Get Started in Healthcare: Your Path to Phlebotomy, CNA, and Other Entry-Level Roles

Healthcare has seen an unprecedented surge in worker demand in recent years. There’s a call for doctors, nurses, and employees across all support roles. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics , healthcare is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations, adding an estimated 1.9 million positions by 2033.

Many entry-level healthcare jobs require minimal prior experience but open the door to long-term opportunities. Whether you’re just out of school, switching careers, or reentering the workforce, there’s a place for you in healthcare.

Why Entry-Level Roles Matter

Healthcare isn’t just about doctors in scrubs and high-stakes surgeries. Behind the scenes and at the bedside, a whole network of professionals contributes to quality patient care.

Entry-level roles are a practical starting point for anyone pursuing a healthcare career. They introduce workers to the demands and rewards of the field and may inspire them to pursue other positions. For example, you might begin with basic patient care and later explore more advanced roles like nursing, diagnostic testing, or administration.

Entry-level employees provide essential services and fill critical gaps, especially as the aging population increases demand for hands-on care. They perform diagnostic tests, help patients with daily activities like bathing and dressing, and assist other providers during treatments and procedures.

Let’s dive into a few beginner-friendly healthcare careers and how to get started.

Phlebotomy: A Quick Path to Patient-Facing Work

Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. They’re often one of the first healthcare workers a patient interacts with. Phlebotomy career training programs typically take a few weeks to a few months to complete. After finishing a program, most states require candidates to pass a certification exam.

Phlebotomists work in:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient labs
  • Doctors’ offices
  • Blood donation centers
  • Mobile blood drives

According to recent national data, the yearly median salary for phlebotomists is around $41,000, with opportunities to increase that over time through specialization or additional training.

CNA Certification: A Foundation for Patient Care

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are the backbone of bedside care in many healthcare settings, including hospitals, home health, and skilled nursing facilities. If you’re looking for jobs without a medical degree that allow you to interact with patients and make a difference, this might be the path for you.

CNA training programs can often be completed in four to twelve weeks. Many states also require CNA students to pass a competency exam to become certified. Check the board of nursing (BOA) where you live for the requirements in your state.

In a typical day, a CNA might:

  • Record vital signs
  • Lift and move patients
  • Assist nurses with medical procedures
  • Serve meals and help patients with eating
  • Help patients with bathing and moving around
  • Communicate with the patient’s family and healthcare team

Working as a CNA has its advantages and challenges. These roles are in high demand across hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, offering steady opportunities for those entering the field.

Another key benefit is the chance to engage directly with patients, building meaningful connections through hands-on care. However, the work can be physically demanding, requiring long hours on your feet and frequent lifting or repositioning of patients.

Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is often part of the job, which may be a consideration for those looking for a more traditional schedule. CNA experience can be a springboard to pursue advanced nursing roles , including licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN).

Other In-Demand Entry-Level Roles

Healthcare career paths are diverse. Here are a few more allied health opportunities roles to consider:

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are versatile team members who support the clinical and administrative aspects of healthcare. These professionals may greet patients, schedule appointments, handle medical records, and prepare exam rooms. They can also assist with basic clinical procedures, such as drawing blood and taking vital signs. Medical assistant training combines instruction and clinical/lab activities, though the specific requirements vary by state.

Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Patient care technicians directly support patients and nursing staff, often in hospital or long-term care settings. In addition to assisting with daily activities like bathing and mobility, PCTs may perform tasks like monitoring vital signs, conducting EKGs, or supporting dialysis treatments under supervision.

Home Health Aide (HHA)

Home health aides work directly in patients’ homes, helping with dressing, bathing, and preparing meals. They often assist individuals who are elderly, disabled, or recovering from illness, offering companionship and care. Because they work in private residences, HHAs frequently build close, one-on-one relationships with the people they support.

EKG Technician

EKG technicians specialize in using electrocardiogram machines to monitor and record the heart’s electrical activity. These readings help doctors diagnose heart conditions and determine appropriate treatment. The training is relatively short, making it an excellent option for those looking to enter the healthcare field quickly with a focus on diagnostic work.

Dental Assistant

Dental assistants play a key role in dental offices by helping with everything from sterilizing tools to passing instruments during procedures. They also interact with patients by providing pre- and post-care instructions and managing scheduling or intake paperwork.

What Employers Look for in Entry-Level Candidates

Although job credentials vary from role to role, many entry-level healthcare positions require the following at a minimum:

  • Completion of accredited training programs
  • State certifications or licenses (varies by role and location)
  • Current CPR certification

Many employers also focus on personal attributes or intangible soft skills not necessarily taught in the classroom or the clinic.

Qualities that impress employers include:

  • Dependability and punctuality
  • Compassion and patience
  • Clear communication
  • Willingness to learn and adapt

And because healthcare operates around the clock, being open to evening, weekend, or rotating shifts can help candidates stand out in a competitive job market.

Training Resources and Where to Start

There are many paths to getting started in healthcare; some are more flexible than others.

Where to Look for Education and Training

Several paths are available when exploring education and training options for entry-level healthcare roles. Local community colleges often offer affordable programs with hands-on learning opportunities.

Accredited vocational schools can provide focused, job-specific training in a shorter time frame. For those needing more flexibility, reputable online programs with self-paced coursework can be a practical alternative, allowing students to balance their studies with other responsibilities.

Choosing the Right Program

Choosing the right training program is important for starting your healthcare career. It’s helpful to begin by checking whether your state approves the program, as this can affect your ability to work in specific roles.

Reviewing graduation and job placement rates can also show how well the program supports its students. Reading reviews or reaching out to alumni can offer firsthand insights into the learning experience and outcomes.

Financing Your Training

Finances don’t have to be a barrier to getting started in healthcare. Many students begin by applying for federal student financial aid through FAFSA, which can help cover tuition and related expenses.

Some employers, particularly in roles like CNA or medical assistant, may offer sponsored training or tuition reimbursement. Some state-run workforce development programs provide funding or free training options for those pursuing in-demand healthcare careers.

Climbing the Healthcare Ladder: Pathways to Growth

Many professionals start their journey in entry-level positions that lay the groundwork for future advancement.

Roles like CNA, medical assistant, or patient care technician provide hands-on experience, helping workers develop valuable clinical and interpersonal skills that translate across many healthcare settings. Over time, these foundational roles can serve as stepping stones toward more specialized positions or further education.

One advantage of starting in an entry-level healthcare job is the ability to gain experience while continuing your education. Attending school part time or taking online courses while maintaining a career in the field may be possible. Some employers may even offer flexible schedules or tuition assistance to support employees pursuing higher credentials.

Starting in a support role gives you a front-row seat to the inner workings of patient care as you pursue advanced education and training. As your career progresses, the skills gained in early roles, such as communication, teamwork, patient interaction, and basic clinical procedures, build a strong foundation that supports more complex responsibilities.

This experience makes future training easier to understand and helps you approach new roles confidently. Successful healthcare professionals often consider their entry-level jobs valuable milestones that shaped their paths forward.

Choose Your Path and Start Your Journey

If you’ve been wondering how to break into the healthcare field, there are plenty of ways to begin. There’s no need to wait for the “right” moment. Explore opportunities that reflect your strengths and goals, research programs carefully, and take that first step. Your future in healthcare could start with one class, one shift, or one application.

Ready to explore your next move? There’s a role waiting for you. Start your healthcare job search on the Health eCareers job board. .

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