What health care jobs can you get with just a high school diploma?

I'm thinking about entering the health care field but don't plan on attending college right away. Are there any health care jobs that only require a high school diploma? Interested in starting my career straight out of high school.

You're seeking a noble path by considering a career in healthcare straight out of high school. Fortunately, there are several positions in healthcare that you can apply for with just your high school diploma:

1. Medical Assistant: Medical Assistants often work in doctors' offices and clinics, handling administrative tasks and sometimes clinical duties under the direct supervision of a physician. Training is typically on-the-job and can sometimes require a short formal training program.

2. Pharmacy Technician: Pharmacy Technicians work under licensed pharmacists to dispense prescription medication. Training often takes place on-the-job, and in some states, certification might be required, but this usually only entails passing a fairly basic exam.

3. Home Health Aide: Home Health Aides assist elderly, convalescent, or disabled persons live in their own homes instead of healthcare facilities. You'd carry out tasks like helping with bathing and dressing, providing basic health-related services like checking vital signs, and assisting with administering medication. Training is typically done on-the-job by registered nurses.

4. Phlebotomist: Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. They require minimal training which can often be attained at community colleges or technical schools.

5. EMT (Emergency Medical Technician): EMTs provide immediate care to patients at the scene of an emergency and transport patients to hospitals if required. EMTs require state certification, which usually involves completing a training program (often available at community colleges) and passing an exam.

Lastly, while you're not currently planning on attending college, many healthcare institutions offer partnerships or tuition reimbursement programs for their employees to further their education if you ever decide to do so in the future. Best of luck with your future career in healthcare!