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If you have a passion for healthcare but nursing isn’t your calling, don’t worry! There are plenty of other hospital jobs for individuals looking to turn their compassion for others into a rewarding career.
Healthcare is a diverse industry with a career path for everyone, no matter your background, interests, or level of education. Whether you want to work directly with patients or behind the scenes, you can find a fulfilling career that aligns with your skills and passion.
To help you discover your path in healthcare, let’s explore some common hospital jobs across varying levels of education.
No Degree? No Problem—Hospital Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
The healthcare industry welcomes passionate individuals of all educational backgrounds. If you have a high school diploma or GED, you can kickstart your healthcare career and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Some of the most common hospital jobs that don’t require a college degree include:
- Medical assistant
- Phlebotomist
- Receptionist
These entry-level hospital jobs are ideal for those who don’t have the time or resources to pursue a college degree. By simply earning a certification and completing your training, you can quickly launch your career as a healthcare professional.
Medical assistants help support doctors and other medical staff by performing a variety of clinical and administrative tasks. Some of their clinical duties include taking vitals or administering medications, while some of their administrative tasks could be welcoming patients and scheduling appointments.
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists are responsible for collecting and preparing blood samples. This is an important role in the medical field, as blood samples help doctors provide accurate diagnoses and treatments.
To become a phlebotomist, you will have to complete a certificate program. These programs can usually be completed in a year or less, and some hospitals even allow you to get certified through hands-on training instead.
Yavapai College offers a phlebotomy technician certification course.
Receptionist
Although receptionists don’t perform any clinical duties, they still serve an important role in supporting the overall functioning of a hospital. Their duties typically include scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and establishing communication between different departments.
Learn everything you need to know for a successful career as a receptionist with our Administrative Office Procedures and Customer Support courses.
More Hospital Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
In addition to these well-known job roles, there are many other healthcare career paths that don’t require extensive formal education.
Some more hospital jobs that don’t require a college degree include:
- Medical billing or coding specialist
- Patient services representative
- Mental health technician
- Environmental services (housekeeping)
Whether you’re interested in hands-on patient care or behind-the-scenes administrative duties, there are a variety of healthcare careers to suit your skills and interests.
Beyond the Basics—Hospital Jobs That Require an Associate’s Degree
If you’re looking to take your healthcare career to the next level, there are many hospital jobs available that only require an associate’s degree.
Some common hospital jobs that require an associate's degree include:
- Records manager
- Lab technician
- Physical therapy assistant
Although these jobs require a degree, they usually lead to higher earning potential, increased skill set, and more opportunities for career advancement.
Records Manager
In a hospital, the records manager is in charge of maintaining patient health records and other important documents. As a manager, they’re also responsible for leading a team and ensuring all team members maintain accuracy and patient confidentiality.
To become a records manager, you’ll have to earn an associate's degree in health information management or health administration. In addition to earning a degree, earning a certification in records management can further increase your qualifications.
Learn how to create, organize, and maintain records effectively with our Archiving and Records Management course.
Lab Technician
Lab technicians assist doctors in performing tests, determining diagnoses, and treating patients. After earning a degree, they can work in a variety of departments, including radiology, phlebotomy, and clinical laboratories.
A lab technician's degree determines their specialization and which department they will work in. For example, radiation techs need an associate's degree in radiologic technology, and clinical lab techs need an associate's degree in clinical or medical laboratory technology.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Physical therapy assistants work alongside physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and regain their muscle functions after surgeries. They’re responsible for guiding exercises, connecting with patients, and monitoring their progress.
To become one, you will have to earn an associate’s degree in physical therapy assisting. In addition to earning a degree, a physical therapy assistant needs to earn a certification and be in strong physical health.
More Hospital Jobs That Require an Associate’s Degree
In addition to these job roles, the healthcare industry offers several more career opportunities for those looking to earn an associate’s degree.
Some more hospital jobs that require an associate's degree include:
- Respiratory therapist
- X-Ray technician
- Health information technician
- Cardiovascular technologist
Although it takes a couple of years of hard work, earning an associate’s degree can prepare you for a long and rewarding healthcare career. With the right amount of training and dedication, you can make a positive impact on the lives of others while achieving a stable and fulfilling career.
Advanced Healthcare Careers—Hospital Jobs That Require a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
If you have the time and resources to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you can expand your opportunities in healthcare and qualify for advanced career opportunities.
Some common hospital jobs that require a bachelor’s degree include:
- Health service manager
- Occupational therapist
- Medical laboratory scientist
- Clinical dietician
By spending a couple more years in college, you can earn a master’s degree and qualify for advanced roles like healthcare administrator, physician assistant, or clinical research coordinator. Many employers also offer opportunities for financial assistance for upskilling or education to study for a bachelor’s or master’s while you work there. This can be so you can break into these roles or even into nursing.
Although these roles require higher-level degrees, they come with greater responsibilities and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry. These advanced careers also offer higher salaries and more opportunities to advance in your career.
Discover Your Career in Healthcare at REDC
No matter what level of education you have, REDC at Yavapai College can help you kickstart your career in healthcare.
From a vast catalog of self-paced online courses to regular networking events and job fairs, REDC has what you need to achieve your career goals and become a healthcare professional.