17 of the Best Entry-Level Careers in Healthcare
Entry-level careers in healthcare offer more than just job security — they offer purpose, growth, and the chance to make a real difference. With over 22 million people currently working in healthcare in the U.S. — and millions more needed in the decade to follow — it’s a field full of opportunity. From nurses and home health aides to medical coders and surgical techs, the range of roles is wide, and so are the chances to find meaningful, well-paying work that fits your skills and values.
Ready to explore your options? Check out these medical careers listed from A to Z, covering everything you need to know, including job descriptions, salary info, career outlook, and where to start the job search.
Entry-Level Healthcare Careers: A Quick Look
- High demand: Healthcare jobs are projected to grow much faster than the national average — driven by an aging population and increasing care needs.
- Competitive salary: Pay in healthcare varies, but many full-time roles offer strong salaries with great benefits.
- Growth opportunities: The medical field offers clear paths for professional advancement and continued education, making it easier to move into higher-paying or more specialized roles over time.
- Diverse career paths: The healthcare sector offers a wide variety of roles — from direct patient care to administration, research, and technology — providing options to fit many interests and skills.
- Job stability: Healthcare careers tend to be resilient during economic downturns, with steady demand even in uncertain times.
- Public trust: Healthcare workers, especially nurses, are consistently rated among the most trusted professions in the U.S.
Entry-Level Careers in Healthcare List: A to Z Guide to Opportunities
Note: Salary info is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.
1. Anesthesia Technician
Description: Anesthesia technicians support anesthesiology teams by getting all equipment and medications ready, restocking the crash cart, and sterilizing tools. They follow directions closely during procedures, ensuring all the machines (such as mechanical ventilators and anesthetic vaporizers) are functioning properly and patient safety is maintained during procedures.
Average anesthesia technician salary: Around $48,000 per year
Education: Complete an accredited anesthesia tech program, then consider earning the Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.) certification. Check your state’s rules, as they may differ. Learn how to become an anesthesia technician.
2. Breastfeeding Counselor
Description: Breastfeeding counselors are specialized healthcare professionals who help new parents with breastfeeding and infant feeding challenges. They provide guidance on latching, milk supply, pumping, and weaning, while also supporting families through common issues like sore nipples, tongue-tie, and low milk production. They work in hospitals, pediatric clinics, maternity wards, and private practices.
Average breastfeeding counselor salary: About $46,000 per year
Education: Complete a training program accredited by organizations like the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) or the Healthy Children Project, then pass the Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) or Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) certification exam. Learn how to become a certified breastfeeding counselor.
3. Cardiovascular Operating Room Technologist
Description: Cardiovascular operating room (CVOR) technologists assist surgical teams during procedures involving the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery bypass grafting and valve replacements. Working in hospitals and surgical centers, they prep the operating room, sterilize instruments, and manage surgical tools — playing a vital role in the success of life-saving operations.
Average CVOR tech salary: About $60,000 per year
Education: Complete an accredited program in surgical or cardiovascular tech, then consider earning the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) credential from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Learn how to become a CVOR tech.
4. Certified Nursing Assistant
Description: Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide essential bedside care — helping patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and feeding, taking vital signs, and supporting nurses to ensure patient comfort and well-being.
Average CNA salary: $41,270 per year
Education: Enroll in a state-approved CNA training program, which typically lasts between four and 12 weeks, followed by passing a certified nursing assistant exam. Some states also require passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) to qualify for certification. Learn how to become a CNA.
5. Dental Hygienist
Description: Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who work alongside dentists to provide preventative dental care. They clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases, apply sealants or fluoride, and educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques. Most work in dental offices, but some are employed in schools, clinics, or public health settings. It is also one of the best-paid entry-level careers in healthcare.
Average dental hygienist salary: $93,890 per year
Education: Complete a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). After graduation, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and obtain state licensure.
6. Emergency Medical Technician
Description: Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), also known as paramedics, are first responders, providing life-saving interventions at the scene of accidents, disasters, or medical emergencies. They quickly assess patients, provide essential treatments like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and wound care, and safely transport individuals to medical facilities.
Average EMT salary: $44,790 per year
Education: Complete a state-approved EMT training program, then pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exam. Additional state licensing may be required.
7. Home Health Aide
Description: Home health aides provide essential care and support to patients in their homes. They assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication reminders. Home health aides often work with elderly, disabled, or chronically ill individuals outside the hospitals, making this one of the entry-level careers in healthcare with solid work-life balance.
Average home health aide salary: $34,990 per year
Education: Most roles require a high school diploma and state certification. If working for a Medicare-certified agency, you’ll need at least 75 hours of state-approved training, along with supervised clinical practice and ongoing continuing education. Requirements vary by state, so be sure to check your local guidelines. Learn how to become a home health aide.
8. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Description: Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide direct care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health settings. They take vital signs, dress wounds, administer medications, and help patients with basic hygiene — all under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or other healthcare providers.
Average LPN salary: $64,150 per year
Education: Complete a state-approved LPN or LVN training program, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam, and apply for a license in your state. Learn how to become an LPN.
9. Medical Assistant
Descriptions: Certified medical assistants (CMAs) support physicians and nurses with both clinical and administrative tasks. Clinically, they may provide basic wound care, perform electrocardiograms (EKGs), and take vital signs. On the administrative side, they handle scheduling, calls, and insurance paperwork. CMAs commonly work in outpatient clinics, doctors’ offices, or hospitals.
Average CMA salary: $44,720 per year
Education: Medical assisting is one of the few entry-level careers in healthcare that doesn’t require a degree. However, to get certified with nationally recognized credentials like National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), you’ll need formal training or specialized experience to qualify for the exam. Learn how to become a certified medical assistant.
10. Medical Coder
Description: Medical coders translate healthcare services, diagnoses, and procedures into standardized codes used for billing, insurance claims, and medical records. These codes form the backbone of billing systems and are crucial for healthcare data accuracy. It’s one of the entry-level careers in healthcare that offers remote work options.
Average medical coder salary: About $58,000 per year
Education: Complete a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree in medical coding or health information technology. Some professionals also enter the field with a background in nursing. Earning a certification — such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) — can boost your job prospects. Learn how to become a nurse coder.
11. Medical Interpreter
Description: Medical interpreters help patients and healthcare providers communicate across language barriers by translating spoken or signed conversations during appointments or hospital visits. They ensure patients understand diagnoses, treatments, and care instructions — promoting safety, informed consent, and equitable care.
Average medical interpreter salary: About $52,000 per year
Education: Start by becoming fluent in a second language. Then complete a medical interpreter training program accredited by the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA). To become certified, apply through the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) or the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI). For American Sign Language, consider earning the Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) credential. Learn how to become a medical interpreter.
12. Medical Records Specialist
Description: Medical records specialists organize and manage health information data. They ensure records are accurate, complete, and secure — whether stored digitally or on paper. Their work supports patient care, billing, and regulatory compliance.
Average medical record specialist salary: About $55,970 per year
Education: Earn a high school diploma or equivalent plus a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in health information technology. Specialized credentials such as the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification can boost your job prospects.
13. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Description: A nuclear medicine technologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in preparing and administering radioactive drugs used for imaging and treating certain diseases. These professionals operate specialized equipment, such as PET scanners and gamma cameras, while working closely with interventional radiology nurses and other members of the nuclear medicine team. It’s one of the highest-paying entry-level careers in healthcare.
Average nuclear medicine technologist salary: About $99,690 per year
Education: Earn an associate’s (or bachelor’s) degree in nuclear medicine technology. Depending on which state you wish to practice in, you may need licensure or certifications through organizations like the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Learn how to become a nuclear med tech.
14. Pharmacy Tech
Description: Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications. They help manage inventory, measure and package prescriptions, label containers, and interact with patients about refills or insurance claims.
Average pharmacy technician salary: About $44,800 per year
Education: Many pharmacy technicians complete a postsecondary certificate program, though some receive on-the-job training. Licensure through your state’s board of pharmacy may be required. Earning a certification such as the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) can boost your resume and your salary.
15. Phlebotomist
Description: Phlebotomists are trained healthcare professionals who specialize in collecting blood samples for medical testing, donations, transfusions, or research purposes. They ensure proper labeling, storage, and handling of blood samples while helping patients feel comfortable during the procedure.
Average phlebotomist salary: About $44,390 per year
Education: Complete a state-approved training program, typically lasting a few months. Professional phlebotomy certifications, like those offered by the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), may be preferred or required by healthcare employers.
16. Registered Nurse
Description: RNs are central to patient care — providing hands-on support across every stage of treatment. They administer medications, assist with procedures, perform health assessments, and educate patients and families about managing illnesses. RNs may choose to specialize in areas like critical care, pediatrics, or mental health, allowing them to focus their expertise on specific patient populations or conditions. It’s one of the entry-level careers in healthcare with a strong potential for career growth.
Average RN salary: $98,430 per year
Education: Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program. Then, pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and apply for licensure in your state. Learn how to become an RN.
17. Surgical Tech
Description: Surgical technologists, or surgical techs, support surgeons and the operating room team before, during, and after procedures. They prep the operating room, manage supplies, handle specimens, and often pass instruments during surgery (though in some hospitals, this is done by a scrub nurse). A key part of the job is maintaining the sterile field — a critical safety standard in every operation.
Average surgical tech salary: $65,810 a year
Education: Complete an accredited surgical tech program (certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree). Certifications like Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Tech in Surgery (TS-C) may be preferred. You can also pursue CBSPD certification to learn how to work in a sterile field. Learn how to become a surgical tech.
Entry-Level Careers in Healthcare: FAQ
What entry-level careers in healthcare pay the most?
When exploring health careers and salaries, nuclear medicine technologists, registered nurses, and dental hygienists rank among the highest-paying entry-level healthcare jobs, with average annual salaries nearing six figures. Surgical technologists, licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), and massage therapists also earn strong salaries and are considered top-paying careers that don’t require a four-year degree.
How can I find my first job in healthcare?
One of the best ways to break into the field is by exploring entry-level healthcare careers at major healthcare networks. These organizations typically offer strong onboarding and training for fresh-out-of-school employees, and may even offer preceptorships to help new hires build hands-on experience.
Want to check out what’s available? Here are some well-known healthcare facilities with open positions:
- Cigna Healthcare careers
- Davita Healthcare Partners careers
- Emory Healthcare careers
- Hartford Healthcare careers
- HCA Healthcare careers
- Intermountain Healthcare careers
- Molina Healthcare careers
- Norton Healthcare careers
- Sentara Healthcare careers
- UnitedHealthcare careers
Alternatively, you can explore entry-level careers in healthcare at long-term care centers, rehabilitation facilities, community clinics, or outpatient practices — many of which are great places to gain hands-on experience in a smaller, more personal setting.
Are there remote entry-level careers in healthcare?
Yes. Some roles such as medical records specialist, medical coder, medical interpreter, or medical transcriptionist can be done remotely or in hybrid settings. There are also telehealth opportunities for nurses — including CNAs, LPNs/LVNs, and RNs.
What are the fastest growing jobs in healthcare?
Home health aides, physical therapy assistants, and occupational therapy assistants are among the fastest-growing careers in healthcare that don’t require a four-year college degree. These roles are in high demand due to an aging population, increased focus on outpatient care, and a shift toward in-home and rehabilitative services.
What are the best healthcare jobs?
What’s considered “best” varies from person to person. However, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and dental hygienists tend to rank among the top healthcare jobs — offering a strong combination of salary and job stability.
Ready to Explore the Best Entry-Level Careers in Healthcare?
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