When it comes to embarking on a successful healthcare career path, it is often assumed that higher education and an advanced degree is the only way to go. However, this is not always the case, as many people have landed successful hospital jobs without a degree. This guide will help you find the best hospital job with a GED.
It might surprise you to learn that the medical industry is always taking on new medical staff who haven’t been to college or don’t have a medical degree. If you are passionate about working in a hospital but have not pursued higher education, read on to find out how you can find high-paying hospital jobs without a degree.
What Is a Hospital Job?
A hospital job refers to any job that is performed by either clinical or non-clinical staff within a hospital setting. Regardless of the type of job, everyone working in a hospital is responsible for contributing to basic care for patients, either directly or indirectly.
Anyone wishing to pursue a hospital job with a General Educational Development (GED) diploma would take on a role as part of the non-clinical staff. This basically means that their responsibilities would not include daily tasks they aren’t qualified for, such as administering medication, taking a blood sample, taking blood pressure, or other treatments.
What Do Hospital Jobs Pay?
In 2020, the average salary for healthcare support jobs was $29,960, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These entry-level healthcare jobs don’t require a degree. In addition, the BLS states that the healthcare industry is projected to see a 16 percent job growth between 2020 and 2030. This will lead to the creation of 2.6 million jobs, many of which will be available for those without degrees.
There are currently, and there will continue to be, numerous options and opportunities to choose from for anyone passionate about healthcare. If you are looking for a high-paying healthcare job without a degree you may consider becoming a physical therapist or a physician assistant.
What Skills Do You Need to Land a Hospital Job?
Interpersonal Communication
Working in healthcare often requires you to be able to get information from patients and communicate with them about their concerns. To do this effectively, you must adopt an approach that makes them feel comfortable with disclosing personal information to you.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking skills are what give you the ability to analyze and interpret any information you receive and decide how to act going forward. This is especially important in hospitals, as every decision made affects the lives of patients and their families.
Attention to Detail
The importance of attention to detail cannot be stressed enough within the healthcare industry. Because a hospital job can often involve life or death situations, all details matter, both big and small. Being alert and attentive is an integral part of the job.
What Education Do You Need to Get a Hospital Job?
Working in healthcare and getting a hospital job without a degree will require you to have, at minimum, a high school diploma or GED at the time of your application. Prior experience in a similar role may also be required.
The education you need to get a hospital job is dependent on what type of job you will be pursuing. The most popular occupations in the field are doctors and medical assistants. Clinical hospital jobs require you to have a specialized degree and professional certification, whereas some non-clinical jobs do not.
Why College Is Not for Everyone
Today, there are many different paths to take for those who either don’t have the option to attend college, don’t want to, or can’t afford to. We’ve come a long way from the days when getting a traditional education and obtaining a degree were regarded as the only ways to pursue a career.
Some of the world’s most successful people didn’t attend college at all or dropped out early, including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg. While higher education has its merits and is a requirement for a lot of professions, it is not the only path to success.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Hospital Job?
Yes, a coding bootcamp can help you get a hospital job. There are several hospital jobs that require coding skills. For these positions, the best coding bootcamps can enhance your candidacy during the application process. They include a medical coding specialist, medical records coordinator, medical billing specialist, and health information clerk.
Coding in hospitals is primarily used to store and update patients’ medical records and manage their data. This is then used for billing purposes and insurance claims. As a medical coder, you need to obtain your high school diploma or GED before you can enroll in a coding bootcamp.
How to Get a Hospital Job with a GED
Choose the Right Job for You
There are many career opportunities available in the healthcare industry that allow people without degrees to provide medical services. With so many options, it’s important to identify where your interests and passions lie and choose the job that aligns with those variables.
Find Out All the Requirements
Each job is different and will have different requirements. Some may only require a high school diploma and offer on-the-job training. Others might require you to get additional training or pass a certification exam before you can be considered for the role.
Hands-on Experience
When you’ve completed your GED and training, look for volunteer or internship opportunities that will allow you to put your knowledge and skills to practice under the supervision of an expert.
Apply for the Job You Want
Now that you have your certifications and some on-the-job training, you get to show what you’re capable of. All that is left at this point is to apply for hospital jobs and start a rewarding career.
High-Paying Hospital Jobs Without a College Degree
| Job | Median Salary | Outlook |
| Surgical Technologist | $49,710 | 9% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $48,820 | 9% |
| Medical Records and Health Information Specialist | $45,240 | 9% |
| Massage Therapist | $43,620 | 32% |
| Dental Assistant | $41,180 | 11% |
| Medical Administrative Assistant | $40,990 | -7% |
| Optician | $38,530 | 6% |
| Paramedic | $36,650 | 11% |
| Medical Assistant | $35,850 | 18% |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $35,270 | -7% |
Best Hospital Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree: A Closer Look
Surgical Technologist
A surgical technologist is a member of a team of people whose jobs are performed in operating rooms. The main duties of a surgical technologist are to prepare the operating room before a surgical procedure and assist doctors during surgeries.
To pursue this career, it is a requirement to first obtain a diploma or certification. Technical and vocational schools offer programs for aspiring surgical technologists, which typically take a year to complete.
Licensed Practical Nurse
The responsibilities of a licensed practical nurse include planning and managing patient care. This is achieved by speaking with patients to obtain and record their medical history and other important information necessary for healthcare professionals to have. A nurse may be required to acquire blood samples from patients.
A state-approved certification program must be completed to become a licensed practical nurse. Once you have obtained this, you can start working as no prior experience is necessary. If you are interested in a career in nursing you can start as a nursing assistant to gain hands-on experience. A degree in nursing may be required for some senior nursing roles.
Medical Records and Health Information Specialist
The primary duties of a medical records and health information specialist is to assist healthcare professionals by providing them with medical records and dealing with insurance companies. They manage and organize a wide range of patient information and data and perform record-keeping tasks.
At a minimum, you can enter this career with a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some hospitals require an associate degree. The requirements vary, depending on where you apply.
Massage Therapist
A Massage therapist examines patients to find out which areas of their bodies are experiencing muscular pain or discomfort. Once they have assessed this, they use techniques such as massaging and stretching to alleviate the discomfort.
To become a massage therapist, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, most healthcare facilities prefer prospective employees who have completed a certification program or have some level of practical experience.
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Dental Assistant
The role of a dental assistant is to help the dentist while they assess oral disease and perform procedures on patients. Some of the duties of a dental assistant include preparing patients for procedures, sterilizing equipment, performing administrative tasks, and providing basic dental care to patients.
The requirements for becoming a dental assistant are dependent on where you want to work. Some states require a certification issued by an accredited institution. Other states, however, have no formal requirements and allow you to get on-the-job training within the dental industry.
Medical Administrative Assistant
A medical administrative assistant performs administrative tasks, typically in an office setting. They mainly manage patient files and schedule appointments. This requires a lot of communication with both patients and medical professionals, so good interpersonal skills, strong customer service skills, and a keen understanding of medical terminology are a must.
Some hospitals require a GED or equivalent when hiring medical administrative assistants. Others, however, require a certificate or an associate degree. It is dependent on the hospital’s preferences.
Optician
An Optician assists people with finding the correct eyewear. They use specialized equipment to fit people for the right eyeglasses and contact lenses by taking measurements, making adjustments, and providing the correct prescription eyewear based on each patient’s individual needs.
While a high school diploma or equivalent is necessary to work as an optician, a college degree is not required. The job provides long-term on-the-job training, so you don’t need prior experience.
Paramedic
A Paramedic is a first responder who is trained in emergency services. They work mostly with ambulance services or in hospitals. A paramedic must respond to emergency calls at any time, so this job will require you to be a quick thinker and take decisive action when necessary.
Since paramedics provide life-saving emergency care, they have to go through educational programs in addition to possessing a high school diploma. They are required to complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program and a state-approved EMT course.
Medical Assistant
Similar to a medical administrative assistant, a medical assistant is responsible for completing administrative tasks. The main difference is that medical assistants are also responsible for completing clinical tasks. They are required to be more hands-on and provide a direct patient care experience, such as taking blood from patients or identifying medical conditions.
To become a medical assistant, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. While you can choose to obtain certification, it is quite common to receive training on the job and learn through experience.
Medical Transcriptionist
A medical transcriptionist listens to voice recordings of physicians and other professionals in the healthcare field, then transcribes them to create clear and organized notes, written reports, and documents. This requires a knowledge of medical terms and a familiarity with physiology.
To become a medical transcriptionist, the minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Some people choose to obtain a medical transcriptionist certificate to boost their appeal to employers.
Companies and Healthcare Facilities That Offer Entry-Level Hospital Jobs
- NYC Health and Hospitals: This organization is the largest integrated health care system of hospitals in the US. It provides inpatient and outpatient care, neighborhood health centers, long-term care, and home-based services.
- Northwell Health: Northwell Health is New York’s largest care provider and private employer. This organization employs people with various levels of education and qualifications, including those without college degrees.
- Cooper University Health Care: This is the leading health system in South Jersey, which includes South Jersey’s only level one trauma center. Anyone starting here can gain a lot of on-the-job experience as it has one of the busiest trauma centers.
- JPS Health Network: JPS Health Network is a tax-supported healthcare system that also has the only level one trauma center in its area. It has the largest family medicine residency program in the US, which means that there are many opportunities available for assistants and health aides with no prior experience.
- Cleveland Clinic: This nonprofit multispeciality academic medical center is known for producing top-tier research and education. It is ranked second in the world for specialized care and first in the world for cardiac surgery. Moreover, it offers entry-level jobs, allowing applicants without experience to apply for work.
Where to Find Hospital Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
HospitalCareers
This recruitment platform is at the top of the list of platforms for health care job-seekers. There are over 17,000 hospital jobs open to applicants, as it partners with over 20 state hospital associations nationwide.
Nurse.com
As the name suggests, Nurse.com is a job board that is dedicated to helping those looking to find work opportunities in nursing. The platform also provides information related to educational courses for those wishing to advance their education.
Medical.Careers.Global
Medical.Careers.Global is the perfect job board for those without degrees who are seeking hospital jobs internationally. Like the other job boards, you can tailor and filter your search as you’d like, with the additional perk of being able to search for employment opportunities in any country.
Consider a Healthcare Degree Later in Your Career
There’s nothing wrong with building a career in healthcare before obtaining a degree. However, if you’re able to, you should consider pursuing a healthcare degree later in your career. This will allow you to qualify for a broader range of jobs, increase your potential earnings, and provide you with more lucrative opportunities.
There are many options when choosing your healthcare degree, including an occupational therapist, a patient care technician, a pharmacist, a health aid, and an administrative worker. Every role within healthcare plays an integral part in the medical field. Professional health care workers may wish to attend medical school to acquire a medical degree.
Hospital Jobs Without a Degree FAQ
Yes, you can get a hospital job with only a GED. There are several options available for those who either can’t or don’t wish to pursue higher education but want to work in healthcare. Some positions that you can qualify for with a GED include a patient care technician, massage therapist, occupational therapy aide, and dental assistant.
Yes, you can be involved in patient care without a degree. Patient care involves numerous tasks, which are not only available to clinical staff. If interacting with patients is something you enjoy, there is a hospital job suited to you.
A certificate program is focused on the practical aspects related to a specific healthcare field and does not require as much investment, financially or timewise, as a degree does. A degree program is extensive and can take several years to complete.
The easiest way to find a hospital job without a degree is to use job boards. They allow you to refine your searches so that you can filter the information you receive. That saves you time and ensures that most of the job opportunities that are shown to you are ones that you can go after. Job boards also allow you to set up job alerts.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
