The key? Short-term online training that provides real credentials. You may even be able to use workforce grants to fund your career training. MedCerts is an approved training provider for American Job Centers in 30+ states; there may be fewer barriers to pursuing a new, rewarding career than you think. Here are seven new career paths to consider.
1. Medical Assistant
A medical assistant role is one of the fastest ways to enter the healthcare field with strong earning potential and growth opportunities. The typical salary in the U.S. is $44,200 per year, with an hourly wage of around $21.25.
Duties include taking patients’ vitals, updating medical histories and scheduling appointments. Most positions require a medical assistant certification. An online training program, like the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program through MedCerts, can prepare you to become nationally certified.
2. Phlebotomy Technician
Phlebotomy technicians work in hospitals, clinics and medical labs, collecting blood and other samples for testing, transfusions, donations or research. You don’t need prior experience for this role, but you’ll typically need some training to meet state requirements.
A Certified Phlebotomy Technician program takes about 12 weeks and teaches you how to draw blood and maintain infection control. The typical annual salary is $43,660, though working in outpatient care centers may offer higher pay.
3. Sterile Processing Technician
Sterile processing technicians are responsible for cleaning reusable surgical equipment to help control infection and ensure patient safety. Depending on the state, you’ll need training and certification in sterilization techniques.
Once you have completed our 14-week training program and 400 hours of hands-on experience in a Central Services department, you can expect to earn an average yearly salary of about $57,000. Wages do vary, so there’s plenty of opportunity to grow your career.
4. Medical Billing and Coding Professional
Medical billing and coding involves behind-the-scenes work, often remote, managing insurance claims. It’s an ideal position if you enjoy working with data and are detail-oriented.
The average yearly salary for a billing and coding professional is roughly $46,000. You’ll typically need a billing and coding certification to understand the claims and billing process, the revenue cycle and CPT and ICD codes.
5. Medical Records Specialist
A medical records specialist also understands coding, records and insurance claims. However, a records specialist focuses on patient files and data entry, gathering and recording information and assigning codes.
Records specialists typically earn a median annual salary of $50,250 and may also need certification in billing and coding.
6. IT Helpdesk Administrator
An IT helpdesk administrator is an excellent entry point into a tech career. As you’d expect, an IT helpdesk admin solves IT problems, usually related to wired and wireless network issues.
You’ll need training and certifications in CompTIA A+ and Network+ to understand the tech infrastructure. With these credentials, you can quickly qualify for high-paying jobs with no experience and no degree. The median annual salary for a helpdesk administrator is about $60,340.
7. Network Support Specialist
A network support specialist is an excellent progression from a helpdesk admin. Network support teams install, maintain and fix networks rather than troubleshooting individual computer users.
Some companies may require a degree for this position, but you can also enter this field with IT certifications and still earn a high wage, with a median yearly salary of around $73,340.
These positions are examples of rewarding careers you can pursue without taking on significant student debt. To find the career you can flourish in, consider your interests and goals, and speak with a MedCerts Education Consultant to find the right training program.
