Consider the healthcare industry if you’re looking for a new career that’s always in high demand. Jobs in this field are increasing, and with the aging population, the need for qualified professionals will only increase. Everyone will need healthcare at some point, so there will always be a demand for health professionals.
If you’re interested in switching careers and entering healthcare with no related medical degree, here are some of the best options to consider:
1. Midwife
Pregnancy and childbirth are natural processes but can also be very dangerous. Women want to ensure they have the best possible care during this time, which is where midwives come in.
Midwives are trained to provide care and support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. They work with families to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and are vital to the healthcare team. Most midwives work in hospitals, but some also work in clinics or home birth settings. They typically work long hours, including nights and weekends.
You can also consider getting doula training to become a doula, a non-medical support person who provides emotional and physical support during labor. This is an excellent option if you’re interested in working with families but don’t want to get a medical degree. Although doulas are not medically trained, they can be valuable to the birthing team.
2. Caregiver
Many people require assistance as they age, and caregivers can provide the help they need. Caregivers can work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or private homes.
They provide basic care, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, and they can also help with medication management and light housekeeping. Caregivers often form close relationships with their clients and can provide much-needed companionship.
Becoming a caregiver requires a compassionate and caring personality. If you have experience caring for elderly or disabled family members, you may have the perfect skill set for this job. Formal training is also available; many caregivers are certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
3. Paramedic
You can also consider becoming a paramedic. They provide emergency medical care and are essential to the healthcare team. They respond to 911 calls and provide care and transportation to the hospital.
Paramedics must be able to think quickly and remain calm in high-pressure situations. They need to be physically fit, as they may have to lift patients. Paramedics also need to be able to handle blood and other bodily fluids.
Training to become a paramedic typically takes about two years, including both classroom and clinical work. Paramedics must be licensed in most states and must also be certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). But a degree isn’t always necessary—some states allow paramedics to be licensed without a degree.
4. Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under physical therapist (PT) supervision to provide rehabilitation services. They help patients regain movement and function after an injury or illness.
PTAs typically have an associate’s degree from an accredited program and must be licensed in most states. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers a certification for PTAs who have completed an accredited program.
To become a PTA, you must be physically fit and have good manual dexterity. It would be best if you also were compassionate and patient, as you’ll be working with people dealing with pain and disability. Some PTAs also have a background in massage therapy, which can be helpful.
5. Social Worker
If you’re interested in working with people but don’t want to get a medical degree, you may want to consider becoming a social worker. Social workers help people deal with the challenges of daily life, and they’re an important part of the healthcare team. They work with people dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, and more.
Social workers need to have a strong desire to help others and be good at communication and problem-solving. They should also be able to handle difficult situations and have a high level of emotional intelligence.
The job is more on the administrative side and less on the medical side. Social workers typically need a bachelor’s degree in social work and must be licensed in most states. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers certification for social workers with bachelor’s degrees in social work.
If you’re interested in changing careers, there are plenty of options to choose from in the healthcare industry. But if you don’t have a medical degree, you may feel like your options are limited. The mentioned careers are five options for non-medical professionals in healthcare.
You should research to see if any of these careers are a good fit for you. Consider your skills, interests, and personality to find a job that’s right for you. And don’t forget to look into your chosen career’s education and training requirements. With the proper training and certification, you can start a new career in healthcare.
