Explore Healthcare Careers
Discover healthcare career paths, what they do, and how to get started.
Medical Assistant (MA)
Patient Care & Nursing
Supports doctors and nurses with clinical and administrative tasks.
High school diploma + MA certificate or 1-year postsecondary program
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Patient Care & Nursing
Provides basic patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, or home settings.
High school diploma + state CNA training program (4�12 weeks) + certification
Nurse (RN, NP, PRN)
Patient Care & Nursing
Provides direct patient care, administers medications, and educates patients.
RN: Associate or Bachelor�s in Nursing + licensure; NP: Master�s in Nursing + certification
Dental
Patient Care & Nursing
Diagnoses and treats oral health issues, including teeth cleaning and patient education.
Dentist: DDS or DMD; Dental Hygienist: Associate degree + licensure
Oncology
Patient Care & Nursing
Provides care for patients with cancer, including treatment and support.
RN: Associate or Bachelor�s in Nursing + oncology certification
NICU
Patient Care & Nursing
Specializes in caring for newborns in intensive care units.
RN: Associate or Bachelor�s in Nursing + neonatal certification
Trauma
Emergency & Public Safety
Works in emergency departments to provide urgent care to critically injured patients.
RN: Associate or Bachelor�s in Nursing + trauma/emergency certification
Surgical Services
Diagnostic, Surgical & Technical Care
Assists in surgical procedures and patient preparation.
Surgical Technologist: Certificate or Associate degree; RN with perioperative training
Family Medicine
Patient Care & Nursing
Provides comprehensive primary care for all ages.
MD or DO + family medicine residency
Pediatrics
Patient Care & Nursing
Focuses on health care for infants, children, and adolescents.
MD or DO + pediatric residency
Cleaning / Housekeeping
Health Administration & Support
Maintains hygiene and sanitation in healthcare settings.
High school diploma; on-the-job training
Food & Nutrition Services
Health Administration & Support
Prepares and manages dietary plans for patients and staff.
High school diploma; dietitian: Bachelor�s + licensure
Building Operations
Health Administration & Support
Maintains healthcare facilities, including HVAC, plumbing, and general operations.
High school diploma; vocational training in maintenance
Medical Interpreter
Public Health & Community Care
Assists patients and healthcare staff in communication across languages.
High school diploma + medical interpreter certification
Medical Imaging
Diagnostic, Surgical & Technical Care
Uses imaging technology to assist in diagnosis (X-ray, MRI, CT).
Associate or Bachelor's in radiologic technology + certification
LAB
Pharmacy & Laboratory Sciences
Performs tests on patient samples for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Associate or Bachelor's in medical laboratory technology + certification
Coding
Diagnostic, Surgical & Technical Care
Translates medical records into standardized codes for billing and research.
Certificate or Associate degree in medical coding + certification
Community Health Worker
Public Health & Community Care
Educates and supports communities on health promotion and disease prevention.
High school diploma + on-the-job training; certificate programs optional
Speech Language Therapist
Therapy, Rehabilitation & Wellness
Diagnoses and treats speech, language, and communication disorders.
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology + licensure
Respiratory Therapy
Therapy, Rehabilitation & Wellness
Treats patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary issues.
Associate or Bachelor's in Respiratory Therapy + licensure
PT (Physical Therapy)
Therapy, Rehabilitation & Wellness
Helps patients recover mobility and manage pain through exercises and treatments.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) + licensure
Music & Art Therapy
Therapy, Rehabilitation & Wellness
Uses creative arts to support patient emotional and mental health.
Bachelor's in Music/Art Therapy + certification
Child Life Specialist
Therapy, Rehabilitation & Wellness
Helps children and families cope with illness, injury, and hospitalization.
Bachelor's in Child Life or related field + certification
Substance Abuse & Counseling
Therapy, Rehabilitation & Wellness
Supports individuals with addiction or behavioral health challenges.
Bachelor's + Master's in counseling or social work + licensure
Dietitian
Therapy, Rehabilitation & Wellness
Develops nutrition plans and supports patients� dietary needs.
Bachelor's in Dietetics + licensure (RD)
Behavioral / Psychologist
Therapy, Rehabilitation & Wellness
Assesses and treats mental health and behavioral disorders.
Master's or Doctorate in Psychology + licensure
Volunteer Services
Youth & Volunteer Pathways
Provides community support and non-clinical assistance in healthcare settings.
High school diploma; training provided by organization
Memory Care
Patient Care & Nursing
Provides care for patients with memory-related illnesses like dementia.
CNA or nursing degree; specialized training in geriatric/memory care
Pharmacy
Pharmacy & Laboratory Sciences
Dispenses medications, educates patients, and supports clinical staff.
Bachelor's in Pharmacy + licensure (PharmD)