The Top 5 Healthcare Career Options for High School Graduates

Are you a high school graduate looking for a career in the healthcare industry? If so, you’re in luck! There are many great career options for high school graduates to explore in the healthcare field. From nursing and medical assisting to medical billing and coding, the possibilities are practically endless. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the top five healthcare career options for high school graduates. We’ll discuss the job duties, educational requirements, and salary expectations of each career option, so that you can make an informed decision on which path is best for you.

1) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) :
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). CNAs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health settings.
To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved training program, usually through a community college or vocational school. The program typically consists of classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. After completing the program and passing the required exams, you will be awarded your certification as a CNA.
Once certified, a CNA’s duties may include assisting patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and transferring; taking vital signs; providing basic medical care; monitoring patient health; and reporting changes in patient status to the RN or LPN.
CNAs enjoy the satisfaction of helping people in need and working on the front lines of healthcare. It’s a great job for those who are looking for an entry-level healthcare job that pays well and offers job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CNAs earn an average salary of $29,640 per year.

2) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) :
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is an entry-level healthcare professional who provides basic patient care and assists nurses and doctors with more advanced duties. The role of an LPN is to provide direct care to patients, including assisting with bathing, dressing, grooming, and taking vital signs. They are also responsible for managing medications, recording medical histories, and providing support for patients and families.
Becoming an LPN requires a high school diploma or GED and completion of an approved practical nursing program. Programs are available through community colleges and technical schools and generally last between one to two years. After graduating from a program, LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) in order to become certified.
The average salary of an LPN is approximately $45,000 per year, although this can vary depending on location and experience level. With further education, many LPNs have the opportunity to advance their career by becoming a registered nurse (RN).
By becoming an LPN, you will be able to provide essential medical services to those in need while advancing your career in the medical field. It’s an excellent option for recent high school graduates interested in healthcare.

3) Registered Nurse (RN) :
A Registered Nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who provides care to patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical settings. RNs have a wide range of responsibilities that includes assessing patients, developing care plans, administering medications, and assisting with diagnostic tests.
RNs must hold an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, as well as pass a licensing exam. In addition to the educational requirements, many employers may require RNs to have additional certifications or specializations.
RNs typically work full-time hours, but some may choose to work part-time or on a per diem basis. Additionally, some RNs choose to work nights, weekends, and holidays in order to better meet the needs of their patients.
The career outlook for RNs is strong, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase of 12% in the number of RN jobs from 2018 to 2028. This growth is largely attributed to an aging population, advances in medical technology, and the increasing availability of healthcare services.
For those interested in becoming an RN, the American Nurses Association has many resources available to help students navigate through their nursing education and career.

4) Physician Assistant (PA) :
A Physician Assi stant (PA) is a medical professional who works under the supervision of a physician to provide healthcare services. PAs are highly-trained, licensed professionals with advanced medical and technical knowledge and clinical training. They can practice medicine independently, diagnose illnesses, order tests, create treatment plans, and prescribe medications.
PAs can work in many medical specialties including primary care, emergency medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and many others. The PA profession is an excellent choice for those interested in a career in healthcare that is both challenging and rewarding. PAs must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, a two-year graduate degree from an accredited PA program, and then pass a licensing examination.
In addition to providing direct patient care, PAs are also involved in education and research activities. They may teach other healthcare professionals, as well as participate in research projects. PAs may also find themselves in administrative roles such as leading healthcare teams or supervising other healthcare staff.

5) Doctor (MD/DO):
Becoming a doctor is one of the most sought-after healthcare career options for high school graduates. Doctors, also known as Medical Doctors (MDs) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), are specialized medical professionals who diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Becoming a doctor requires the most education and training out of all the healthcare career options for high school graduates. It typically takes 11 or more years of higher education to become a doctor.
In order to become a doctor, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in a pre-medical field such as biology, chemistry, physics, or a related field. After completing your undergraduate degree, you must then apply to and attend medical school to complete your Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. During medical school, you will learn about various aspects of medicine such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical skills. You will also have to participate in an extensive residency program where you will gain hands-on experience in the field.
Upon completion of your medical education and residency program, you will be eligible to sit for board certification examinations to become a licensed physician. After passing these exams, you can practice medicine in your chosen specialty such as pediatrics, family practice, obstetrics/gynecology, internal medicine, etc.
Doctors are highly respected members of the healthcare team and play a vital role in helping patients and improving their health and quality of life. Becoming a doctor is a long and arduous process that requires dedication and perseverance, but the rewards and satisfaction from the profession make it well worth it in the end.