If you think all healthcare careers require a bachelor’s degree, think again! There are many healthcare careers you can start with a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. These careers can range from surgical technology and medical assisting to nursing and respiratory therapy. In this article, we’ll go over 5 healthcare careers you can start without a bachelor’s degree, what they involve, and the education or training required.
1. Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists take diagnostic images that help doctors identify illnesses, injuries, and other medical concerns. They use X-rays and other imaging equipment to capture scans that show the inside of patients’ bodies.
These healthcare professionals commonly work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient care centers. Their duties can involve:
- Preparing patients for imaging procedures
- Positioning patients and following safety protocols
- Capturing accurate scans with imaging equipment
- Reviewing images with physicians
- Documenting patient procedures
An associate degree can provide a pathway for becoming a radiologic technologist. At American Career College, the Radiography program takes approximately 20 months at our Dallas-Fort Worth campus and 25 months at our Southern California campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Anaheim. The program also helps prepare you for the Radiography certification exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
2. Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists help surgical teams during procedures. They assist before, during, and after surgeries to help procedures run smoothly.
Some surgical technologists work in hospitals, while others work in dental clinics or doctors’ offices. Depending on their role, a surgical technologist’s typical shift can involve these duties:
- Preparing patients and positioning them for operations
- Counting supplies and sterilizing equipment before and after procedures
- Passing supplies to surgeons during procedures
- Handling and disposing of specimens properly
- Maintaining an accurate inventory of surgical supplies
Surgical technologists can enter the field with a post-secondary certificate or an associate degree. ACC offers a Surgical Technology degree program that can be completed in as little as 20 months. The blended program includes a 540-hour externship to help you gain hands-on training in real surgical settings. ACC’s surgical technologist program prepares you for the certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
3. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants often divide their time between patient care and office work, making it an excellent career choice if you enjoy variety in your workdays. They can perform basic clinical tasks and manage administrative responsibilities.
Medical assistants can work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. A day in the life of a medical assistant may include these tasks:
- Asking patients questions about medical histories and symptoms
- Checking patients’ vital signs, like blood pressure and temperature
- Scheduling appointments and updating medical records
- Drawing blood or collecting other samples for lab testing
- Giving injections to patients
Medical assisting is one of several healthcare jobs that don’t require a degree, though these professionals generally need a post-secondary certificate or diploma. The Medical Assistant program at ACC takes as few as 9 months to complete. You can complete coursework online and come to campus 2 days a week for in-person training, with weekend classes available. Although it is not required, the medical assistant program prepares you to sit for the CCMA/CACMA.
4. Licensed Vocational Nurse or Registered Nurse
You might be surprised to learn that nursing is among the healthcare careers you can start without a bachelor’s degree. Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) can provide basic medical care, while registered nurses (RNs) have broader clinical duties.
An LVN’s responsibilities can include:
- Measuring patients’ vital signs
- Changing bandages to prevent infections
- Helping patients bathe, eat, dress, and stay comfortable
- Providing emotional support to patients
In comparison to an LVN, a registered nurse may have these duties:
- Recording patients’ symptoms and conditions
- Giving prescribed medications and treatments
- Using and monitoring medical equipment
- Educating patients on care plans and discharge instructions
You can pursue a career in vocational nursing by completing a certificate or diploma program. ACC’s Vocational Nursing program results in a diploma and takes 12 months to complete, or 18 months through the optional Evenings and Weekends program. The program can help you prepare to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum degree you need to become a registered nurse. The ADN program at American Career College can be completed in as little as 20 months. After completing the program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
5. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists care for people with respiratory problems or breathing issues because of chronic conditions or injuries. They may even provide life-saving care to patients experiencing medical emergencies.
It’s common for respiratory therapists to work in hospitals, though some can work in nursing care facilities and doctors’ offices. While no day looks the same in this role, a respiratory therapist’s duties can involve:
- Evaluating patients with breathing or other respiratory problems
- Conducting tests to assess lung functioning
- Collaborating with physicians and helping create treatment plans
- Providing emergency care to patients who can’t breathe on their own
- Administering respiratory therapies and monitoring patients’ progress
Respiratory therapy is among the hospital positions that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. You can enter the profession with an associate degree in this field. ACC’s Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree program takes approximately 20 months and combines online coursework with hands-on training and experience. After graduation, you’ll be qualified to sit for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exams through the National Board for Respiratory Care.
Find Your Healthcare Career Path at American Career College
There are many healthcare careers you can start without a bachelor’s degree, including clinical roles involved in patient care. Diploma programs and associate degrees can lead to careers in surgical technology, respiratory therapy, nursing, medical assisting, and radiologic technology, among others. Comparing these roles and reflecting on your interests, strengths, and passions can help you choose the right healthcare career for you.
At American Career College, we offer a variety of healthcare diploma and associate degree programs to help you find your path. Many programs combine online coursework with in-person instruction, hands-on experience, and clinical training in real-world settings. These programs can help you prepare for a career in healthcare without requiring a traditional 4-year bachelor’s degree.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a career in healthcare, reach out to request more information today!
