Top 5 Entry Level Healthcare Jobs
Are you looking to get a foot in the door in the healthcare industry? It’s a great field to get into and healthcare jobs are booming. There are a number of jobs that can launch your career in healthcare and we have a list of the top 5 entry level healthcare jobs.
Home Health Aide
Getting a job as a home health aide will give you flexibility and there is no shortage of job openings. In most states, you don’t need a certification to become a Home Health Aide and you will most likely receive training on the job. That doesn’t mean it isn’t an important position in the healthcare system, in fact, Home Health Aids are critical to caring for the elderly, patients suffering from chronic illness, or those with disabilities.
Responsibilities as a Home Health Aide include administering medicine, helping patients with basic care, changing linens, doing laundry, and housekeeping. You will also be responsible for checking a patient’s vitals and keeping a report on their health. Some patients may require exercise while others might need help with mobility if they are in a wheelchair or bedridden.
While not necessary, you can earn a certification at a community college in less than a year. According to Monster data, the median salary for a home health aide is $14.69 per hour.
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Another great entry-level job is Certified Nurse Assistant, or CNA. Certified Nurse Assistants work in hospitals, nursing homes, retirement facilities, and physician offices. As a CNA you will be responsible for working under a registered nurse, taking vitals, helping patients with daily tasks, administering medications, and overseeing patients’ needs. You will also need to keep track of a patient’s progress and report it to the registered nurse in charge.
In order to become a CNA you will need to complete a technical program in order to learn the skills you will need. Coursework includes classes in basic anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing and on average, students complete the program in 6 months to 1 year.
According to Monster data, the median salary for a Certified Nurse Assistant is $14.31 per hour.
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant is another entry-level healthcare job that requires you to take care of patients and prepare them for the attending physician. You will record patient’s medical history, check vitals, and take their weight and height measurements. Once a patient is checked in, you will take them to the exam room and prepare them for their appointment with the physician. You might be required to administer medications, take blood or other specimens, as well as take care of billing and coding for insurance.
You will need to complete postsecondary education to become a Medical Assistant and programs are offered at community colleges, technical or vocational schools, and universities. These programs generally take 1 year to complete; some programs take 2 years and will earn you an associate’s degree. Depending on the job requirements, you may be able to get a job as a Medical Assistant with a high school degree and receive training on the job.
According to PayScale, the average salary for a Medical Assistant is $17.53 per hour.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant is an entry-level healthcare job that will require you along side physical therapists to assist patients that are in recovery from medical problems or those with conditions that limit their mobility. You will observe and record patients throughout their treatment and record their progress. As a PT assistant you will also help patients use therapeutic equipment, help patients move around, and make sure they are safe throughout treatment. You may be required to fit and train patients with braces, prostheses, and crutches.
An associate’s degree from an accredited program is required to become a Physical Therapist Assistant and you must pass a national exam to become licensed, depending on what state you plan to work in.
According to PayScale the average salary for a Physical Therapist Assistant is $27.40 per hour.
Dental Hygienist
Another entry-level healthcare job to consider is working along side a dentist as a Dental Hygienist. As a Dental Hygienist you will be responsible for administering routine cleanings, removing plaque from patients’ teeth, applying anesthesia, giving fluoride treatments, taking and developing X-rays, and assisting the dentist in charge.
In order to become a dental hygienist you will need to complete an accredited program at a university, technical school, community college, or dental school. You will need to get a Baccalaureate degree and you can go on to complete your Master’s. Many of the programs take two years to complete but you will also need to pass exams to become licensed.
According to PayScale, the average salary for a Dental Hygienist is $37.77 per hour.