The healthcare field is bursting with opportunity, but many people assume it takes years of expensive schooling to break in. Fortunately, that’s not true for every role. Many healthcare careers require minimal education yet offer stable income, job security, and the potential for growth. If you’re eager to work in healthcare without spending half a decade in school, keep reading. We’ve compiled the fastest-growing healthcare careers with minimal education that get you into the workforce quickly and set the stage for long-term success.
Why Choose Healthcare Careers with Minimal Education?
Choosing a healthcare career that requires less formal schooling doesn’t mean settling for less. Here’s why these paths can be incredibly rewarding:
- Speed to Workforce – Start earning sooner rather than later.
- Lower Education Costs – Avoid hefty tuition bills from years-long degrees.
- High Demand – Healthcare roles are expanding rapidly due to aging populations and increased healthcare access.
- Career Growth – Many entry-level jobs become stepping stones to advanced roles.
- Meaningful Work – You’ll make a real difference in patients’ lives daily.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the average growth rate for all occupations from 2023 to 2033 is around 4%. Every career on this list surpasses that benchmark, often by a significant margin.
Carejobs analyzed BLS data and other industry resources to identify the top healthcare careers with minimal education expected to grow the fastest in the coming years. Let’s explore them!
Top 10 Fastest-Growing Healthcare Careers with Minimal Education
Below are 10 healthcare professions requiring an associate degree or less that show exceptional growth potential through 2033.
1. Physical Therapist Assistants
Growth Rate: 25.4%
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work alongside licensed physical therapists to help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and recover from injuries. They guide exercises, perform therapeutic interventions, and document progress.
- Education: Associate degree from a CAPTE-accredited program
- Certification: Must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and fulfill state requirements
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $64,080
- Average Hourly Wage (2025): $31.33
Why it’s one of the best healthcare careers with minimal education: PTAs enjoy solid earnings and high job satisfaction while entering the workforce in just about two years.
2. Occupational Therapy Assistants
Growth Rate: 22.3%
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help patients develop or regain essential life skills needed for everyday living and working. They assist in therapy exercises and activities under the guidance of occupational therapists.
- Education: Associate degree from an accredited OTA program
- Certification: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) exam plus state licensure
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $67,010
- Average Hourly Wage (2025): $43.59
One of the highest-paying healthcare careers with minimal education, OTAs combine creativity and clinical skills to improve patients’ quality of life.
3. Home Health Aides & Personal Care Aides
Growth Rate: 20.7%
Home health aides (HHAs) and personal care aides (PCAs) provide essential support with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and basic health monitoring for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions.
- Education: High school diploma (sometimes not required)
- Certification: Required for those working with Medicare/Medicaid-funded agencies
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $33,530
- Average Hourly Wage (2025): $16.52
Despite lower pay, these roles represent entry points into nursing or advanced patient care, ideal healthcare careers with minimal education that offer fast entry into the field.
4. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Growth Rate: 15.1%
Sonographers operate imaging equipment to help diagnose medical conditions. They specialize in producing ultrasound images for obstetrics, cardiology, vascular studies, and more.
- Education: Typically an associate degree, though bachelor’s programs exist
- Certification: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or equivalent certifications
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $84,470
- Average Hourly Wage (2025): $50.45
Sonography offers some of the highest wages among healthcare careers with minimal education, with the bonus of diverse specialization options.
5. Medical Assistants
Growth Rate: 15%
Medical assistants handle administrative and clinical tasks in clinics, physician offices, and hospitals. Duties include scheduling, taking vitals, assisting with minor procedures, and managing medical records.
- Education: High school diploma plus optional diploma/certificate programs
- Certification: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) preferred by many employers
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $42,000
- Average Hourly Wage (2025): $27.46
With strong demand and career flexibility, this is one of the most accessible healthcare careers with minimal education.
6. Respiratory Therapists
Growth Rate: 13.1%
Respiratory therapists treat patients struggling with breathing disorders such as asthma, COPD, or emergencies like respiratory failure. They operate life-saving equipment and provide patient education.
- Education: Associate degree (bachelor’s preferred by some employers)
- Certification: Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) plus state licensure
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $77,960
- Average Hourly Wage (2025): $39.92
Respiratory therapy is among the higher-paying healthcare careers with minimal education, offering meaningful patient interactions.
7. Phlebotomists
Growth Rate: 7.8%
Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, or donations, ensuring proper handling and labeling of samples.
- Education: High school diploma plus short-term training programs
- Certification: Preferred by many employers; PBT or RPT credentials available
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $41,810
- Average Hourly Wage (2025): $26.15
It’s a solid entry-level choice among healthcare careers with minimal education, with potential to advance into lab technology roles.
8. Pharmacy Technicians
Growth Rate: 7.2%
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense medications, manage inventory, and handle customer interactions.
- Education: High school diploma plus on-the-job training or certificate programs
- Certification: Often required; CPhT or BCPPS certifications enhance job prospects
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $40,300
- Average Hourly Wage (2025): $27.75
Pharmacy tech roles are great stepping stones for those exploring pharmacy as a long-term career.
9. Surgical Assistants
Growth Rate: 6.7%
Surgical assistants work side by side with surgeons, helping during operations with tasks such as suturing, retracting tissue, and handling surgical instruments.
- Education: Postsecondary certificate or associate degree
- Certification: CSA or CFSA credentials often preferred
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $59,160
- Average Hourly Wage (2025): $39.60
This is one of the more hands-on healthcare careers with minimal education, offering excellent surgical exposure for future career growth.
10. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
Growth Rate: 6.1%
EMTs respond to emergencies, administer basic life support, and transport patients to hospitals. They are crucial first responders in medical crises.
- Education: Post-secondary certificate or diploma
- Certification: Required in all states; must complete an accredited program and pass exams
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $38,930
- Average Hourly Wage (2025): $24.90
For those seeking adrenaline and purpose, EMT is an engaging choice among healthcare careers with minimal education.
Where Can These Healthcare Careers Take You?
Starting in one of these healthcare careers with minimal education doesn’t have to be your final destination. Many roles can be stepping stones toward advanced positions and higher earnings:
- Physical Therapist Assistant → Physical Therapist (DPT)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant → Occupational Therapist (Master’s or Doctorate)
- Home Health Aide → Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse
- Sonographer → Lead Sonographer, Radiology Manager, or Radiologist (with further education)
- Medical Assistant → Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, or Healthcare Administrator
- Respiratory Therapist → Managerial or Critical Care Specialist roles
- Phlebotomist → Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Pharmacy Technician → Pharmacist
- Surgical Assistant → Surgical Technologist, RN, or Operating Room Manager
- EMT → Paramedic, RN, EMS Manager, or Physician Assistant
Even if you start in an entry-level role, the skills, connections, and healthcare exposure you gain can set you up for lifelong growth.
How to Get Started in Healthcare Careers with Minimal Education
Here are practical steps if you’re considering a faster path into healthcare:
Research Programs – Community colleges and vocational schools often offer excellent, accredited programs for many of these roles.
Check State Requirements – Licensing and certification can vary dramatically by state.
Gain Experience – Even entry-level jobs can benefit from volunteer experience or internships in healthcare settings.
Pursue Certifications – Certifications can boost your employability, even if not required by law.
Network – Healthcare is a relationship-driven industry. Connecting with professionals can open job doors.
Explore Healthcare Careers with Minimal Education on Carejobs
At carejobs, we believe healthcare careers should be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re seeking your first job or looking for a career change, healthcare careers with minimal education can be your gateway to a fulfilling, stable future.
Browse thousands of jobs, learn about certifications, and chart your own path forward, all with support from carejobs.
Launch your career today and join the professionals shaping the future of healthcare!
