Don’t know what to do after high school? Check out these amazing healthcare careers!

Are you a recent high school graduate or soon-to-be graduate looking for your next career move? Healthcare is a booming industry, and there are many different paths you can take within it. Whether you’re interested in a hands-on role or something behind the scenes, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and make a difference. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at five of the top healthcare careers for high school graduates, exploring the opportunities for growth and service each one presents.

Registered Nurses
Registered nurses are highly trained healthcare professionals responsible for providing patient care. They are typically the first line of care for patients in hospitals, physician’s offices, home health agencies, nursing homes, and other medical settings. Registered nurses work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to assess patient needs, develop individualized care plans, administer treatments and medications, and monitor patient health.
To become a registered nurse, one must obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a diploma from an accredited nursing program. After completing an accredited program, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to receive their nursing license.
Registered nurses play a vital role in patient care and often times serve as a patient advocate. They have the opportunity to work with a variety of patients and specialize in areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, obstetrics, mental health, oncology, and more. With experience, registered nurses can take on additional responsibilities such as teaching, research, and management. Registered nurses have the potential for job growth and professional advancement.

Licensed Practical Nurses
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are healthcare professionals who provide basic care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. They work in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare.
The duties of an LPN include taking patient vital signs, giving injections, monitoring IV lines, providing wound care, and helping with activities of daily living. In addition, LPNs may be responsible for collecting specimens for laboratory tests and documenting patient care.
To become an LPN, individuals must complete an approved LPN program from an accredited school and then pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. LPN programs generally last one year and include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. After passing the NCLEX-PN, LPNs can pursue employment opportunities in their desired location.
The job outlook for LPNs is expected to be positive over the next few years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Licensed Practical Nurses is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the aging population and increasing demand for long-term care services.
Overall, becoming an LPN offers high school graduates an exciting opportunity to enter the healthcare field and provide quality care to patients. With the growing need for nurses, this profession is sure to offer great potential for growth and job security.

Certified Nursing Assistants
Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, provide direct care to patients. They help with basic needs such as bathing, dressing and taking vital signs. They also provide emotional support to their patients and assist other healthcare professionals.
Becoming a CNA requires completing a certification program and passing a competency exam. This program usually takes about 8-12 weeks to complete and is typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools or hospitals.
CNAs are in high demand, and the job outlook for this position is very positive. The median salary for CNAs is around $28,000 a year, and there are opportunities for advancement and higher pay if you choose to pursue further education.
CNAs have the unique opportunity to be a part of an important team that provides compassionate and supportive care to those in need. This can be a very rewarding career path, as you will be helping people during a very vulnerable time in their lives. It is also a great choice for high school graduates because it doesn’t require a four-year degree and can provide immediate job security.

Medical Assistants
Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare, as they are responsible for completing a wide range of administrative and clinical tasks. These tasks include scheduling patient appointments, preparing patients for examinations, recording medical histories, taking vital signs, performing laboratory tests, drawing blood, and providing basic patient care. Medical assistants can also be involved in billing and coding activities, as well as transcribing doctors’ orders.
Given the varied roles they play, medical assistants can be found in a variety of medical settings such as private physician offices, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They must have a thorough knowledge of medical terminology and electronic medical records systems to properly perform their duties.
In terms of education requirements, high school graduates who are interested in becoming medical assistants will need to complete a postsecondary program from an accredited institution. Most programs offer certificates or associate’s degrees, and some even offer bachelor’s degrees.
A career as a medical assistant can be a great opportunity for high school graduates who want to enter the healthcare field. It provides a great way to get started in healthcare and build experience for future advancement. Additionally, medical assistants can find career stability and job satisfaction in this growing field.

Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for assisting pharmacists in a variety of tasks, including preparing prescriptions, providing customer service, and handling financial transactions. Pharmacy technicians must have a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to complete additional certification or training.
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is positive, with many opportunities available in retail settings, hospitals, and nursing homes. To become a pharmacy technician, you must have excellent communication skills, accuracy in your work, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
In addition to the responsibilities of the job, pharmacy technicians must adhere to safety and sanitation guidelines when handling drugs and medical supplies. They must be familiar with drug names, doses, and interactions, and must be able to work closely with pharmacists to ensure all prescriptions are filled correctly and safely.
As a pharmacy technician, you can expect to receive competitive salaries and benefits, as well as the opportunity to interact with customers and make a positive difference in their lives. If you’re looking for an exciting healthcare career, a pharmacy technician could be the perfect fit for you. With this position, you will not only gain valuable experience in the field of medicine but also earn money while helping those who need it most. Additionally, becoming a pharmacy technician is fairly straightforward; most programs require no prior experience and provide comprehensive on-the-job training upon hire. Not only will this give you hands-on experience with the profession, but also allow you to quickly pick up new skills on the fly and stay on top of industry trends. Plus, becoming certified gives you even more advantages over competitors. With that said, if you’re considering becoming a pharmacy technician, be sure to research certifications and schools offering such courses so you can get started quickly on your path to success.