What are some healthcare jobs that offer a good salary and don't need years of schooling? I'm interested in healthcare but not sure if college or university is the right path for me.
There are indeed several healthcare jobs that offer a competitive salary without requiring extensive years of schooling. Here are a few you might consider:
1. Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): These nurses provide basic nursing care and usually require a state license. They complete a certificate or diploma program which usually takes one year.
2. Medical Assistant: Medical assistants work alongside physicians, primarily in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics. Most programs are a year long and culminate in a certificate or diploma.
3. Radiologic or MRI Technologist: These professionals perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. Many colleges offer associated degree programs in this field, which typically take about two years.
4. Respiratory Therapist: Respiratory therapists provide care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. Most therapists complete a two-year associate's degree.
5. Dental Hygienist: Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventative care. Education programs typically take three years and result in an associate degree.
6. Physical Therapist Assistant: PTAs work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists to help patients recover from illnesses and injuries. Most states require PTAs to have an associate's degree from an accredited program.
7. Paramedic or EMT: Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. Education for this job is typically a postsecondary non-degree program, and training beyond that is needed for paramedics.
Remember, while these jobs may require less education than a doctor or nurse practitioner, they all still require some level of formal postsecondary education or training. Think about what aspects of healthcare you're interested in as you explore these careers.
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