Quick Certifications That Can Kickstart Your Medical Career
So, you're thinking about diving into the medical field but don't have the time (or money) for years of schooling? Or maybe you're already in healthcare and looking to branch out or specialize. Either way, there are quick certifications out there that can get you where you want to be without the long haul. Let's break down some of these options so you can find the path that fits you best.
What's in This Article
Why Quick Certifications Might Be Your Best Move
Let's face it: not everyone has the time or resources to spend four years (or more) in college before starting a career. The healthcare industry is booming, and there are plenty of roles that need filling-yesterday. Quick certification programs can get you trained and ready to work in a matter of weeks or months. That means you can start earning, gaining experience, and making a difference sooner rather than later.
Fast-Track Medical Certifications to Consider
Salary and job growth information is based on 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise indicated.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Time to Complete: 4-12 weeks
Median Salary: Around $38,200 per year
Job Outlook: Expected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are essential in patient care, helping with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. They also take vital signs and assist nurses with medical tasks. Becoming a CNA is a solid choice if you want hands-on experience and enjoy working directly with patients.
What You'll Do:
- Help patients with daily needs
- Take vital signs like blood pressure and temperature
- Support nursing staff with medical tasks
How to Get Certified:
- Complete a state-approved training program CNA training program
- Pass a competency exam (usually includes a written test and practical skills assessment)
- Exam fees typically range from $100 to $200
Career Path:
Many CNAs go on to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs), which can lead to higher pay and more responsibilities.
Phlebotomy Technician
Time to Complete: 2-6 months
Median Salary: Around $41,810 per year
Job Outlook: Expected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033
If you're okay with needles and want a job that's always in demand, phlebotomy might be up your alley. Phlebotomy technicians draw blood for tests, transfusions, or donations. Training programs are relatively short, and you can find work in hospitals, clinics, or labs.
What You'll Do:
- Draw blood from patients
- Properly label and handle blood samples
- Assist with lab procedures
How to Get Certified:
- Complete a phlebotomy training program (some can be as short as a few weeks)
- Pass a certification exam, which usually includes a written test and practical assessment
- Exam fees range from $90 to $150
Career Path:
Starting as a Phlebotomy Technician can lead to other roles in laboratory work, like becoming a medical laboratory technician, which can offer higher pay and more specialized duties.
EKG Technician
Time to Complete: 3-6 months
Median Salary: Around $66,170 per year
Job Outlook: Expected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2032
EKG technicians operate machines that record heart activity. If you're interested in cardiology but not keen on spending years in medical school, this role offers a way to get involved quickly.
What You'll Do:
- Operate EKG machines to monitor heart activity
- Prepare patients for procedures
- Assist doctors in analyzing test results
How to Get Certified:
- Complete an EKG technician training program
- Pass a certification exam focused on EKG procedures and heart health
- Exam fees typically range from $100 to $200
Career Path:
With experience, you could move into more advanced cardiovascular roles, like becoming a cardiac sonographer.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Time to Complete: 4-12 months
Median Salary: Around $48,780 per year
Job Outlook: Expected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2023
If you're more into the administrative side of healthcare, medical billing and coding could be a good fit. You'll translate medical procedures into codes for billing purposes, ensuring healthcare providers get paid.
What You'll Do:
- Assign codes to medical diagnoses and procedures
- Handle patient billing and insurance claims
- Maintain accurate medical records
How to Get Certified:
- Complete a medical billing and coding program (available online or in person)
- Pass a certification exam covering coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT
- Exam fees range from $300 to $400
Career Path:
With time and experience, you could advance to roles like health information manager, overseeing entire departments.
Why These Certifications Make Sense
- Quick entry into the field: These programs are designed to be completed quickly, so you can start working and earning sooner.
- Affordable education: Compared to a traditional college degree, these certifications are generally less expensive, often ranging from $500 to $3,000. Financial aid or payment plans might be available.
- Job security: Healthcare is a growing field, and these roles are in demand. That means better job security and opportunities for advancement.
How to Get Started
Do your research: Look into accredited programs that meet your state's certification requirements.
Consider your schedule: Many programs offer flexible schedules, including evening or online classes, so you can keep working while you train.
Prepare for exams: Make use of study guides and practice tests. Some programs include exam prep as part of the curriculum.
Find financial aid options: Don't let cost be a barrier. Check out scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance programs.
Where Can These Certifications Take You
From CNA to nurse: Starting as a CNA can be a stepping stone to becoming an LPN or RN, roles that come with higher salaries and more responsibilities.
Advancing in lab work: Phlebotomy can lead to more specialized lab positions, like medical laboratory technologist.
Specializing in cardiology: An EKG technician can move into more advanced cardiovascular roles, broadening your expertise and earning potential.
Moving into management: With experience, medical billing and coding specialists can advance to managerial positions in health information.
Figuring Out What's Right for You
Hands-on patient care: If you enjoy working directly with patients, consider becoming a CNA or phlebotomy technician.
Behind-the-scenes roles: If you're more comfortable in an administrative or technical role, medical billing and coding might suit you.
Specialization: If you're already in healthcare and want to specialize, an EKG technician certification could open new doors.
Breaking into the medical field doesn't have to mean years of schooling and a mountain of student debt. Quick certifications offer a way to start making a difference—and a living—sooner than you might think. Take some time to consider what you're passionate about, do your research, and you could be on your way to a rewarding career in healthcare.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Some careers listed may be part of a combined occupation profile (visited November 27, 2024).