What medical field job doesnt require a degree?

Healthcare Careers that Don’t Require Math or Chemistry

Caleb is an Ivy League-educated nurse consultant with a strong clinical background, including supervisory positions within ICU and ER settings. In addition to his clinical work, Caleb practices as an expert nurse consultant and nurse writer, having written hundreds of healthcare-related articles and blog posts. He is a member of the Emergency Nurses Association and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and holds multiple advanced certifications in emergency and trauma nursing.

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Pursuing a career in healthcare is appealing to many students. From helping to relieve the pain of suffering patients to welcoming new babies into the world, there aren’t many careers more rewarding than that of a healthcare career. However, one of the biggest deterrents for students considering entering the field is the math and chemistry generally required. These courses can be challenging, and certain students simply have no interest in them. Thankfully, there are several career options in healthcare that don’t require math or chemistry. Let’s take a closer look at some of these careers, what they entail, and what you can expect to earn.

Ultrasound Technician

Ultrasound technicians use sound waves to examine internal body structures or a developing fetus in the womb. Becoming an ultrasound technician generally requires an associates or bachelor’s degree specifically in diagnostic medical sonography. The prerequisites for this degree usually don’t require math and if they do, it’s usually only one basic course. Chemistry is normally not required at all in ultrasound tech programs, making it a great option for those looking to avoid these classes.

Average Annual Salary: $68,750

Radiology Technologist

Radiologic techs are responsible for helping perform imaging studies such as X-ray’s, MRI’s, and CAT scans. These professionals prepare patients for these exams, perform exams, maintain the equipment, and communicate with the physician reviewing the results to ensure the test was performed correctly. Becoming a radiologic technologist requires either an associate or a bachelor’s degree in radiography from a traditional or online radiology tech program. Some courses may have a math prerequisite, but math and chemistry are not typically part of a radiography degree.

Average Annual Salary: $61,540

Medical Social Worker

Medical social workers help to provide support to patients and their families. These social workers also help to coordinate care for patients with the hospital or practice in which the social worker is employed. From helping patients access available community resources to obtaining assistance for them when they are unable to take care of their medical needs themselves, medical social workers provide a variety of essential services. Entry level medical social worker jobs require graduating from an in-person or online bachelor’s degree in social work program. This could be an education in psychology or sociology, but more commonly will be specifically in social work. Some of these programs may have a math prerequisite, but most don’t require any math or chemistry to graduate.

Average Annual Salary: $59,300

Medical Secretary

Medical secretaries perform clerical work for hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. Becoming a medical secretary doesn’t require any specific degree, although a degree may help. While there are certification courses that you can take to increase your likelihood of obtaining a medical secretary job, ultimately, you only need a high school diploma or GED. Certification courses for medical secretaries generally don’t include a math or chemistry component.

Average Annual Salary: $37,090

Dental Assistant

Dental assistants provide basic assistance to dental patients in areas that do not require a clinical license, such as reviewing their records, handing the dentist tools, and preparing rooms for patients. Dental assistants are separate from dental hygienists, who do perform clinical tasks. Becoming a dental assistant doesn’t require any advanced education beyond a high school diploma or GED, although many who wish to enter the field do complete a certification program. These certification programs normally don’t involve a math or chemistry component.

Average Annual Salary: $40,080

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists are medical personnel who perform venipuncture; the drawing of blood from a vein or an artery. Phlebotomists may also have other specimen collection duties, depending on their specific job. Technically, it only takes a high school diploma or GED to become a phlebotomist in most states, but almost all employers will require completion of a phlebotomist certification program. These programs rarely include a math component and typically never include chemistry.

Average Annual Salary: $35,510

Medical Assistant

Medical aassistants work with doctors to provide support services that don’t require a medical license. Medical aassistants take patients’ histories, perform basic tests such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate, assist doctors during procedures, and administer medications in some situations. Becoming a medical assistant doesn’t require a degree but does require completing a certification program that will typically take six-to-nine months. There may be some simple math involved in this certification covering determining doses of medications, but this math will be very basic and will only be a very small part of the certification process. Chemistry is not typically addressed in a medical assistant certification program.

Average Annual Salary: $34,800

Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists listen to recordings of doctors dictating and transcribe these recordings into written form. Becoming a medical transcriptionist doesn’t require a specific degree, although a high school diploma or GED are generally considered necessary. While becoming a medical transcriptionist does not explicitly require any further education, most employers will require a certification from an accredited medical transcription training program that generally takes six months to complete. These programs almost never require any math or chemistry work.

Average Annual Salary: $33,380

Criminal Justice Jobs: 11 Careers You Can Pursue With a Criminal Justice Degree

What comes to mind when you hear someone’s working toward a degree in criminal justice? Many of us might be quick to assume they are interested in a career in law enforcement, but that’s not always the case. In fact, there are plenty of exciting career paths available with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the opportunities for growth or employment in the criminal justice field are rising rapidly. A degree in criminal justice is not only for those who are dedicated to fighting crime (but it is a great place for those of you who do want to!), as a degree in criminal justice doesn’t guarantee you’ll ever touch a pair of handcuffs. Here are a few options that depict the wide array of paths to choose from when seeking a career in the criminal justice field.

Forensic Psychologist

Average annual salary: $98,230
Education requirements: master’s degree

Forensic psychologists work directly with clients by holding multiple one-on-one sessions to research and assess any psychological information that could help diagnose an individual or further explain a particular crime’s causation.

As a forensic psychologist, you would not only gather and present information, but even go as far as evaluating, diagnosing, and serving patients with mental illness.

Paralegal

Average annual salary: $77,310
Education requirements: associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree
Projected percent employment increase from 2020 to 2030: 12.0%

In the world of law, a paralegal often serves as the hands and feet of their firm. The majority of responsibilities consist of supporting and collaborating with the attorneys in charge by gathering and analyzing evidence, tracking court filings, and managing and building high-volume cases — just to name a few.

It’s a popular field that requires high levels of organization, extreme attention to detail, and adept research skills. Not only are paralegals in high demand, but the median pay has steadily increased year after year. Still, it doesn’t cap there. You can further your education to become an attorney, judge, or political figure.

Intelligence Analyst

Average annual salary: $74,000
Education requirements: bachelor’s degree

An intelligence analyst is a professional who carefully researches and considers multiple sources to make analytical judgments and then pass on their findings through detailed reports, presentations, and other modes of communication to policymakers, either in the public or private sector. Their typical jobs include organizing contacts who act as sources of information and monitoring online threads, forums, etc. where information is compiled.

Youth Correctional Counselor

Average annual salary: $61,797
Education requirements: bachelor’s degree

A youth correctional counselor works with young offenders. They often provide counseling services for juveniles in a detention facility or work with minors and are responsible for the offenders’ rehabilitation and transition back into everyday life. They connect with youth offenders individually and in groups.

Youth correctional counselors make differences in young individuals’ lives and in the criminal justice system as a whole.

Private Investigator

Average annual salary: $57,100
Education requirements: bachelor’s degree or possibly a law degree if working for large corporations
Projected percent employment increase from 2020 to 2030: 13.2%

You’ve seen and read about them in popular crime dramas, but there’s a reason private investigators have one of the most satisfying jobs out there. If you’re the type of person who loves solving mysteries and problems, conducting interviews, and looking into unsolved cases, this might be the job for you.

A private investigator works hand in hand with authorities, and sometimes, if necessary, obtains evidence that can be used in court. This is the criminal case side of the job. On the other hand, private investigators also often work in the personal and financial sector, monitoring a specific individual or group and keeping tabs on their activity.

__________
It’s never too late to start your journey.
Earn a Criminal Justice degree fully online in as few as 15 months.
__________

Forensic Science Technician

Average annual salary: $56,750
Education requirements: bachelor’s degree
Projected percent employment increase from 2020 to 2030: 15.6%

For people with a passion for science, a criminal justice degree could be the perfect career path! Work environments for forensic science technicians — also known as crime scene investigators or forensic investigators — range from inside the lab to assisting at an active crime scene.

Not only do forensic science technicians conduct crime scene investigations while gathering evidence and information, but they also analyze evidence, images, and other elements pertinent to the investigation. They then perform comprehensive scientific and technical analyses in order to obtain results and answers. The added responsibility and technical skills may also lead to a greater potential salary, so if you’re interested in using science to discover the truth, you may want to further investigate this career option.

Criminal Profiler

Average annual salary: $51,855
Education requirements: bachelor’s degree

A criminal profiler is someone who uses specialized techniques and training to identify crime suspects. Their main job is to compile and compare data from crimes and offenders to create a profile of a suspect. They formulate hypotheses by analyzing witness reports, victim testimonies and crime scene evidence. Profilers work closely with law enforcement agencies, often visit and evaluate crime scenes, and perform extensive analysis to identify patterns of criminal behavior.

Investigative Reporter

Average annual salary: $50,261
Education requirements: bachelor’s degree

Investigative reporters are essentially journalists who complete extensive, long-term research and analysis to write news stories. Investigative reporters research, interpret, and communicate news stories to the public. Investigative reporters must dig deep into a story and present it to the public in an intelligent, understandable way. Investigative reporters have to be sure to cover all angles and present a comprehensive and unbiased view of the story they’re reporting.

Public Safety or Correctional Officer

Average annual salary: $46,673
Education requirements: those employed by federal prisons must have a bachelor’s degree to be eligible.

Perhaps you desire a larger sense of responsibility — uniform and all. There are certainly options for that as either a public safety officer or a correctional officer. You would have the advantage of working at local, state, and federal levels, all while maintaining safety and protection.

Public safety officers are responsible for patrolling assigned areas and keeping them safe. They often perform medical treatment in emergency situations and can make arrests when absolutely necessary. Correctional officers do the same, though typically within prisons, jails, or other correctional institutions, watching over and protecting incarcerated individuals.

Victim Advocate

Average annual salary: $42,866
Education requirements: bachelor’s degree

Victim advocates are trained to support victims of crime. Their typical responsibilities include offering emotional support, victims’ rights information, help in finding needed resources and assistance in filling out crime victim related forms. Victim advocates frequently accompany victims and their family members through the different aspects of criminal justice proceedings.

Probation or Parole Officer

Average annual salary: $41,317
Education requirements: bachelor’s degree
Projected percent employment increase from 2020 to 2030: 3.8 %

Though probation and parole officers both work with convicted offenders, there are distinct differences between these two roles. Probation officers serve specific individuals during their probation, helping with their rehabilitation and preparing them for life after completing their probation. A parole officer’s duties are quite similar, however, they work with former inmates.

Both require strong interpersonal and communicative skills to help those transitioning from incarceration continue to further their education, gain fulfilling employment, and achieve successful rehabilitation.

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Right For Me?

There’s such a wide variety of paths one can take when looking into a criminal justice degree. You can work in the field responding to active crimes or gathering evidence. You could pursue your passion for science, working in crime scenes and labs to analyze important evidence. Or you could choose to work in an office where you counsel and help others transitioning from criminal backgrounds.

If you believe you may be called to a criminal justice degree, consider applying today or get connected with one of our counselors.

Healthcare Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree

If you’re looking for a high-paying career field with a lot of job opportunities, healthcare jobs can be terrific options.

The healthcare industry is currently the largest employment sector in the United States. There is incredible demand for workers in this field, with tens of thousands of jobs being added every year.

Thankfully, you don’t have to spend years in medical school in order to work in healthcare. In fact, many top healthcare jobs don’t require a college degree at all. If you’re interested in a healthcare career, but don’t have a degree, you should take a closer look at these jobs.

Hearing Aid Specialist

The job of a hearing aid specialist is to outfit clients with an appropriate hearing aid. A specialist may conduct hearing tests, recommend hearing aids, or repair hearing aids that have been damaged. It’s common to see these specialists working in hospitals and in audiologist offices.

While some employers prefer to hire specialists with a bachelor’s degree, only a high school diploma is required for the job. You will also have to pass a licensing exam. According to the US U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a hearing aid specialist is $50,250.

Medical Assistant

Hospitals and doctor’s offices can get pretty hectic. Medical assistants work to provide support to other medical staff. They may handle administrative tasks, such as appointment scheduling, or help to prepare patients for exams.

Typically, a medical assistant will have to complete some sort of post-secondary program. These programs can typically be completed in less than a year. How much can you expect to earn? The average salary for a medical assistant is $32,480 per year.

Phlebotomist

If you’ve ever had blood drawn, you’ve been treated by a phlebotomist. These specialists draw blood for lab testing. It’s a simple but essential job in the healthcare industry. Some phlebotomists travel from one facility to another, while others work at a specific healthcare site.

As long as you have a high school diploma, it’s possible to become a phlebotomist in just a few months. You’ll need to complete a training program, which typically takes between six and twelve weeks. The mean annual wage for a phlebotomist is $31,890.

Certified Nursing Assistant

If you’re interested in nursing but aren’t ready to enroll in a college program, you should consider working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. CNAs work to assist nurses by providing basic care to patients. A CNA may handle patient feedings, change bedpans, or take a patient’s vital signs.

As long as you have a high school diploma, you’ll only need to complete a short training program to become a CNA. These programs can typically be completed within six weeks. Once you’ve finished your training and passed your state’s licensing exam, you can start working at a healthcare facility. Workers in this field earn $27,710 a year on average, with an average hourly wage of $12.36 per hour.

Audiology Assistant

Audiology assistants work alongside audiologists to provide care to the hearing impaired. Assistants will typically help with routine duties, such as scheduling patients and updating medical records. They may also check and maintain audiology equipment or assist patients with their hearing aids.

Although there are training programs for audiology assistants, it’s more common to receive on-the-job training from an audiologist. Salaries in this field vary based on location and experience levels. In 2019, audiology assistants earned between $24,476 and $47,200 yearly.

Home Health Aide

Home health aides work directly with patients in the home, and they often work with seniors or the disabled. An HHA may provide basic health care services, such as monitoring vitals, or they may assist with basic household tasks, such as cleaning and preparing meals.

To work as a Home Health Aide, you’ll need to complete a training program, which usually lasts for one semester. Depending on your location, you may also need to pass a state licensing exam. The median salary for an HHA median salary is currently $24,200. Because this field is in high-demand, salaries are expected to increase over the next ten years.

Want to learn more about healthcare jobs that don’t require a degree? Take a look at the Staffing Proxy job board to see if you can find job openings that interest you. Employers are hungry to hire qualified healthcare workers. Even if you don’t have a degree, there are plenty of opportunities you can take advantage of.