S&S Insider reports that the US healthcare market size was valued at $3.56 trillion in 2024 and is projected to reach $5.22 trillion by 2032. This makes it a very good industry to get into, especially for young adults.
Not all healthcare careers are created equally, though, and not everyone has the time or resources to go to medical school. Here are six fast-track health paths that high schoolers can consider after graduation.
1. Medical Assistant
One of the most popular fast-track healthcare paths is for graduates to get into a clinical assistant certification program. It can be completed in about 9-12 months, and accelerated options can take just a few months. Common certifications include the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
Medical assistants work in:
- Physician offices
- Outpatient clinics
- Hospitals
Their responsibilities include:
- Taking vital signs
- Scheduling appointments
- Assisting with exams
2. Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician supports pharmacists by:
- Preparing medications
- Managing prescriptions
- Assisting customers
Training is relatively short; it often lasts 3-12 months through certification programs or on-the-job training. However, most employers prefer or require certification, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
Pharmacy technicians typically work in retail pharmacies, although they can also work in hospitals or mail-order pharmacy services, too. Since there’s increasing prescription demand and an aging population, pharmacy tech jobs will remain steady and accessible for entry-level candidates.
3. EKG Technician
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the job outlook for cardiovascular technologists and technicians from 2024 to 2034 is 3%, which shows that there’s a growing demand as cardiovascular issues remain a leading health concern. EKG technicians can work in hospitals’ cardiology clinics, and diagnostic labs.
Training programs often last 4-6 months and focus on:
- Cardiac anatomy
- Rhythm interpretation
- Equipment use
Most people get certified as a Certified EKG Technician (CET).
4. Phlebotomy Technician
Phlebotomy technicians are trained to draw blood for testing, transfusions, or research. Training programs are among the fastest in healthcare; you can complete them in as little as 4-12 weeks, followed by certification such as the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
These professionals work in:
- Hospitals
- Laboratories
- Blood donation centers
- Clinics
5. Dental Assistant
Dental assistants help dentists with:
- Procedures
- Patient preparation
- Office management tasks
Training usually takes 9-12 months through a certificate or diploma program. However, some states allow on-the-job training. Certification, such as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), may be required, depending on the location.
Dental assistants typically work in:
- Private dental offices
- Orthodontic clinics
- Specialty practices
6. Patient Care Technician (PCT)
PCTs provide direct support to patients, and they often assist with:
- Daily care
- Vital signs
- Basic medical procedures
Training programs usually take 4-12 months and often include skills like phlebotomy and EKG, which makes PCTs highly versatile. They can improve job prospects with additional certifications.
Workplaces for these professionals include:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Long-term care facilities
Get Into Healthcare Fast After Graduation
Many high school students want to get a job fast after graduating, and the healthcare industry is perfect for this. There are many career paths that only take a year of training (or less), so they have many choices to find a fulfilling future.
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