5 Healthcare Careers That You Can Learn On The Job

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A bachelor's degree isn't for everyone. Some people don't want to be stuck with large student loans, others have to care for children and some are just not college material. For those who don't attend college, the challenge is to find a career that will allow them to earn a descent living, offer benefits and provide some sort of job security. The best way to do this is to find a job that will provide training while you work.



For example, there are many entry-level positions in the healthcare industry that will provide on-the-job training. Healthcare is a steadily growing field that offers high paying jobs with long-term job security. In fact, the BLS predicts that the medical field will continue to grow through 2018. If you're interested in healthcare, here are 5 careers that you can learn on the job:



Dental Assistant - A dental assistant has a wide range of jobs and they are always in demand. They work as a helper to a dentist and learn to provide basic dental services, along with keeping records and other clerical duties. Although many people elect to attend a dental assistant program, there is no requirement to do so. There are many dentists who would be willing to hire an enthusiastic person who is willing to learn.



Pharmacy Technicians -  Pharmacy technicians receive prescription request, enter in patient information, help keep records and wait on customers, among other things. It's a great job and most technicians are trained on the job. There is no standard training requirements or certifications needed.



Physical Therapy Aides - A physical therapy aide helps the therapist provide treatments and procedures to patients. It's an exciting job that helps people recover from injuries and increase their mobility. Most physical therapists hire physical therapy aids and give them in depth, clinical training on the job.



Medical Assistants - Although many people enroll in medical assisting programs, there isn't an educational requirement. Medical assistants help to prepare patients and exam rooms. They help take medical histories and do many other things to help a medical office run smoothly. In addition, this career is expected to be in demand over the next few years.



Medical Secretaries - Medical secretaries keep up-to-date patient files and are responsible for many important administrative and clerical duties. Most medical secretaries start out in entry-level positions with no training. As they work, they acquire more advanced skills and move on to higher paying positions.



The healthcare industry offers something for everyone. Even those who don't have college degrees.

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  • Kevi  R
    Kevi  R
    This website is very informative. I have personally thought of going back to school to train for two or more of these careers, but now I have checked my background and know I am  qualified to do these jobs by using the skills I all ready have. Thank you for the extra info.
  • Melisssa Kennedy
    Melisssa Kennedy
    Thanks for the comments! There are lots of jobs that don't require degrees. Just look for entry-level jobs that have a clear career path. Even if you need to further your education while you work, on the job training lets you find out if a career is right for you.@brodget, I'm not sure how physical therapy aides are hired in real world conditions. According to the BLS, there are no formal educational requirements. Like with everything, employers can require additional qualifications. It's good to know that a 2 year degree would improve the odds of getting hired.
  • Laroma W
    Laroma W
    I agree, I think that on the job training is the best training.
  • Eileen C
    Eileen C
    I agree, I have 20 plus years of experience in the medicalfield , I know everything there is to know about the front office; I worked at HCH for the last 16 yearsand I am still having a hard time finding a medical office manager position, because I don't have a Bachelors degree!I know everything about coding, but no certification!
  • Sevasti G
    Sevasti G
    I wish   I could find a job with the possibility to learn on the job.
  • Titania C
    Titania C
    I have just finish my Medical Assistant training and i would love to start my entry level job today
  • Robyn T
    Robyn T
    I am so glad I seen this article. I just finished classes in Medical  Assistant, Phlebotomy, EKG, and Billing and Coding. I will receive my certification certificates in about 2 weeks. I would love to start my new career with an entry-level job.
  • Catherine B
    Catherine B
    I have a past history with medical office work. I have tried to return to the profession without success. I learned everything I know from on the job training. I want to have that opportunity again. I must be doing something wrong. I,m not sure what I'm doing wrong. All I want is a chance.
  • Kathleen L
    Kathleen L
    I am now a Master's level therapist, MentalHealth, but am also interested in a Physicaltherapy aide. Could you send some info.? tx,
  • LOIS V
    LOIS V
    I found this article very well informed.  I am looking for a job in my field that pays more money, or a part time job that I can use to go along with the job I have now.  Pharmacy Technician  sounded interesting and requires no degree or courses and can help with our income.   This article, I think gives us (people with no college degrees) hope that we can make good money and are an asset to the companies that we work for.  
  • Nancy H
    Nancy H
    It's a shame that most people only think of doctor or nurse when they think of healthcare careers.  This article points to the many opportunities within the healthcare industry that are available and that offer training to those who "think" they may be interested.   . . . .  a good way to find out if you truly are.
  • Pamela  J
    Pamela  J
    I found this site to be very informative I did not  know that those certain field did not require you to have a degree. I always wanted to be a nurse and work with people now I know that there are other way and area that I can assist in help someone. I am presently going for my Bachelor Degree in Health Administration, I already have my Associate Degree in that field I, also see Medical Secretaries an Medical Assistance would be nice. So what would I need to do to get started.   
  • Linda N
    Linda N
    The info is very interesting, but it very difficult to get a job like that, unless you are already working for that company or business and you desire to move up using seniority etc;...or even work ethics.
  • brodget c
    brodget c
    I totally disagree with your physical therapy aide comment. A physical therapy assistant is a 2 year associates degree. I am a RN with over 20 years experience in varied healthcare settings.   I have never seen a physical therapy assistant who did not have a 2 year degree in the field.  
  • syreeta h
    syreeta h
    That was very helpful. I didn't know that you could apply for some of those positions without having a degree. I've been trying to get a job in the medical field for awhile now but most positions i apply for expect for you to have all this experience already. All i have is customer service experience but if someone would only give me a chance i know i could at least do entry level.
  • Denise B
    Denise B
    I live in Rochester, NY, and have an Associates Degree in Medical Assisting and it's difficult to find a job because every employer is looking for experienced workers.Maybe no training works in towns and rural areas but not in cities and the same for medical secretaries. I've been looking for almost 6 months and have had only one interview.
  • Carol F
    Carol F
    It's impossible to find these type of jobs without having an in within the company.
  • Anna S
    Anna S
    I want to know job opening as a Medical Secretaries position.
  • Anna S
    Anna S
    I would like to know about job opening as an entering position  to start to work in a hospital or etc. in medical field
  • Laura L
    Laura L
    Awesome! Thank you!

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