I'm not sure if I want to go to college or get into the workforce right after graduating. What kind of medical vocational jobs could I consider, and do they typically require any post-high school education?
Exploring vocational jobs in the medical field is a great path if you're eager to enter the workforce soon after high school—it's rewarding, often stable work, and given the high demand for healthcare professionals, job prospects are often favorable. Here are a few options:
1. Medical Assistant: Medical assistants often handle both administrative and clinical tasks under a physician's supervision, such as scheduling appointments, taking vital signs, and drawing blood. There are certification programs commonly offered at community colleges or vocational schools, and they typically take a year or less to complete.
2. Pharmacy Technician: They assist pharmacists in managing the supply of medicines and give advice to patients. They must complete a pharmacy technician program and earn certification, which typically involves a year or less.
3. EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) or Paramedic: They provide immediate care for the sick or injured in emergency settings. Training programs are relatively short (less than a year for EMTs, 1-2 years for paramedics), and certification is required.
4. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): LPNs provide basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or doctors. Becoming an LPN typically involves a 1-2-year training and licensing program.
5. Phlebotomist: They draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. To become a phlebotomist, you'll need to complete a phlebotomy program, typically a few months long, and get certification.
6. Medical Coder: They translate patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Their health information is used for data analysis and payment. Certification can be obtained after completing a coding program in less than a year.
While most of these careers require some level of formal training or certification after high school, none necessitate a four-year degree. Keep in mind this is just a quick snapshot of medical vocational jobs. Don't limit your search to just these - there are many more paths you can take that fit your skills and interests! Make sure to look into each option to see what suits you best.
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