6 Best Healthcare Careers that Don’t Require Medical School










While most people think of doctors and nurses when they discuss healthcare jobs, it’s far from being a narrow industry encompassing a wide range of professionals – including roles like professional caregivershealth unit coordinators and healthcare IT technicians.

In fact, the healthcare industry is projected to grow by a solid 10% through 2033, with many healthcare courses for non-medical students. Some sectors, like allied health and healthcare support, are expected to grow by an impressive 15%. In short, the outlook is strong for stable, in-demand healthcare careers that require minimal time in school.

6 Healthcare Trainings for Non-Medical Students

If you’re looking to enter healthcare without committing to years of education, these six quick healthcare certifications are a great place to start.

1. Phlebotomy Technician

The 12-week Phlebotomy Technician program teaches you about anatomy and infection control while also covering how to collect specimens and put patients at ease. You’ll learn how to maintain and store venipuncture equipment and understand medical ethics. 

Certification earned: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

Average salary: $38,391

2. Electronic Health Records Specialist

Healthcare facilities depend on accurate medical records, and this is where you come in as an Electronic Health Records Specialist. Over 12 weeks, you’ll learn to handle, manage and update patient data across the organization. From following ethical and legal requirements to charting patient records, you’ll work with diverse teams to support patient care.  

Certification earned: Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

Average salary: $45,792

3. Professional Caregiver

These healthcare workers care for patients in their own homes and in hospitals, nursing homes or assisted living settings. The Professional Caregiver program runs for 13 weeks and trains you to assist patients with their daily living activities, from bathing to meal preparation. You’ll also learn the importance of empathy and strong interpersonal skills in listening and communication.  

Certification earned: Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

Average salary: $30,214

4. Medical Assistant

Over 28 weeks, the Medical Assistant program prepares you for an exciting role assisting patients in doctors’ offices, hospitals and outpatient clinics. This vital career blends administrative tasks like scheduling and front office procedures with clinical duties like taking medical histories, recording vital signs, administering medications and supporting minor procedures. 

Certifications earned: Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Average salary: $43,350

5. Medical Office Behavior Technician

Mental health is a vital part of the healthcare industry. By training to become a Medical Office Behavior Technician, you’ll learn about the different social and neurological conditions patients experience. This 18-week program trains you to support patients in managing and building daily living skills. Depending on the setting, you might work with patients of all ages to build communication. 

Certifications earned: Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Average salary: $39,359

6. Physical Therapy Aide

The 18-week Physical Therapy Aide program focuses on supporting patients as they recover from injuries or debilitating illnesses. From positioning patients to educating them about mobility devices and setting up treatment areas, there’s a lot to physical therapy. You’ll also gain experience in administrative tasks, including patient intake and progress reporting. 

Certifications earned: Physical Therapy Technician Certification (PTTC) and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Average salary: $27,161

Enter the Healthcare Field with MedCerts Training

There’s a lot to love about the medical and healthcare field, from its patient focus to its integration of technology. But one thing might be holding you back: your education. With healthcare programs for non-medical students, you can train for an exciting, secure healthcare role that remains resilient in the face of AI and offers opportunities to grow throughout your career.

Written by

Dana Janssen

Chief Product Officer

Dana has over twenty (20) years’ experience in Allied Healthcare and Education, and currently serves as the Chief Product Officer for MedCerts where he is responsible for product vision and strategy, research, and development.

Dana joined MedCerts upon its founding in 2009, and has led the research, development, and production of the entire catalog of programs that have helped MedCerts transform the distance learning landscape. Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and innovative instructional design practices, Dana and his team have pioneered the development of the MedCerts 12 Elements of eLearning. Each MedCerts program contains a proprietary blend of these engaging, interactive, and entertaining elements that effectively accommodate learners of all types. Dana is deeply in-tune with the needs of today’s healthcare employers and is an expert in careers and certifications related to allied health.

Dana holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (BS) degree from Valparaiso University, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Davenport University. Dana is an avid sports fan and in his free time enjoys mountain biking, woodworking, knifemaking, and spending time with his family and pets.

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