If you dream of a career in the medical field, you may think you need to go to college for four years and then medical school to boot. Fortunately, there are many lucrative positions that don’t require a four-year degree. A few even require weeks rather than years of training. Here are some of them.
1. Medical Biller and Coder
Every medical office needs someone who can add the right codes to medical billing statements and then submit them to insurance companies for reimbursement. In addition to processing insurance claims, these people also review them to make sure they’re correct. You can begin a career in medical billing & coding and earn, on average, $50,000 a year.
2. Dental Assistant
If you are good at keeping things organized, and you communicate easily with others, you can train at a local vocational school or community college to become a dental assistant. Researchers have found that vocational schools are a better bet at getting a good-paying job. The health industry is one of the biggest employers in the nation and more jobs will be created in the coming years. Best of all, you can get into this area and start making money quickly. It’s a great way to have a good-paying career without being stuck with student loans.
3. Community Health Worker
If you like working with communities, consider becoming a community health worker. You’ll provide healthcare education and coordinate blood pressure screening and other health services. Check with your state to see if certification is required. If so, you can typically find training either online or at a vocational school.
4. Licensed Practical Nurse
You can also attend vocational school or take an online course to get training as a licensed practical nurse. An LNP gives out medications and takes care of wounds as well as helps bathe patients. You must pass an exam to be certified. If you choose to take an online course, make sure it’s accredited by the National League for Nursing. The pay is $47,000 a year.
5. Surgical Technologist
A surgical technologist sets up the operating room and makes sure everything is sterile. The technologist also hands instruments to the surgeon and gets patients ready for surgery. You can take online training to do this. The pay is more than $48,000 per year.
6. Certified Nursing Assistant
A certified nursing assistant is an entry-level job working directly with patients. You’ll be helping patients bathe and get dressed as well as help them with eating. You also take vital signs and do housekeeping tasks. You may have to take stool and urine samples as well as handle bedpans, so a strong stomach is required. You can train to become a CNA at a local vocational school. The pay is $29,000 per year.
The health industry is one of the biggest employers in the nation and more jobs will be created in the coming years. Best of all, you can get into this area and start making money quickly. It’s a great way to have a good-paying career without being saddled with student loans.
