Updated: Mar 12, 2025

Looking for a rewarding job in healthcare without years of medical school? Check out healthcare support jobs that offer stable careers, good pay, and the chance to help others every day.

Healthcare support jobs are in high demand as the need for medical care continues to grow. These jobs don’t require a medical degree, but they play a crucial role in keeping healthcare facilities running smoothly. Whether you’re interested in working directly with patients or behind the scenes, there are plenty of career paths to explore. Many healthcare support jobs offer flexible hours, on-the-job training, and opportunities for career growth.

In this guide, we’ll explore different types of healthcare support jobs, what skills are needed, how much you can earn, and how to start a career in this growing field.

What Are Healthcare Support Jobs?

Healthcare support jobs include roles that assist doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals in providing care. These jobs can involve working in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or even in patients’ homes. Some require certifications or short-term training, while others only require a high school diploma and on-the-job training.

Types of Healthcare Support Jobs

Here are some of the most common healthcare support jobs:

🏥 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

• What They Do: Help patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Where They Work: Nursing homes, hospitals, home healthcare.
• Education Needed: CNA certification (4–12 weeks of training).
• Average Pay: $14 – $18 per hour.

💉 Medical Assistant (MA)

• What They Do: Perform administrative and clinical tasks like taking vital signs, drawing blood, and scheduling appointments.
• Where They Work: Doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals.
• Education Needed: Certificate or associate degree (6 months – 2 years).
• Average Pay: $16 – $22 per hour.

💊 Pharmacy Technician

• What They Do: Assist pharmacists by filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and helping customers.
• Where They Work: Pharmacies, hospitals, grocery stores.
• Education Needed: On-the-job training or certification (3–12 months).
• Average Pay: $15 – $20 per hour.

❤️ Home Health Aide (HHA)

• What They Do: Provide basic care for elderly, disabled, or recovering patients at home.
• Where They Work: Private homes, home healthcare agencies.
• Education Needed: High school diploma or certification (varies by state).
• Average Pay: $13 – $17 per hour.

🏥 Medical Receptionist

• What They Do: Greet patients, schedule appointments, and manage medical records.
• Where They Work: Hospitals, doctor’s offices, urgent care centers.
• Education Needed: High school diploma; medical office training is a plus.
• Average Pay: $14 – $19 per hour.

🩸 Phlebotomist

• What They Do: Draw blood for medical tests, donations, and transfusions.
• Where They Work: Hospitals, labs, blood donation centers.
• Education Needed: Certification (4–8 months of training).
• Average Pay: $16 – $22 per hour.

🚑 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

• What They Do: Provide emergency care and transport patients to hospitals.
• Where They Work: Ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals.
• Education Needed: EMT certification (3–6 months of training).
• Average Pay: $16 – $25 per hour.

🔬 Sterile Processing Technician

• What They Do: Clean and sterilize medical equipment for surgeries and procedures.
• Where They Work: Hospitals, surgical centers.
• Education Needed: Certification (3–6 months of training).
• Average Pay: $17 – $23 per hour.

Skills Needed for Healthcare Support Jobs

To succeed in a healthcare support job, you’ll need:

Compassion & Patience – Helping patients requires kindness and understanding.
Attention to Detail – Healthcare workers must follow strict procedures and guidelines.
Strong Communication – You’ll need to work with patients, families, and medical staff.
Basic Medical Knowledge – Understanding medical terms and procedures is helpful.
Physical Stamina – Some jobs require lifting, standing, or being on your feet for long hours.

How Much Do Healthcare Support Jobs Pay?

Salaries vary based on experience, location, and job type, but here are some average hourly wages:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – $14 – $18 per hour
• Medical Assistant (MA) – $16 – $22 per hour
• Pharmacy Technician – $15 – $20 per hour
• Home Health Aide (HHA) – $13 – $17 per hour
• Medical Receptionist – $14 – $19 per hour
• Phlebotomist – $16 – $22 per hour
• EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) – $16 – $25 per hour
• Sterile Processing Technician – $17 – $23 per hour

Some jobs offer benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement for further education.

Pros and Cons of Healthcare Support Jobs

✅ Pros

High Demand – Healthcare jobs are always needed.
Short Training Programs – Many roles require only a few months of training.
Meaningful Work – Helping people can be very rewarding.
Flexible Schedules – Many jobs offer part-time, full-time, and overnight shifts.
Opportunities for Growth – You can advance to higher-paying healthcare roles with experience.

❌ Cons

Physically Demanding – Some jobs require lifting, standing, or long hours.
Emotionally Challenging – Dealing with sick or injured patients can be tough.
Exposure to Illnesses – Hospitals and clinics can expose workers to germs.
Irregular Hours – Some jobs require nights, weekends, or holidays.

How to Start a Career in Healthcare Support

1. Get the Right Education or Certification. Look for short-term training programs at community colleges, vocational schools, or online. Some jobs offer on-the-job training, meaning you can start working right away.

2. Gain Experience. Volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. You can also apply for internships or entry-level healthcare jobs.

3. Apply for Jobs. Create a resume highlighting customer service, teamwork, and any healthcare experience. You can also search job listings at hospitals, clinics, and healthcare agencies.

4. Consider Career Growth. Many healthcare support jobs can lead to higher-paying careers with additional training (e.g., CNA to RN, pharmacy tech to pharmacist).

Is a Healthcare Support Job Right for You?

Healthcare support jobs are great for people who:

• Want to help others
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
• Are comfortable with medical settings
• Want job security and growth opportunities

If you’re looking for a stable career with good pay and opportunities for advancement, a healthcare support job might be the perfect fit!