Join one of the region’s most vital and in-demand industries. From nursing and medical assisting to specialized healthcare roles, the healthcare sector offers a wide range of career pathways with strong job growth and advancement potential. Explore education, certifications, and employment resources to launch or grow your healthcare career.
Did you know? Many employers provide tuition support or tuition reimbursement toward certification or degrees relevant to your job.
Not interested in the clinical side of healthcare? Careers in healthcare aren't limited to direct patient care—many roles support the industry behind the scenes. Opportunities like medical coding, health information management, biomedical research, and healthcare administration allow professionals to make a meaningful impact without working in a clinical setting.
Compassion
Patience
Adaptability
Teamwork
Communication
Math & Science Skills
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) play a key role in supporting nurses and other healthcare professionals by providing direct care to patients. They assist with daily living activities, take vital signs, and ensure patients are comfortable and safe. It’s a great fit for someone who is compassionate, dependable, and interested in hands-on healthcare work.
Assist patients with basic needs, monitor vital signs, collect samples, and support nurses with clinical tasks.
Hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities.
Active, people-centered work that may involve long shifts, weekends, or holidays.
Empathy, communication, basic clinical skills, teamwork, and attention to detail.
High school diploma or equivalent; completion of a patient care technician or nursing assistant program is typically required. Certification may be needed depending on the employer.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Medical Assistant, or Healthcare Administrator.
Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, help patients with everyday needs like bathing, dressing, eating, and getting around. They work closely with nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes, providing hands-on care and support to people who need extra help due to age, illness, or injury.
To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass a certification exam. This role requires strong communication skills, empathy, physical stamina, and patience. It’s a meaningful way to start a career in healthcare and can lead to more advanced opportunities in the field.
CNAs help patients with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility under the supervision of a nurse.
Hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and in-home care.
Direct, hands-on patient care and a stepping stone to more advanced nursing roles.
Compassion, attention to detail, physical stamina, communication.
State-approved training program + CNA certification exam.
Advance to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (ADN or BSN), or Nurse Practitioner with additional education and experience.
Dental Assistants play a key role in helping dental offices run smoothly. They support dentists during procedures, take x-rays, prep treatment areas, schedule appointments, and help patients understand proper oral hygiene. It’s a hands-on role that blends patient care with behind-the-scenes tasks.
Most dental assistants work in dental offices or clinics, where the pace can be quick and the work rewarding. To get started, you’ll need to complete a dental assisting program. Some states also require certification, such as through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Success in this role takes good communication, attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to multitask. It’s a great path if you enjoy both working with people and using technical skills in a healthcare setting.
Assist dentists during procedures, take x-rays, schedule appointments, and educate patients on oral hygiene.
Dental offices and clinics.
A fast-paced clinical and administrative role that combines patient care with technical skills.
Manual dexterity, organization, customer service, multitasking.
Certificate or diploma program; optional certification (like DANB).
Home Health Aides provide essential support to individuals who need help with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and light housekeeping—all in the comfort of their own home. They often work with older adults, people with disabilities, or those recovering from illness. This role is highly personal and requires patience, compassion, and dependability. While a high school diploma is often enough to get started, many positions require a short training program and certification, especially for roles involving basic health monitoring. It’s a rewarding job for those who enjoy building one-on-one relationships and making a daily impact.
Provide personal care and light housekeeping for elderly, ill, or disabled clients at home.
Clients' homes, home healthcare agencies.
One-on-one care, often with flexible hours and opportunities for close relationships with clients.
Empathy, patience, basic medical knowledge, reliability.
Short training programs (some employers offer on-the-job training); certification may be required.
Transition into a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) role, then move into Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) positions.
Medical Assistants are the backbone of many healthcare settings, juggling both patient care and administrative duties. They might take vital signs, assist with exams, give injections, and handle lab samples—while also managing scheduling, medical records, and insurance forms. Most work in clinics or doctors’ offices and complete a certificate or diploma program, which typically takes about a year. This role suits those who are detail-oriented, organized, and enjoy helping others in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Perform clinical and administrative tasks like taking vitals, scheduling, assisting with exams, and maintaining records.
Doctor’s offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals.
A varied role that blends front-office duties with hands-on patient care.
Time management, medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, tech-savvy.
Certificate or associate degree (1–2 years); certification optional but beneficial.
Pursue careers as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Medical Office Administrator, or Physician Assistant.
Medical Transcriptionists listen to recorded dictations from healthcare providers and convert them into accurate written reports, notes, and patient records. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or from home, and need a strong grasp of medical terminology, excellent typing skills, and sharp attention to detail. Most complete a postsecondary training program or earn a certificate in medical transcription. This behind-the-scenes role is great for those who are focused, self-motivated, and prefer a quieter work setting.
Convert voice-recorded medical reports into written documents for patient records.
Hospitals, clinics, remote/home-based settings.
Independent, detail-oriented work with flexible or remote options.
Excellent listening, grammar, and typing skills; understanding of medical terminology.
Postsecondary certificate or associate degree.
Pharmacy Technicians work alongside pharmacists to prepare and dispense medications, manage inventory, and assist customers with prescription needs. They’re often found in retail pharmacies, hospitals, or mail-order services, handling both technical and customer-facing tasks. A high school diploma is required, and many complete a short training program or earn certification, depending on state regulations. You’ll need strong attention to detail, math skills, and a helpful attitude to thrive in this important support role.
Assist pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and handling customer service.
Retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics.
A fast-paced role where accuracy and communication are key.
Attention to detail, math skills, customer service, organization.
On-the-job training or a certificate program; certification may be required (e.g., PTCB or ExCPT).
Continue education to become a licensed Pharmacist (PharmD).
Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood for lab tests, transfusions, or donations—a critical step in diagnosing and treating patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, labs, and blood donation centers, often interacting with patients who may be anxious or afraid. Phlebotomy programs typically take just a few months to complete, followed by certification. This job requires a steady hand, attention to safety protocols, and great interpersonal skills to help patients feel comfortable during the process.
Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research, and prepare specimens for lab analysis.
Hospitals, labs, blood donation centers, clinics.
Direct patient contact with flexible shift opportunities and strong demand.
Steady hands, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, ability to handle stress.
Short-term phlebotomy training program + certification (often required).
Move into roles like Medical Laboratory Technician, Registered Nurse, or Clinical Research Specialist.
Sonographers, or ultrasound technicians, use special imaging equipment to capture pictures of organs, tissues, or unborn babies. They play a key role in helping doctors diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Most work in hospitals or diagnostic imaging centers, often on their feet for much of the day. You’ll need to complete an accredited sonography program, which can range from 1 to 4 years, depending on the credential. Precision, strong interpersonal skills, and comfort with technology are essential in this detail-focused, patient-facing role.
Use ultrasound technology to capture images of the body to help doctors diagnose conditions.
Hospitals, diagnostic labs, outpatient care centers.
Non-invasive, tech-driven role with direct patient interaction and high job growth.
Technical skills, focus, empathy, good communication.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in sonography; professional certification often required.
Specialize in vascular, cardiac, or musculoskeletal imaging, or move into educator or management roles.
Massage Therapists use touch to relieve pain, reduce stress, and support recovery from injuries or physical conditions. They work in spas, clinics, sports facilities, or even in private practice, often creating personalized treatment plans for each client. To enter the field, you’ll need to complete a state-approved massage therapy program and pass a licensing exam. This career requires physical stamina, a calm demeanor, and a passion for helping others feel their best—both physically and mentally.
Use touch to manipulate muscles and soft tissues to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
Spas, clinics, wellness centers, private practice.
A flexible, hands-on role that promotes well-being and personal connection.
Physical stamina, communication, anatomy knowledge, customer service.
Massage therapy program + licensure/certification based on state regulations.
Transition into related fields such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Sports Medicine with further education.
EMTs are often the first responders in emergencies, providing immediate care and transportation to people experiencing medical crises, trauma, or accidents. They work in ambulances, hospitals, or fire departments and need to stay calm under pressure. Training typically includes a state-approved course and passing a national certification exam. Strong problem-solving skills, physical stamina, and emotional resilience are vital in this intense but deeply impactful role.
Provide emergency care at the scene of an accident or medical crisis, stabilize patients, and transport them to medical facilities.
Ambulances, fire departments, hospitals, and emergency response teams.
High-intensity, fast-paced work with a strong sense of purpose and impact.
Quick decision-making, calm under pressure, physical stamina, teamwork.
Completion of a state-approved EMT program + certification (e.g., NREMT).
Advance to Paramedic, Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, or even Physician with additional education and training.
Dental Hygienists clean teeth, take x-rays, check for signs of oral disease, and teach patients how to care for their teeth and gums. They work closely with dentists in private offices or clinics and often develop long-term relationships with patients. Most positions require an associate degree in dental hygiene and a state license. You’ll need good communication, attention to detail, and manual dexterity to succeed in this well-paying, patient-focused role.
Clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases, and educate patients on oral hygiene.
Dental offices, clinics.
A stable, patient-focused career with flexible schedules and good earning potential.
Precision, people skills, dexterity, attention to detail.
Associate degree in dental hygiene + state licensure.
Licensed Practical Nurses provide basic medical care like checking vital signs, giving medications, changing dressings, and helping patients with daily activities. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home healthcare settings under the supervision of registered nurses or doctors. Becoming an LPN requires completing a state-approved practical nursing program (usually about one year) and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. This role is ideal for those who are caring, detail-oriented, and ready to jump into the nursing field quickly.
Provide basic medical care such as checking vital signs, administering medication, and assisting with daily activities.
Nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, home health care.
High-demand role that offers hands-on care and career mobility (can bridge to RN).
Compassion, communication, clinical skills, organization.
One-year practical nursing program + NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
Become a Registered Nurse (ADN or BSN) and later advance to a Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Medical Office Administrators keep healthcare facilities running smoothly by handling scheduling, billing, insurance claims, patient records, and front-desk communication. They work in clinics, hospitals, private practices, and specialty offices. Most enter the field through a certificate or associate degree program in medical office administration or healthcare management. You’ll need strong organizational skills, computer proficiency, and a friendly, professional attitude to thrive in this customer-facing administrative role.
Manage administrative tasks like scheduling, patient records, billing, and insurance claims in healthcare settings.
Clinics, hospitals, private practices, insurance companies.
A steady, behind-the-scenes role essential to smooth healthcare operations.
Organization, customer service, tech literacy, attention to detail.
Certificate or associate degree in medical office administration or healthcare management.
Grow into roles in Healthcare Management, Practice Management, or Hospital Administration.
OTAs work with Occupational Therapists to help patients regain skills needed for daily life—like dressing, cooking, or using assistive devices—after illness or injury. They work in hospitals, rehab centers, schools, and nursing homes, helping patients build independence and confidence. Becoming an OTA requires a two-year associate degree and passing a national certification exam. This role is hands-on, people-focused, and great for those who enjoy creativity and problem-solving.
Help patients develop or regain the skills needed for daily living and working, under the guidance of an occupational therapist.
Rehab centers, hospitals, schools, nursing homes.
Rewarding, hands-on work helping people build independence and improve quality of life.
Creativity, patience, adaptability, compassion.
Associate degree from an accredited OTA program + certification (NBCOT).
Become a licensed Occupational Therapist by earning a master’s degree.
PTAs help patients improve movement and manage pain after injuries or surgeries. Under the direction of a Physical Therapist, they guide patients through exercises and therapies that build strength and mobility. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehab centers. A two-year associate degree from an accredited PTA program and national licensure are required. The job is active, rewarding, and perfect for those interested in health, fitness, and patient care.
Work under the direction of physical therapists to help patients recover mobility and manage pain through exercise and therapy.
Rehab clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient centers.
A physically active, people-focused role that’s in high demand.
Physical fitness, empathy, communication, teamwork.
Associate degree from a CAPTE-accredited program + licensure exam.
Pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to become a licensed Physical Therapist.
Radiologic Technicians, or Radiographers, use X-ray and imaging equipment to help diagnose injuries and illnesses. They ensure patient safety, position patients correctly, and work closely with radiologists and doctors. Most work in hospitals or imaging centers. To enter the field, you’ll need an associate degree in radiologic technology and certification or licensure, depending on your state. This role is a great fit for detail-oriented individuals comfortable with technology and direct patient interaction.
Perform diagnostic imaging exams like x-rays to help physicians diagnose and treat patients.
Hospitals, imaging centers, outpatient care facilities.
A technical yet patient-facing role with strong career stability.
Tech savvy, precision, communication, attention to safety.
Associate degree in radiologic technology + state licensure and certification.
Specialize as an MRI Technologist, CT Technologist, or advance to Radiologist Assistant roles with additional training.
Respiratory Therapists treat patients with breathing problems, such as asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions. They administer oxygen, manage ventilators, and monitor patients’ respiratory status—often in hospitals or critical care units. You’ll need at least an associate degree in respiratory therapy and must pass a licensing exam. This role is ideal for calm, detail-oriented individuals who want to make a difference in emergency and long-term care settings.
Treat patients with breathing disorders using ventilators, oxygen, and airway management techniques.
Hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, home health.
A life-saving role especially vital in critical and acute care settings.
Critical thinking, calm under pressure, empathy, clinical knowledge.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy + licensure and certification (NBRC).
Registered Nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor health conditions, and work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals. They are found in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and many other healthcare settings. Becoming an RN with an ADN typically takes two to three years, followed by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. This path offers a quicker entry into nursing and a strong foundation for future advancement.
Provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and families, administer medications, and support recovery.
Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, home health, and community health organizations.
A versatile, high-impact role with opportunities to specialize, advance into leadership, or pursue further education.
Clinical judgment, communication, compassion, critical thinking, and leadership.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) + passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Surgical Assistants help surgeons during procedures by preparing the operating room, positioning patients, controlling bleeding, and closing incisions. They often work in hospitals or outpatient surgical centers and need to stay calm and focused in high-stakes environments. Training usually includes a healthcare-related degree plus specialized surgical assistant certification. Strong attention to detail, steady hands, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential.
Assist surgeons during operations by preparing the operating room, handling instruments, and providing support during procedures.
Operating rooms, hospitals, outpatient surgical centers.
A critical, behind-the-scenes role in high-pressure surgical settings.
Focus, dexterity, teamwork, knowledge of sterile techniques.
Surgical assisting certificate or associate degree + certification.
Pursue education to become a Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, or even a Physician.
There are several pathways within the healthcare industry, and many certificates and jobs build on each other to lead to higher paying careers. For example, you could start out as a certified nursing assistant and work while completing your nursing degree. Remember, many employers offer tuition assistance!
Patient Representative
Certified Nursing Assistant
Dental Assistant
Home Health Aide
Medical Assistant
Medical Transcriptionist
Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomist
Sonographer
Massage Therapist
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
Dental Hygienist
Licensed Practical Nurse
Medial Office Admin
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Physical Therapy Assistant
Radiology Technician
Respiratory Care Therapist
Registered Nurse, ADN
Surgical Assistant
Registered Nurse, BSN
Dietitian
Nurse Practitioner
Occupational Therapist
Physician Assistant
Dentist
Pharmacist
Physical Therapists
Physician
Psychiatrist
Surgeon
Veterinarian
