If you're about to transition or already have, picking the right civilian industry to join is a critical step to take. The career you set yourself up for will affect your livelihood for years to come. There are many ways to choose an industry, but one easy way to think about it is to pick a career that experiences job growth.
According to sources like Mlive.com, the health-care industry is experiencing growth. Not only do jobs in this industry tend to pay well, there are also a few that don't require a traditional bachelor's degree.
While most require post-secondary education of some type, they are usually less expensive and take less time to obtain. If that sounds appealing, check out the top 10 health care that don't require a degree.
1. Nursing, Psychiatric and Home Health Aides
Individuals in this field must have a great deal of patience and empathy. Working as a nursing, psychiatric or home health aide can be incredibly taxing; the process is more laborious than many think.
- Average salary: $24,400 per year; $11.73 an hour
- Required education: Finish a state-approved program and pass an exam
- Potential job growth: 21% (faster than average)
2. Registered Nurses
Registered nurses enjoy large salaries, but the job is stressful. Although they aren't considered primary physicians, they make many significant choices about the care a patient receives. Expect to be on your feet for most of the shift and to be dealing with many, many people.
- Average salary: $65,470 per year; $31.48 per hour
- Required education: Associate's degree
- Potential job growth: 19% (faster than average)
3. Personal Care Aides
This job can be extremely stressful to only mildly so, depending on the health and functionality of the individual being cared for. Regardless of how hard the job is, it requires strong interpersonal skills and patience.
- Average salary: $19,910 per year; $9.57 per hour
- Required education: Short-term, on-the-job training
- Potential job growth: 49% (much faster than average)
4. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
If you're hoping to become a registered nurse in the future, these jobs can be a big steppingstone. You'll work directly under physicians and nurses and gain invaluable job experience.
- Average salary: $41,450 per year; $19.97 per hour
- Required education: Postsecondary non-degree program, typically takes one year
- Potential job growth: 25% (much faster than average)
5. Medical Assistants
While this job requires passion and education in medicine, it does not require as much rigorous training as others in the industry. They tend to pay less than most other professions in the field, but it can provide training and education for a more lucrative career.
- Average salary: $29,370 per year; $14.12 per hour
- Required education: Postsecondary non-degree program, typically takes one year
- Potential job growth: 29% (much faster than average)
6. Dental Assistants
Another great entry-level position, dental assistants are exposed to the workings of dentistry that can help their professional growth. This job tends to pay a solid wage for the experience required. Interpersonal skills are required, but don't need to be quite as polished as those in other medical fields.
- Average salary: $34,500 per year; $16.59 per hour
- Required education: Postsecondary non-degree program, typically takes one year
- Potential job growth: 25 percent (much faster than average)
7. Health Practitioner Support Technologists and Technicians
These positions provide a wide array of work. No two are exactly the same, but each one requires technical knowledge. These professionals work with others in the health-care industry to provide expert knowledge and quality treatment. Because of the wide array of positions, here is a sample of a few:
Pharmacy technicians
- Average salary: $29,320 per year; $14.10 per hour
- Required education: On-the-job training
- Potential job growth: 20 percent (faster than average)
Surgical technologists
- Average salary: $41,790 per year; $20.09 per hour
- Required education: Ranges from several months to two years; some have certificates and some associate's degree
- Potential job growth: 30% (much faster than average)
Veterinary technologists and technicians
- Average salary: $30,290 per year; $14.56 per hour
- Required education: Associate's degree
- Potential job growth: 30% (much faster than average)
8. Diagnostic-Related Technologists and Technicians
Diagnosticians serve a very important role in the health-care industry. They're responsible for gleaning and providing critical data about a patient's health. Generally, this means using a highly specialized piece of equipment. Since there are so many, here are a sample few:
Diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists
- Average salary: $60,350 per year; $29.02 per hour
- Required education: Associate's degree; some have bachelor's degree
- Potential job growth: 39% (much faster than average)
Radiologic and MRI technologists
- Average salary: $55,910 per year; $26.88 per hour
- Required education: Associate's degree
- Potential job growth: 21% (faster than average)
9. Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
Clinical laboratory technicians specialize in collecting body fluids and testing them. If you have the resolve and interest to do this, check it out. These jobs pay a tidy sum and don't require an advanced degree.
- Average salary: $47,820 per year; $22.99 per hour
- Required education: Associate's degree or postsecondary certificate; some have a bachelor's degree
- Potential job growth: 22% (much faster than average)
10. Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
EMTs and paramedics have one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. They're typically first responders to most emergencies, and they must deal with whatever they come across until backup arrives, if it's needed. This job requires resolve, the ability to handle pressure and quick thinking.
- Average salary: $31,020 per year; $14.91 per hour
- Required education: Postsecondary program; most take less than a year
- Potential job growth: 23% (much faster than average)
Find the Right Veteran Job
Whether you want to polish your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.
