If you’re looking for a rewarding career with a solid future, you might want to think seriously about healthcare. There are many ways to break into this high-demand field, and many entry-level healthcare jobs don’t require a college degree. Read on for some tips on getting your career in healthcare off the ground.
Why Choose a Career in Healthcare?
Healthcare is one of the most essential and resilient industries in the world. It employs more people today than any other industry, and it continues to grow no matter what the economy is doing. One big reason why: the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to grow from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050. That’s a 47% increase! And since older adults usually need more medical care, the demand for healthcare workers is only going up.
The Healthcare Talent Shortage Today
The U.S. healthcare system is already experiencing a major labor shortage. According to our research, 69% of employers in healthcare and life sciences are having trouble finding skilled workers. They often turn to temp workers to fill in the gaps.
What Does the Future of Healthcare Look Like?
The future of healthcare is being shaped by two important things: the aging population and new technology.
- Aging Population: More people are living longer, which means we’ll need more doctors, nurses, and caregivers—especially for long-term and home care.
- New Technology: Tools like artificial intelligence (AI), video doctor visits (telehealth), and digital medical records are changing how care is given. People who learn to use these new tools will have more job opportunities.
Starting Out in Healthcare
In many cases, you don’t need a college degree to get started in healthcare. Here are some entry-level healthcare jobs that typically require only a high-school diploma and short-term training:
- Home Health Aide (HHA) or Personal Care Aide: The direct care sector is projected to add over 1 million new jobs between 2021 and 2031, more than any other occupation in the United States. HHAs help their clients with various non-medical tasks that help them maintain their quality of life while living in their own homes. Duties may vary, but aides usually provide help with:
- Bathing, dressing, grooming, or toileting
- Meal preparation, including grocery shopping and cooking
- Medication reminders
- Light housekeeping and errands
- Companionship and social interaction
- Monitoring the client’s well-being
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): These pros provide many of the same duties as HHAs, with the addition of light medical assistance. They can work in a number of settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities, to the patient’s home.
Some duties include: - Bathing, dressing, grooming, or toileting
- Assisting with simple medical procedures such as changing dressings
- Monitoring vital signs
- Reporting any changes in patient’s condition
- Maintaining a clean environment
- Providing emotional support
- Medical Receptionist: If your talents are more along the lines of administrative work, this role could be a good match. Medical receptionists manage front-desk operations in clinics or hospitals. Some of their duties include:
- Managing the appointment calendar
- Welcoming patients
- Informing patients about upcoming appointments, procedures, etc. as needed
- Phlebotomist: A phlebotomist’s main job is to collect blood samples according to doctors’ or other healthcare providers’ orders. (In most states, a year-long certification program is necessary to become a phlebotomist.)
More specifically, this job includes: - Verifying the identity of the blood donor
- Ensuring sanitary conditions
- Handling any adverse reactions
- Maintaining, tracking and storing the blood samples for delivery to testing laboratories or blood banks
- Patient Transporter: These workers ensure the safe and efficient transportation of patients within a healthcare facility. Their responsibilities include:
- Transporting patients to and from medical appointments, tests, and procedures within the facility
- Ensuring patient comfort and safety during transport
- Easing patient anxiety
- Transferring patients between bed, wheelchair, and stretcher as needed
- Medical Records Clerk: These workers have the responsibility of managing patient files and records. Duties include:
- Filing important documents such as X-rays, medical records, and slips
- Processing admission and discharge records
- Supplying nursing staff with forms and documents
- Maintaining patient files and face sheets
- Reviewing records for policy compliance
- Ensuring strict confidentiality
Many of these roles offer on-the-job training or certification programs that can be completed in a few months.
Soft Skills That Make You Stand Out
In healthcare, technical skills are important—but soft skills are what truly set you apart. Employers look for:
- Empathy: Understanding and caring for patients’ needs.
- Communication: Clear, respectful interaction with patients and coworkers.
- Adaptability: Comfort with change, especially with new technologies.
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in patient care and documentation.
These qualities not only improve the patient experience, they also help you further your career. Make sure you have examples of these qualities to share when you meet with potential employers.
Your First Steps
Ready to take the leap? Here’s how to begin:
- Explore Training Programs: Look into local community colleges or online certification courses.
- Volunteer or Shadow: Gain exposure by volunteering at a hospital or shadowing a healthcare worker.
- Apply for Entry-Level Jobs: Start with roles that offer training and room to grow.
How Manpower Can Help
We regularly place associates in these entry-level jobs. And once you’re in, you have access to our comprehensive skilling program, MyPath. Take skills tests, prepare for industry-recognized certifications and even earn college credit, such as a bachelor’s degree program in Nursing through the University of Phoenix. It’s all available at no cost for eligible associates!
The healthcare field is loaded with opportunity, especially for those just starting out. With high demand, diverse roles, and a future driven by innovation, it’s a great time to begin your journey.
Why not search open roles in your area now!