to pursue entry-level positions in the field.
7. Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing medications, managing inventory, and helping customers understand prescriptions. This role requires strong attention to detail and customer service skills.
- Where You Can Work: Retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities
- Job Outlook: 7% growth (2023-2033)
- How to Get Started: CHCP offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program (on-campus and online) that aims to provide students with the opportunity to learn core skills and prepare to sit for national certification exams.
Why Choose The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) for Your Healthcare Training?
CHCP provides industry-relevant training and flexible learning options to help students begin pursuing their healthcare careers. Hands-on experience through labs, externships, and real-world simulations all offer the opportunity for students to develop practical skills, while flexible scheduling accommodates busy lifestyles with in-person, online, or hybrid learning.
CHCP also offers career services support, including job placement assistance, employer partnerships, and resume-building resources. As an accredited school, CHCP maintains high education standards, preparing graduates to sit for industry-recognized certifications and the pursuit of entry-level roles in the healthcare workforce, with access to a supportive learning environment and experienced faculty.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Healthcare Career
You don't need a degree to start a meaningful career in healthcare. With CHCP's certificate programs, you can train for your desired job in months—not years.
Explore the answers to frequently asked questions to learn more about everything available to you at CHCP. You can also contact us today to speak with an advisor or apply today to take the first step toward your new career!
