Breaking into the healthcare field without having years of dedicated study and documented internships and connections can be difficult. For the most part, you aren’t able to just wake up one morning and decide “I want to save lives” or “I’m going to work at the hospital.” Working in healthcare can take planning, but it doesn’t have to necessarily mean a decade or more of study. There are several exciting career paths in the healthcare field that don’t require a degree and can get you started in the field in a reasonable amount of time. Check out a few of these entry-level careers that help you get your foot in the healthcare door!

• Medical Transcription. This is a great introduction to the healthcare field for those who want a steady, reliable job without the blood and mess of working with patients. Medical transcriptionists work to type or write up reports for doctors and hospitals from recordings of patient visits. Traditionally, medical transcriptionists used audio playback equipment or software that is connected to their computer. However, technological advances have changed the way medical transcription is done. In the past, medical transcriptionists would listen to an entire dictation to produce a transcribed report. While many transcriptionists still perform these traditional transcription services, others are taking on additional roles. Today, many medical documents are prepared with the use of speech recognition technology, in which specialized software automatically prepares an initial draft of a report. The transcriptionist then reviews the draft for accuracy, identifying any errors and editing the report, when necessary. They use word-processing and other specialized software, as well as medical reference materials, as needed.
• Medical Administrative Assistant. Another great entry-level career, a medical administrative assistant is the gatekeeper of the doctor’s office or clinic. They will make appointments for patients, confirm medical records, bill insurance companies, as well as other necessary paperwork that keeps the office running. The post secondary training needed to become a medical administrative assistant also prepares you to transition into other office work if you feel the healthcare field isn’t the best fit for you. Professional communication and experience with Microsoft Office Suite are invaluable skills and will serve you well wherever you go!
• Occupational Therapy Aide. Occupational therapy aides are in high demand. You’d work with therapists and patients to make sure they have the most comfortable appointment experience they can. Aide’s are responsible for preparing treatment areas, such as setting up and breaking down equipment and any necessary cleaning. As a therapy aide, you can also expect to help patients move about and make sure their paperwork and information is in order.
• Retail Pharmacy Assistant. Job openings for pharmacy assistants can be found in most retail pharmacies, supermarkets, and independent pharmacies. Pharmacy assistants are responsible for helping pharmacists dispense prescribed medication to customers, as well as taking calls from customers, prescribing doctors, and other customer service responsibilities. Depending on the licensing requirements in some provinces, pharmacy assistants may also be tasked with helping the pharmacist mix and compound medications.

If you’re considering getting started in the healthcare field, any of these entry-level positions can be a great start. With some studying in a post secondary training course, you can be prepared to be successful in your new role and begin building a satisfying, rewarding career you love!