By Staff Writers
Last Updated: May 27, 2020
In January 2018, The Atlantic magazine recognized healthcare as the largest employer in the nation, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that healthcare occupations may add more jobs between 2018-28 than any other sector. However, not all medical careers involve becoming a physician or a nurse, and many don't require four or more years of education.
Recommended Online Medical Degrees
Best Medical Degrees has looked at some of the healthcare careers you can join with 1-2 years of formal education. Relying on information from the BLS and internet searches, we looked at these factors: 1) length of schooling required; 2) projected job growth and salary; 3) availability of online/hybrid programs; and 4) certification or licensure required. (Note: healthcare jobs continue to grow at a faster rate than other occupations.)
While this ranking is not exhaustive, it should provide you with a starting point in finding an educational program that will prepare you to join this growing field.
1 Year or Less
1. Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists serve as critical members of surgical teams. These specially trained technologists work closely with surgeons and nurses during surgeries. Job responsibilities include maintaining sterile procedures, setting up operating rooms following specific protocols, handing medical instruments to surgeons, and preparing patients for surgery.
Online surgical technology programs provide classes in anatomy and hands-on clinical experiences in surgical suites under direct supervision. Certification is not required, but often proves helpful in finding employment. You want to find online programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Degree Required: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated Job Growth: 9%
Median Pay: $48,300
Source: BLS
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs handle nursing tasks under the supervision of an RN. You'll provide direct patient care, medication administration, wound care, patient histories, monitoring of vital signs, bathing of patients, etc. A high school education or GED is required for admission to an LPN program at a community college or vocational school. LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to earn a state license.
Online LPN programs are available, and required clinical experiences advance your patient care skills. The program should hold accreditation from the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC). Studies include nursing fundamentals, health assessment, psychology, biology, and pharmacology. Graduates typically find employment in hospitals, outpatient care facilities, long-term or assisted living facilities, and physician offices.
Degree Required: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated Job Growth: 11% (much faster than average)
Median Pay: $47,480
Source: BLS
3. Community Health Worker
This career suits those with an interest in public health and working with communities. Community health workers determine necessary health services and ways to access healthcare services. Common job duties include conducting healthcare education in cooperation with community resources, working with individuals to provide support, and coordinating community health services, such as blood pressure screenings and flu shots.
Education for community health workers may include studies in ethics, communications, leadership, and outreach strategies. While certification or licensure are not required for community health workers, some states are beginning to develop certification guidelines, so check to determine what your state may require. Community health workers often find employment in health departments, outpatient clinics, religious and civic agencies, and hospitals.
Degree Required: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated Job Growth: 11%
Median Pay: $46,910
Source: BLS
4. Dental Assistant
If you have good interpersonal and organizational skills, you may want to consider becoming a dental assistant. Aspiring dental assistants typically complete training programs through community colleges and vocational schools that require a high school diploma or GED for admission.
Online courses include dental anatomy and terminology, nutrition, ethics, dental equipment, and infection control. You'll also complete a practical experience requirement. Look for a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA), as most states require dental assistants to pass an exam before beginning practice.
Degree Required: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated Job Growth: 11% (much faster than average)
Median Pay: $40,080
Source: BLS
5. Medical Records and Health Information Technician
Accurate patient medical records play a crucial role in healthcare. Physicians and nurses rely on complete, timely, and accurate records to determine the course of patient care. Medical records and health information technicians are responsible for recording and organizing health information quickly and precisely using computer software. These technicians also track clinical outcomes, follow quality assurance guidelines, and maintain confidentiality.
Online health information technician programs offer courses, such as anatomy, health data management, healthcare statistics, coding systems, and reimbursement requirements. Technicians typically find employment in hospitals, physician offices, outpatient centers, and health insurance companies. Visit 5 Most Affordable Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificates and Diplomas to learn more.
Degree Required: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated Job Growth: 11%
Median Pay: $40,350
Source: BLS
6. Dental Technician
Dental laboratory technicians work in dental labs, creating dental molds and devices following dentists' prescriptions. Technical schools and community colleges may offer hybrid/online programs requiring practical lab experience as part of the curriculum. You may also study removable partial dental appliances, dental ceramics, implantology, orthodontic and pedodontic fabrications, and veneer placement. Other courses might include anatomy, computer programming, and math.
You can specialize in this field, working in areas, such as crowns and bridges, partial or full dentures, or implants. The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) offers certification for dental technicians. Certification involves passing a written test, demonstration of practical experience, and comprehensive exams.
Degree Required: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated Job Growth: 11%
Median Pay: $37,370
Source: BLS
7. Pharmacy Technician
If you aspire to a career involving customer service and helping people, consider becoming a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians find work in pharmacies, hospitals, and stores, handling a variety of duties like assisting pharmacists to fill prescriptions. Community colleges offer online programs accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHSP). Most students complete coursework quickly, and most programs typically help you obtain certification if your state requires it.
Courses involve procedures for dispensing medicine, arithmetic used in pharmacies, pharmacy law and ethics, doses of medicine, and names and uses of medicines. Some programs may require practical experience. While you can become a pharmacy technician with a high school diploma or GED, a community college program may help you advance your career later on.
Degree Required: Diploma/Certificate
Estimated Job Growth: 7%
Median Pay: $33,950
Source: BLS
8. Phlebotomist
If being around blood doesn't bother you, phlebotomy may suit you as an excellent entry-level healthcare position. Phlebotomists draw blood from donors or patients for laboratory tests. Duties include maintaining patient records, calming nervous patients, accurately labeling blood samples, delivery to laboratories, and verifying patient identities before the procedure.
Studies for online phlebotomy programs include medical terminology, laboratory procedures, communication with difficult patients, safety and ethical considerations, and hematology. Following coursework, programs typically require a clinical internship. Phlebotomists must earn certification by passing a competency exam from one of five organizations, including the National Phlebotomy Association.
Degree Required: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated Job Growth: 23%
Median Pay: $35,510
Source: BLS
9. Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic
If you want to become a first responder, you can do it in less time than you may think. This respected profession requires 1-2 years of education and training. Community colleges offer online coursework in this field that includes studies in emergency skills, trauma identification, treatment, emergency childbirth, airway obstruction, and patient assessment. In addition, you'll study anatomy, physiology, infection control, and physiology.
Training includes procedures involving medical equipment, emergency bandaging, oxygen delivery, stabilization of head and neck injuries, and stretchers. You may earn clinical experience by working with medical staff in a hospital emergency department. Candidates for licensure must take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam, and must renew their license every 2-3 years. You can also become a certified EMT/Paramedic. First responders typically find employment with ambulance services, local governments, and healthcare systems.
Degree Required: Diploma/Certification
Estimated Job Growth: 7%
Median Pay: $35,400
Source: BLS
10. 10. Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants usually serve as the first person a patient meets. In this career, you'll record patient histories, take vital signs, assist physicians in exams, schedule appointments, and maintain patient records. You can learn to be a medical assistant with on-the-job-training, but most physicians and employers prefer that you have some formal medical education.
You'll take online classes in biology, anatomy, chemistry, and medical terminology, and complete a required practical experience component. To gain more advanced training, you may want to consider an associate degree. Best Medical Degrees explored 10 Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Medical Assisting Programs that may give you a starting point.
Degree Required: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated Job Growth: 23% (much faster than average)
Median Pay: $34,800
Source: BLS
11. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Looking for an entry-level job in healthcare? You may want to explore becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA). You'll gain hands-on experience with patients, assisting them with eating, dressing, and bathing. Other responsibilities may include taking patient vital signs, collecting urine and stool samples and transporting them to laboratories, and basic housekeeping tasks, such as bed making, collecting laundry, and handling bedpans.
CNAs work under the supervision of LPNs or RNs and provide first-line patient care. CNAs typically serve as the healthcare worker patients see most frequently. You can find hybrid CNA programs that combine online learning and practical experiences through community colleges or technical/vocational schools. Education and training require a state-sponsored program and a passing score on a competency exam. CNAs often work in long-term or assisted living care facilities, homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
Degree Required: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated Job Growth: 9% (faster than average)
Median Pay: $29,640
Source: BLS
12. 12. Home Health Aide and Personal Care Aide
Job growth projections look bright in the home health industry thanks to shorter hospital stays, the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, and preferences to stay at home. You may find a satisfying career in home healthcare if you enjoy caring for people in residential environments.
Home health and personal care aides frequently work with home health agencies receiving Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. You need certification to work with these agencies. Learners can obtain training for this position through online programs at community colleges or vocational schools and study basic safety care techniques, emergency handling, monitoring of vital signs, assistance with personal hygiene, simple principles of nutrition, and infection control.
Degree Required: Diploma/Certificate
Estimated Job Growth: 36%
Median Pay: $24,060
Source: BLS
13. Dialysis Technician
Dialysis is a procedure to treat patients experiencing kidney disease. Dialysis technicians handle direct patient care and receive special training in patient assessment, patient education, operation of dialysis machines, administration of medication, and monitoring patients during the 3-4 hour procedure. Patients may receive dialysis every week, sometimes more than one day per week. You can enroll in training programs for this role through vocational schools or community colleges. Coursework in a dialysis technician program includes anatomy, renal (kidney) physiology, basic body chemistry, principles of hemodialysis, clinical symptoms of renal diseases, and treatments. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED to pursue dialysis technician training.
Degree Required: Diploma/Certification
Estimated Job Growth: 11%
Median Pay: $34,547
Source: PayScale
2 YEARS
14. Radiation Therapist
If you aspire to play a key role in the care and treatment of patients with cancer, you may want to explore becoming a radiation therapist. You can work alongside oncology physicians, radiation therapy specialists, and radiation physicists to accurately provide radiation therapy to patients as part of their cancer care. Community colleges offer online hybrid programs with studies in physics, anatomy, physiology, radiology, and computer science, including practicums.
Verify that the program you pick holds proper accreditation, qualifies you to become licensed by your state, and offers assistance in getting you certified through the American Registry of Radiation Technologists (ARRT). Once certified, radiation therapists usually find employment in hospitals, outpatient cancer clinics, and healthcare systems. You'll learn to operate and maintain a linear accelerator, a sophisticated machine designed to deliver precise doses of radiation to particular body areas.
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 9%
Median Pay: $85,560
Source: BLS
15. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
This cutting-edge career may offer a suitable path for students with an interest in healthcare technology. Nuclear medicine technologists work directly with patients to explain procedures, provide evaluations, and properly prepare them for imaging. You'll follow protocols and procedures, monitor equipment radiation levels, maintain equipment, create images, and provide therapy.
Online programs offer classes in physics, nuclear medicine, medical terminology, imaging techniques and procedures, and a clinical practicum. Nuclear medicine programs must hold Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) accreditation. (Note: If you currently work in healthcare as a technologist or nurse, you can become a nuclear medicine technologist through a one- or two-year certificate program.)
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 7%
Median Pay: $77,950
Source: BLS
16. Radiology Technician
X-rays, mammograms, and CAT scans help medical personnel deliver accurate patient diagnoses. Physicians rely on radiology technicians to provide accurate imaging information used in diagnosing illnesses. The job duties of a radiology technician include explaining procedures to patients, correctly positioning them for specific images, and maintenance of patient records and radiology equipment.
You can earn a four-year bachelor's degree or choose the faster route and earn an associate degree in radiography. Community colleges offer programs that include studies in anatomy, radiation safety and protection, pathophysiology, evaluation of images, and patient care. Radiography programs should hold accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), and certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is preferred.
Some states require licensure, so verify that the program you choose meets your state's requirements. Graduates of radiography programs typically find employment in hospitals, outpatient diagnostic clinics, and dental offices.
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 9%
Median Pay: $62,280
Source: BLS
17. Dental Hygienist
Consider becoming a dental hygienist if you enjoy working with people and attending to details. You can find online hybrid programs in this field. Coursework includes microbiology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, periodontology, emergency dental procedures, patient care, dental education, and field experience. Job responsibilities for dental hygienists include assisting dentists, following protocols, and maintaining quality patient care.
Look for a community college or vocational school program leading to licensure, with accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). To become licensed, you must pass an exam administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. This associate degree also opens pathways to enter a bachelor's program to advance your career later.
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 11%
Median Pay: $76,220
Source: BLS
18. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapy can offer great career satisfaction for those with an interest in medicine and a desire to help people directly. This field offers well-paying career opportunities with just two years of education. You'll treat patients with breathing problems, such as asthma or respiratory disease. Respiratory therapists work with physicians and patients to determine therapeutic treatment and testing for respiratory disease. Job duties include making diagnostic examinations, evaluating patients, and working with respiratory equipment.
Along with clinical experience, online programs include coursework in microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, physics, and math. You can find respiratory therapy degrees offered by community colleges. Verify that programs hold accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and that it prepares students for certification and licensure. Certification takes place through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and results in a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and/or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certificate.
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 21%
Median Pay: $61,330
Source: BLS
19. 19. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and Cardiovascular Technician
Diagnostic sonographers and cardiovascular technicians provide accurate diagnostic testing and imaging services for physicians. Community colleges and vocational schools offer programs featuring coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, imaging technology, and applied sciences. Students also complete a clinical experience working with an experienced sonographer.
Programs for diagnostic imaging technicians should hold accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and provide preparation for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam. Check with your state licensing board to determine the requirements for your state.
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 14%
Median Pay: $68,750
Source: BLS
20. 20. Anesthesia Technologist
Anesthesia technologists assist physicians and nurse anesthetists in surgeries or other procedures involving sedation. You can become an anesthesia technician with a high school diploma or GED and 1-2 years of work experience in a supervised environment. Anesthesia technologists, however, earn significantly higher salaries. Associate degree coursework includes sterile processing procedures, protocols, pharmacology, anatomy, medical terminology, chemistry, math, and a clinical component. Look for online programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP). You may also want to become certified through the American Society of Anesthesiology Technologists and Technicians (ASATT).
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 9%
Median Pay: $41,790
Source: PayScale
21. Occupational Health and Safety Technician
Safety is a critical part of any healthcare organization. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics all hold safety and health concerns beyond those directly related to medical care. Occupational health and safety technicians manage environmental concerns, develop emergency and disaster plans, monitor equipment, and ensure safe handling of biomedical hazards.
Online associate degrees in this field often include field experience. You'll study chemistry, biology, physics, accident prevention, state and federal regulations, and communications. If you are detail-oriented, enjoy problem-solving, and possess technological skills, you may find this career a good fit.
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 6%
Median Pay: $50,780
Source: BLS
22. Veterinary Technologist
Not all medical degrees involve people. If you want to work with animals, consider becoming a veterinary technologist. Community colleges offer hybrid online "vet tech" programs. You'll study anatomy, medications, first aid, animal health, injury assessment, and diagnostic testing. Look for programs that hold accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Most states require vet techs to earn credentials through passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Vet techs typically find employment in small animal clinics, veterinary schools, or agencies that care for animal welfare.
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 19%
Median Pay: $35,320
Source: BLS
23. 23. Medical Appliance Technician
Biomedical equipment technicians serve as critical members of healthcare teams. These professionals ensure that machines and equipment used in patient care receive proper maintenance and work well. You can become a qualified equipment technician through a community college online associate program.
Coursework includes biomedical electronics, radiography systems, math, medical terminology, anatomy, and an on-the-job training component. You may also want to earn a certification, and many employers will pay for you to become certified. Hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory health services, and commercial equipment companies employ trained biomedical equipment technicians.
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 4%
Median Pay: $40,690
Source: BLS
24. Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
Working with patients recovering from illnesses and injuries offers many rewards. Physical therapy assistants work under the direction of licensed physical therapists to help patients complete exercises, properly use therapeutic equipment, and learn stretching techniques. You can find online PTA programs through community colleges, including coursework in physiology, biology, and psychology. Before graduating, you'll complete a supervised clinical practicum.
Ensure that the online program you choose holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Education (CAPE). Accredited programs help you obtain the required state licensure and pass the certification exam offered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and physician offices frequently employ PTAs.
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 26%
Median Pay: $48,990
Source: BLS
25. Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
If you aspire to a healthcare career helping people to live their best lives, consider becoming an occupational therapy assistant. You'll work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, providing therapy and encouragement for patients needing to relearn life skills. Patients who experience strokes and injuries or are born with challenges require skill-building to regain or maintain daily life tasks. Employers hire occupational therapy assistants in hospitals, home healthcare agencies, and clinics.
Working within a patient care plan, you'll help patients with long-term or short-term disabilities, teach clients to use exercise equipment, and train them in performing tasks. You can find online occupational therapy assistant programs through community colleges or vocational schools. Verify that programs of interest hold accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), since many employers look for certification.
Degree Required: Associate Degree
Estimated Job Growth: 31%
Median Pay: $59,200
Source: BLS