Are you looking for a job in healthcare but aren’t sure where to start? Here are 10 entry-level jobs you should know about.

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants provide administrative and clinical assistance in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. Their tasks can vary from answering phones and scheduling appointments, to assisting doctors during patient exams and giving vaccinations. While most Medical Assistants have a postsecondary certification, it is possible to work in this position with just a high school degree.  The average pay for Medical Assistants was about $17.88 per hour in 2021.

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technicians help pharmacists receive, fill, and sell prescriptions to customers, as well as answer any general questions about medication. Most states regulate Pharmacy Technicians, meaning formal education or training for this role is required.  In 2021, Pharmacy Technicians earned around $17.66 per hour.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Nursing Assistants provide essential care to patients in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. In most cases, Nursing Assistants must participate in a state-approved education program to become licensed or certified.  In 2021, Certified Nursing Assistants earned $14.56 per hour.

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists work skillfully to ensure that patients are comfortable and safe while they draw blood for donations, research, and transfusions. Employers looking to hire Phlebotomists typically look for those who have a postsecondary certification in phlebotomy.  Phlebotomists earned around $17.97 per hour in 2021.

Imaging Technician

Whether they’re performing ultrasounds, CAT scans, or X-rays, Imaging Technicians provide essential help to doctors trying to diagnose and treat patients. Most Imaging Technicians need an Associate’s Degree as well as a state license or certification to work.  In 2021, Imaging Technicians earned an average of $29.80 per hour.

Home Health Aide

Home Health Aides provide care largely for the elderly or those with disabilities. While some Health Aides have a high school diploma or equivalent, many positions do not require one. However, those working in hospice care or certified home health may need to complete formal training.  The average pay for Home Health Aides in 2021 was $14.15 per hour.

Medical Records and Health Information Technician

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians work on the administrative side of healthcare, processing and organizing medical documents, insurance records, and patient payment information in hospitals and care facilities. Certification to work in this role is often required, as well as an Associate’s Degree.  In 2021, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians earned an average of $22.43 per hour.

Surgical Technologist

Preparing operating rooms, surgical equipment, and surgical supplies are essential functions of Surgical Technologist’s jobs. Surgical Technologists also provide support to surgeons during operations. Surgical technologists typically need a postsecondary non-degree award or an Associate’s Degree to work.  The average hourly wage for this position in 2021 was $23.32.

Dental Assistant

The day-to-day work of Dental Assistants is usually a blend of clinical and administrative duties. Dental Assistants set up equipment, take X-rays, assist in dental procedures, file patient records, and assist patients with billing and payment. Some states require Dental Assistants to graduate from an accredited program or pass an exam, while others don’t require any formal knowledge or training, and encourage on-the-job learning.  In 2021, Dental Assistants earned around $18.59 hourly.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistants work with Physical Therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries or illnesses through specialized activities and exercises. Physical Therapist Assistants also do administrative work, such as scheduling appointments and completing patient insurance forms. Entering this occupation usually requires an Associate’s degree and a state license or certification to practice.  The average earnings for Physical Therapist Assistants was around $23.64 per hour in 2021. 

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