Healthcare jobs have seen steady growth in recent years. In fact, the industry has routinely outpaced many others, with a growth rate of 7.1% – outpacing the average of 3.8% in non-healthcare industries.
With a 6.8% job openings rate in May 2024, there are solid opportunities to start a new career in the healthcare field. If you’re switching careers or just starting out, you’re likely eager to find your place in this lucrative, people-focused industry. While some careers require years of education, others have shorter training programs that can get you on the job more quickly.
5 Healthcare Careers You Can Achieve in Less Time
Here are five of the best healthcare careers to get your foot in the door with little schooling.
1. EKG Technician
If you enjoy working with high-technology equipment in a patient-first environment, consider becoming an EKG Technician. This program takes 12 weeks to complete and prepares you to assist doctors with stress tests, Holter monitors, blood pressure machines and other critical cardiology technology.
You’ll also receive training in medical terminology and body systems and learn how to interact with patients, doctors and coworkers in professional settings. The Certified EKG Technician (CET) certification completes the course.
2. Electronic Health & Medical Records Specialist
Patient data and medical records are an essential part of healthcare operations, as are the professionals who can manage them. In the 12-week Electronic Health & Medical Records Specialist program, you’ll follow HIPAA and HITECH regulations, learn to interpret diagnostic and procedure codes and use an Electronic Health Record system to document patient records. At the end of the program, you can sit for the Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) certification.
3. Sterile Processing Technician
By becoming a Sterile Processing Technician, you’ll be an integral part of operations at hospitals, nursing facilities, outpatient clinics and other healthcare settings. The 14-week program prepares you to sterilize, document and prepare surgical devices and instruments for procedures. Along with coursework in communications and quality control, virtual simulations and immersive lessons give you the tools to succeed in this hands-on role. You’ll finish by taking the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification.
4. Mental Health Support Specialist
Working as a Mental Health Support Specialist puts you in a highly in-demand role as more people seek mental health services for overall wellness. In this 14-week program, you’ll use a combination of medical knowledge, technical skills and soft skills to support licensed professionals and their patients.
You’ll also learn how to handle intake, check vital signs, provide crisis care, offer treatment support and communicate effectively with a mental health team. At the end of the program, you’ll take the exam for the Mental Health Technician Certification (MHTC).
5. NASM Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach
If you’re passionate about guiding others on their nutrition and fitness journey, you’ll find job satisfaction as a NASM Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach. This role may take you to fitness gyms, clients’ homes or wellness centers, where you’ll help people achieve a healthy lifestyle. During the 18-week training program, you’ll study nutrition plans, fitness routines and various assessments to understand what it takes to support your clients’ health.
Other coursework on medical terminology and anatomy prepares you to work in the allied health field. After finishing the program, you’ll take the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) certifications.
Discover Your Healthcare Passion With MedCerts
In just 12 to 18 weeks, and a certification exam, you could complete the training required to jumpstart your new career. MedCerts is your partner in healthcare education, offering immersive, interactive and 100% online learning programs. Connect with us to discover your passion.
