The medical field is often associated with long years of study and extremely rigorous training. 

However, the good news is that not all healthcare careers require extensive education. There are many rewarding and essential fast-track medical careers that you can enter quickly. 

If you’re ready to launch a new career in the medical field, let’s examine these careers, their job responsibilities, the education required, and the potential for growth.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Becoming a certified nursing assistant typically requires a high school diploma. You’ll then have to complete a training program. These training programs are often available at vocational schools, some hospitals may offer them, and community colleges, too. 

Of the fast-track medical careers, the training for a CNA is one of the shortest, usually lasting 4 to 12 weeks. After you complete the training, you must pass a certifying exam, and then you will be able to launch your career.

Job Responsibilities

The job responsibilities for this type of career involve basic patient care. You should assist them with dressing, bathing, and eating. 

You will also be asked to take patients’ vital signs and report any changes in condition to nurses and doctors. When you become a CNA, you can work in a multitude of settings, including nursing homes, private homes, and hospitals.

Career Prospects

The demand for CNAs is growing significantly because of the aging population. This will serve as a stepping stone to more advanced nursing positions if you wish. 

You may even choose to become a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse in the long run.

Emergency Medical Technician

An emergency medical technician or EMT must complete a specific training program that often takes about six months. This type of program requires you to go to a community college or a technical school. Once you’ve done all that training, you must pass a National test or exam to become certified in the field.

Job Responsibilities

The job responsibilities of an emergency medical technician include giving critical care to patients when they are in desperate and emergency situations. You will first assess the patient’s condition, perform CPR, and then give the patient medications. You’ll also provide first aid in many cases. You can get your CPR training from CPR Near Me for comprehensive training.

If you take up this job, you’ll also be responsible for transporting patients to medical facilities. You can work in various settings, such as hospitals, fire departments, and ambulances. It’s up to you which environment you find most tolerable.

Career Prospects

The career prospects for this profession include opportunities for advancement in higher levels of Emergency Medical Service. You can become a paramedic or even pursue a career in emergency management or firefighting if you choose. As you can see, this job serves as a stepping stone into many other fields.

Medical Assistant

If you want to be a medical assistant, you’ll have to complete a post-secondary education program. This can last anywhere from 9 months to 2 years and, depending on the length of your study, result in either a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

Job Responsibilities

Medical assistants are in charge of performing administrative and clinical tasks. If you choose this job, your administrative duties will include scheduling appointments, billing, and making sure patient’s medical records are intact. 

The mechanical aspects of the job include drawing blood, writing patients’ histories, preparing patients for exams, and assisting doctors during specific procedures.

Career Prospects

This job is in high demand, and job growth is projected to be very high. It requires operating across a broad skill set and experience, and it is an excellent way to advance further in the healthcare field.

Pharmacy Technician

A pharmacy technician typically has to complete a training program that lasts anywhere from a year to a few months. These programs are often offered at vocational schools, online colleges, and community colleges. You’ll need a certification, which can be obtained by passing a pharmacy technician certification board examination.

Job Responsibilities

A pharmacy technician assists the pharmacist in dispatching prescription medication. They measure and mix medications and ensure that they are suitable and ready for use by those who need them. They also label and package prescriptions and provide customer service. 

Where do pharmacy technicians work? They work in pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare facilities.

Career Prospects

Of the 4 fast-track medical careers, pharmacy technician jobs are blowing up, and it’s a chance for you to enter a career on an upward trajectory. The aging population and the increased need for prescription medications drive this. 

A pharmacy technician also gives you a perfect stepping stone for becoming a full pledge pharmacist. It can propel you to other advanced pharmaceutical professions, making it a good starting point for your career. 

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood. They also draw blood for medical testing, transfusions, and donations. The training to become a phlebotomist is relatively short. 

You can study for about 4 to 8 weeks. These programs are available at healthcare institutions, vocational schools, and community colleges.

Job Responsibilities

If you get into this field, you will label specimens of the blood you draw and maintain equipment. You will need to follow strict procedures to ensure patient safety and integrity of all the samples you take. This is critical work, as doctors need information collected from the samples to help treat patients.

Career Prospects

This is a growing field within the fast-track medical careers with many job prospects. You’ll get valuable experience, which will serve as a foundation for further education and advancement in laboratory fields or in any clinical setting that you choose. 

Do any of these 4 fast-track medical careers interest you?