Healthcare is an important sector that's essential for the functioning of any modern society. It's also a field that employs a large workforce and offers a pathway to many different-level careers and employment opportunities. When we think of healthcare, we might think of doctors, specialists, and nurses, which are all positions that require years of advanced education and a degree, but there are several positions within the field that don't require a degree while still offering a chance for a respectable career that will positively impact people's lives and the society as a whole.
With California being the most populous state in the United States, it has a very robust healthcare system that boasts upwards of 1.5 million workers. Unfortunately, California's healthcare system is also chronically understaffed and is constantly suffering shortages.
In today's article we will take a look at a few positions that are open to high-school graduates without a college degree. These positions will require certain certifications, but they are a great pathway into a career in healthcare with room for growth and specialization, be it through certifications, additional education, or on-the-job training,
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
One of the first positions in healthcare that don't require a degree that springs to mind is that of an Emergency Medical Technician(EMT). EMTs are first responders in medical emergencies and provide often crucial care before the patient reaches the hospital. They are in great demand in both urban and rural parts of California.
EMT requirements for California include a high-school diploma, completing an EMT training program, and passing an NREMT certification exam. These programs usually take anywhere between three and six months to finish, after which you can apply for employment in a variety of settings, from ambulances and hospitals to fire stations and police departments.
This is a position that's demanding, both physically and mentally, as it often involves high-pressure situations in unexpected settings, but it is also one that can be extremely rewarding, and the experience gained can be invaluable for potentially switching into other roles within healthcare.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified Nursing Assistants'(CNAs) job is to provide essential support to nurses and doctors. They assist with medical procedures, monitor the patient's vital signs, as well as take care of their hygiene and comfort. Their duties often include assisting the patients with their daily activities like bathing and dressing. This is another position open to high-school graduates after the completion of a relatively short certification program.
State-approved CNA training programs can take between four and twelve weeks, after which the candidate needs to pass the California CNA certification exam to have an opportunity to work in hospitals, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities.
This role is ideal for compassionate and patient people, with a desire to help patients in a hands-on way, and the experience gained can be used if the candidate wants to become a registered nurse(RN) or a licensed vocational nurse(LVN) further down the line after completing additional education.
Medical Assistant (MA)
Medical assistants often work directly under nurses or physicians performing a range of duties from administering medications and scheduling appointments, to handling medical records and billing. The clinical and administrative tasks performed by MAs are both important and varied, making these positions a good choice for high-school graduates to gain a broad experience.
Requirements to become a medical assistant are less strict and some institutions even offer on-the-job training although completing a medical assistant program is highly recommended.
Becoming a medical assistant will introduce you to various tasks, both clinical and administrative which can prove invaluable if you wish to further your education and advance to some other positions within healthcare. It is definitely a good and accessible starting point.
Pharmacy Technician
High-school graduates who are interested in healthcare, but prefer more administrative and technical roles can consider becoming pharmacy technicians. These technicians assist pharmacists in their daily work, performing duties including dispensing prescription medications, providing advice to customers and patients, managing inventory, and maintaining patient records.
Those who would pursue this position will have to complete a pharmacy technician training program or gain work experience as a pharmacy clerk, besides passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board(PTCB) exam.
Conclusion
California's healthcare system is understaffed and is facing increasing shortages. There is a need for both college and high-school graduates, in fact, some of the most sought-after positions don't require a college degree. From nursing assistants and emergency medical technicians to pharmacy assistants and home health aides, there are numerous vacancies throughout the state.
Most of these positions will require additional exams and certification besides a high-school diploma, with courses ranging from four weeks to six months, depending on the course and the certification, but with so many vacancies, employment is virtually guaranteed, so it's a great time to get into healthcare, regardless of the lack of college degree.
