The future of work is here, and it doesn’t always require a formal degree to have a great job. There are numerous high paying healthcare careers that can be achieved with very little education. A simple certificate or certification can land you a high-demand position with a competitive payout; and many of these can be awarded in less than a year, putting you on the fast track to a better career.
According to a Business Insider study, at least 64% of jobs in 2026 will require no education beyond high school, compared with 25% of jobs that will likely require a four-year degree. Obtaining a certificate or certification increases your potential to get the job and make more money. And you won’t be crushed by heavy student debt.
Several healthcare careers come out on top. We’ve generated this list of some of the top paying healthcare careers requiring no formal degree:
Patient Care Technicians
The need for Patient Care Technicians is growing quickly due to an aging population. They work closely with nurses by assisting patients in drawing blood, managing food intake, administering IVs, and much more. The median salary is $36,605*.
Medical Administrative Assistants
Medical Administrative Assistants are the first point of contact for patients checking in at the front desk in a hospital, clinic or physicians office. They perform administrative tasks like compiling medical records, scheduling appointments, transferring lab results and operating office equipment. The median salary is $30,000*.
Certified Electronic Health Records Specialists
Certified Electronic Health Records (EHR) Specialists organize and manage health information data. They typically work in doctor’s offices and hospitals. Some technicians may work from home. Job opportunities for Certified Electronic Health Records Specialists is expected to increase by 11% by 2026. The median salary is $40,350*.
Medical Billing and Coding Technicians
Medical Billing and Coding Technicians use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories. They typically work in doctor’s offices and hospitals. Some technicians may work from home. Job opportunities for Medical Billing and Coding Technicians is expected to increase by 8% by 2026. The median salary is $42,630*.
Why Get a Healthcare Certificate or Certification instead of a degree?
There are many benefits to completing a healthcare certificate program and/or earning a certification.
- A certificate program will boost your skills and abilities. Earning a certificate will show your dedication to your work with continued learning.
- Certifications show that a person has gained skills in a particular field and has passed a nationally recognized exam. Certifications can also make you more attractive to potential employers.
- No lifelong student debt to repay. Certificate and certification programs are very affordable, and many schools have available financing and payment plans to help you achieve your dreams.
- You don’t have to wait four years to earn a degree and then spend another year looking for a job in your field. You can be in your new career in less than a year earning just as much as some individuals with college degrees.
Are you ready to start a new high paying healthcare career in less than a year? Call 844-292-8641 today to learn more about certificate and certification training that could have you in a new career and making a great salary within a year.
*data provided by BLS
