There are dozens of excellent jobs in healthcare that do not require a four-year degree. Many of these positions may require a two-year degree, one-year diploma or technical certification. Always consult with the state regulatory body that governs health care professional groups when applying for the following 10 jobs.

1. Health Care Coordinator

Health care coordinators manage intake operations for new clients and referrals. They oversee the scheduling of follow-up appointments for existing clients. They may manage inside sales data, functions and performance of contracts. Health care coordinators organize statistical data and weekly reports. They may deal with specific services, such as hospice programs and home care services. Health care coordinators adhere to operational policies and organizational procedures. They must have a working knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance programs. They need to have excellent writing, computer, analytical and critical thinking skills.

2. Patient Care Coordinator

Patient care coordinators work closely with patients and providers to increase health care treatment success. They help patients understand and adhere to treatment plans through following up on patient services and proper care coordination. They are responsible for using thoroughness, promptness and attention to detail to manage rosters. This especially applies when handling payment money, sensitive data and medication orders. They process, handle and deposit cash, card and check payments. Patient care coordinators maintain, update and share patient charts in electronic medical record systems. They effectively and efficiently collaborate with staff on projects to deadlines and produce deliverables.

Related resource: Ten Exceptional Health Science Degree Programs

3. Phlebotomist

Technical jobs in healthcare include phlebotomists, who collect bio-specimens following standard policies and techniques for all age ranges. They perform data entry of their tests in various software systems. Phlebotomists may perform venipunctures and capillary punctures following standard laboratory policies. They consider the priority and urgency of the requested test results when scheduling their work. Phlebotomists coordinate with other health care professionals to share information, help patients and solve problems. They participate in ongoing training and regular staff meetings to maintain job-related knowledge. They must know how to handle and care for delicate and expensive medical supplies and equipment.

4. CNA

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide patient care under the guidance and direction of licensed registered nurses. They are responsible for only implementing assigned components of care plans. Many states prohibit CNAs from distributing medication or performing complex techniques. They provide basic care for social, comfort, safety, personal, mental health and emergency needs. This includes daily living activities, personal grooming, nutrition maintenance, fluid intake and elimination needs. They teach patients the fundamental self-management skills needed to improve and prevent their particular health complications.

5. Quality Technician

Quality technicians in health care organizations participate in the design, analysis and implementation of program improvement, system evaluation and quality assurance plans. They collect and report monthly statistics and performance metrics. They may track patient service activities in departmental databases and patient medical files. Quality technicians maintain data spreadsheets, management schedules and historical statistics. They promote effective working relations to facilitate the organization’s ability to meet goals and the staff’s ability to meet objectives. They represent their division or department at all required safety committee meetings and external training programs. They assure a safe patient environment by instituting appropriate control measures and metrics.

6. Nurse Trainer

Nurse trainers work closely with health care administration to establish effective training programs. They create and conduct licensing, examination and technique presentations to nurses. They schedule and present group classes on requested subject areas of need. This could be on equipment maintenance, counseling content, updated standards and changing regulations. They assess the effectiveness and performance of staff using objective evaluations. Nurse trainers create, secure and maintains instructional materials and resources needed to conduct classes and workshops. They may assist in promoting health education components to contracted staff and physicians through meeting presentations and promotional handouts.

7. Communications Specialist

There are jobs in healthcare for people who enjoy communication. These professionals are responsible for relationships with media, reporters and public relations representatives. They work under the direction of communications managers to find staff, client and participant stories that will resonate well across the media landscape. For instance, they may use social media channels to supplement and expand the health care organization’s presence online, but they may also use traditional media outlets to creative communication avenues to present the brand story to key audiences. They follow annual communications plans and tactics by adhering to monthly strategies and quarterly benchmarks.

8. Group Home Supervisor

These supervisors work in group homes that serve at-risk, foster care, medically fragile and developmentally delayed children. They schedule staff to meet individual needs and ensure that staff have the necessary skills and tools to succeed. Group home supervisors maintain safe, healthy, positive environments for aggressive or challenging individuals. They coordinate with the pharmacy for medications, schedule necessary medical appointments, ensure that patient is being recorded and plan appropriate meals for those with special needs. They often contact family members, social workers, case managers, DHS employees, medical workers, private therapists and external support professionals.

9. Patient Educator

Many patient educators are registered nurses (RNs) who have a two-year degree. They provide professional support through the coordination and delivery of health education services and programs. They assist patients in establishing and maintaining continuum of care. Patient educators may assist new patients access health services information. They may recommend and implements health education programs designed to increase awareness and knowledge relating of specific health conditions or concerns. This could be public outreach programs regarding family planning, prenatal care and self-management.

10. Outreach Specialists

Outreach specialists are responsible for implementing local outreach strategies and education programs. They coordinate meetings and provide training for organizations. They share the responsibilities of community engagement and peer support strategies with licensed health care educators and managers. For example, they may conduct screening and assessment activities for referrals, immigrants, at-risk youth and DHS clients. They may execute outreach efforts to identify students and young adults who have untreated mental health conditions or at-risk of developing these conditions. They raise awareness of community health care issues using social media and natural networks.

Other jobs in healthcare that do not require a bachelor’s degree include radiology technician, nursing assistant, care technician, hospice caregiver, program coordinator. Readers can explore medical career possibilities here.