I'm exploring career options for after high school, and I'm interested in the healthcare field. I'd love to know more about healthcare jobs that require only a high school diploma. Any recommendations or experiences anyone can share?
Absolutely, let's dive right in! Here are five healthcare careers you can consider, which require only a high school diploma or its equivalent:
1. Home Health Aide: As a home health aide, you’d support patients who are disabled, chronically ill, or cognitively impaired. This can involve basic tasks like bathing, dressing, or meal preparation, as well as health-related tasks such as checking vital signs. While no formal education beyond high school is needed, some states may require brief, on-the-job training or passing a competency exam.
2. Medical Secretary: In this role, you would perform administrative duties in a healthcare setting. Duties typically include scheduling appointments, billing tasks, maintaining medical records, and more. You'd also need a strong understanding of medical terminology.
3. Pharmacy Technician: Another option is to become a pharmacy tech. You would assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing prescription medications, as well as manage inventory, help customers, and perform administrative tasks. In some cases, additional postsecondary education may be required but it's not universal.
4. Medical Assistant: As a medical assistant, you might do everything from administrative work to clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Training is usually done on the job, although some complete 1-year certificate programs to specialize further.
5. Patient Service Representative (or patient coordinator): They serve as a critical link between patients and healthcare providers, handling a slew of administrative duties, including scheduling appointments, giving information to patients, and ensuring patient satisfaction throughout their treatment process.
Before you choose a clear path, it may be beneficial to conduct informational interviews with professionals in these fields or shadow someone to get a day-in-the-life view. It's also important to keep in mind that while these positions only require a high school diploma, many may offer—or even require—onsite training or certification programs to equip you with the necessary skills for the job.
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