Embarking on a healthcare career doesn’t always require years of schooling. For those eager to enter this rewarding and in-demand field swiftly, Short Health Care Programs offer an excellent pathway. These programs provide focused training, enabling you to gain essential skills and certifications in a fraction of the time compared to traditional degree programs. If you’re seeking a career change or are just starting out, exploring these accelerated routes can lead to fulfilling and well-paying roles in healthcare. Let’s delve into some of the best short health care programs that can get you certified and working sooner than you think.
1. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
Training Time: 11 weeks
Median Pay: $34,480 per year
Top Pay: $49,060+
Phlebotomy Technicians are vital members of any healthcare team. Their primary responsibility is drawing blood from patients for various purposes, including medical testing, transfusions, research, and blood donations. This role demands precision, empathy, and excellent communication skills, as technicians must often reassure patients who may be anxious about the procedure. The demand for skilled phlebotomists is constant, making it a stable and reliable career choice.
Where do they work? CPTs are employed across a wide spectrum of healthcare settings, including hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donation centers, clinics, and physicians’ offices.
Learn how to prep for and pass the NHA CPT Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam.
2. Professional Coder (CPC)
Training Time: 20 weeks
Median Pay: $44,751 per year
Top Pay: $51,752+
For individuals with a knack for organization and detail, becoming a Professional Coder (CPC) offers a fulfilling career path within the administrative side of healthcare. In this role, you’ll be responsible for meticulously reviewing patient medical records and assigning standardized codes to each diagnosis and treatment. These codes are crucial for billing purposes, insurance claims processing, and healthcare data analysis. Accuracy and a strong understanding of medical terminology are paramount in this profession.
Where do they work? Professional Coders are typically employed in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and other healthcare administration facilities.
Learn how to prep for and pass the CPC Certified Professional Coder exam.
3. Pharmacy Technician Professional (CPhT)
Training Time: 25 weeks
Median Pay: $30,753 per year
Top Pay: $36,604+
If you enjoy customer interaction and have an interest in pharmaceuticals, a career as a Pharmacy Technician Professional (CPhT) could be a perfect fit. Working under the guidance of a licensed pharmacist, CPhTs play a crucial role in dispensing medications, managing inventory, processing insurance claims, and providing excellent customer service. While pharmacists handle medication counseling, pharmacy technicians are often the primary point of contact for patients, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Where do they work? Pharmacy Technicians find employment in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and various healthcare facilities.
Learn how to prep for and pass the CPhT Certified Pharmacy Technician exam.
4. Medical Assistant (CCMA, CMAA)
Training Time: 27 weeks
Median Pay: $33,610 per year
Top Pay: $47,250+
Medical Assistants are versatile healthcare professionals who perform a blend of clinical and administrative tasks. On the clinical side, they may take patient vital signs, prepare patients for examinations, assist with procedures, and administer medications. Administratively, they handle tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and handling insurance paperwork. This multifaceted role is ideal for individuals who are organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy both patient care and administrative responsibilities. Medical Assisting is also projected to have significant job growth, making it a promising career choice among short health care programs.
Where do they work? Medical Assistants are employed in outpatient facilities, specialized medical practices, and hospitals.
At MedCerts, multiple Medical Assistant programs are available, offering different certification combinations to align with your specific career aspirations. Explore the online Medical Assistant programs to find the perfect fit.
Learn how to prep for and pass the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) exam, and the CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant) exam.
5. Medical Front Office Administration Specialist (CMAA)
Training Time: 13 weeks
Median Pay: $30,000 per year
Top Pay: $38,378+
Medical Front Office Administration Specialists are the welcoming face and organizational backbone of any medical practice. As the first point of contact for patients, they handle crucial administrative tasks that ensure smooth operations. Responsibilities include managing patient check-in, scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, processing lab results, and handling office equipment. This role is well-suited for individuals with excellent interpersonal skills, a knack for organization, and a customer-centric approach.
Where do they work? Medical Front Office Administration Specialists are in demand in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices.
Learn how to prep for and pass the CMAA Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam.
6. Behavioral Technician Specialist (RBT)
Training Time: 11 weeks
Median Pay: $31,522 per year
Top Pay: $43,000+
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) play a vital role in providing therapeutic support to individuals with autism and other developmental conditions. Working under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), RBTs implement treatment plans designed to improve patients’ communication, social, and daily living skills. This career is incredibly rewarding for those who are patient, compassionate, and passionate about making a positive impact on people’s lives. This is a great option for short health care programs focused on mental and behavioral health.
Where do they work? Behavioral Technician Specialists are typically employed in mental health facilities, medical centers, schools, and childhood development centers.
Learn how to prep for and pass the RBT Registered Behavior Technician Specialist certification exam.
7. Patient Care Technician (PCT, CPCT)
Training Time: 23 weeks
Median Pay: $36,605 per year
Top Pay: $67,872+
With an aging population, the demand for Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) is rapidly increasing. PCTs work directly with patients under the supervision of nurses, providing essential hands-on care. Their duties encompass a wide range of tasks, including assisting with personal hygiene, monitoring vital signs, assisting with mobility, drawing blood, and providing emotional support. Becoming a PCT is an excellent entry point into direct patient care and can serve as a stepping stone to further nursing careers. This is another example of valuable short health care programs that address critical healthcare needs.
Where do they work? PCTs are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and doctor’s offices.
Learn how to prep for and pass the CPCT Certified Patient Care Technician exam.
Explore More Short Health Care Program Options
If you’re motivated to quickly launch a healthcare career, these short health care programs offer a fantastic starting point. MedCerts provides comprehensive online training for these and many other high-demand healthcare certifications. Their interactive learning methods ensure you gain a deep understanding of the material, preparing you for both certification exams and real-world scenarios.
See a full list of healthcare certification programs offered.
MedCerts stands out with its:
- Interactive Learning Methods: Engaging online courses designed for effective learning and practical application.
- Flexible Payment Options: Various payment plans and access to government grant funding to make education accessible.
- Post-Program Career Assistance: Career Center access and dedicated Career Coaches for ongoing support in your job search.
For military spouses, remember to explore using MyCAA scholarship benefits for these valuable certifications. Contact an education consultant today to learn more about starting your healthcare journey with short health care programs and MedCerts.
