I'm interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and would love to know what medical jobs are available directly after high school. Are there positions that offer on-the-job training or support further education in this field?
Absolutely, there are certainly medical jobs that you can start right after high school, some of which offer on-the-job training and even support for further education. Here are a few options.
1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs provide basic care to patients and assist them in daily activities. No college degree is required and CNA training programs, which usually take 4-12 weeks, are readily available.
2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): EMTs respond to emergency calls, perform basic medical procedures, and transport patients to medical facilities. Training can typically be completed in less than a year.
3. Phlebotomist: Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. Most phlebotomists receive on-the-job training and/or can complete a certification program in less than a year.
4. Medical Assistant: Medical Assistants perform administrative and certain clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Training programs usually can be completed within a year or two.
5. Pharmacy Technician: They assist the pharmacists with dispensing information to patients and health professionals. Many pharmacy technicians learn through on-the-job training, but others complete a postsecondary education program.
Note that these roles typically require a certification or specialized training program, which can often be completed in a few weeks to a few months. Additionally, many healthcare facilities offer tuition reimbursement or scholarships for employees interested in advancing their career in healthcare. Hence, these jobs not only give you valuable experience and income right after high school, but they can also support your goals of further education in the healthcare field.
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