Healthcare has become one of the most popular industries for career changers seeking job stability, meaningful work, and long-term growth opportunities. In 2026, many adults are transitioning into healthcare careers because of the industry’s strong hiring demand, flexible training options, and accessible education pathways.
The good news is that you don’t always need a four-year degree or years of medical school to start a healthcare career. Many healthcare roles offer short-term certification programs, online training options, and entry-level opportunities for professionals changing careers later in life.
If you’re considering a career switch, here are some of the best healthcare careers for career changers in 2026.
Healthcare Careers for Career Changers at a Glance
| Career (BLS occupation) | Median pay (May 2025) | Typical entry-level education | Projected growth (2025–35) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical assistant | $45,690 | Postsecondary nondegree award | 13% |
| Medical billing and coding / health information technician (medical records specialists) | $51,140 | Postsecondary nondegree award | 8% |
| Pharmacy technician | $45,750 | High school diploma plus on-the-job training | 6% |
| Certified nursing assistant (nursing assistants) | $42,260 | State-approved training program and competency exam | 3% |
| Phlebotomist | $45,230 | Postsecondary nondegree award | 7% |
| Medical administrative assistant (medical secretaries and administrative assistants) | $45,930 | High school diploma | 5% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Medical Assistants; Medical Records Specialists; Pharmacy Technicians; Nursing Assistants and Orderlies; Phlebotomists; Secretaries and Administrative Assistants)
1. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants support healthcare providers by performing both clinical and administrative tasks. Responsibilities may include taking vital signs, scheduling appointments, and assisting during patient exams.
Why It’s Great for Career Changers:
- Short training programs
- High job demand—the BLS projects 13% growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 109,700 openings a year
- Opportunities for patient interaction
- Fast entry into healthcare
Medical assistants earned a median of $45,690 in May 2025. Many programs can be completed in less than two years—certificates often take 9–12 months—making this an attractive option for adults looking to transition quickly.
2. Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Medical billing and coding specialists manage insurance claims, patient records, and healthcare coding systems.
Why It’s Great for Career Changers:
- Online training programs available
- Remote work opportunities with some employers
- No direct patient care required
- Strong administrative career path
The BLS groups this work under medical records specialists, who earned a median of $51,140 in May 2025—the highest median on this list. Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, though the BLS notes AI tools that speed up coding may affect demand. This role is especially appealing for professionals with backgrounds in office administration, finance, or data management.
3. Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists prepare medications and manage prescriptions.
Why It’s Great for Career Changers:
- Short certification timelines
- Growing demand—6% projected growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average, with about 44,700 openings a year
- Retail and hospital work options
- Clear certification pathways
Pharmacy technicians earned a median of $45,750 in May 2025, according to the BLS. Many pharmacy technician programs can be completed in under a year; most states regulate the role, and some require certification.
4. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNAs provide direct patient care and assist nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
Why It’s Great for Career Changers:
- Fast training programs
- Hands-on healthcare experience
- Steady demand—about 203,300 openings a year for nursing assistants and orderlies, even with 3% projected growth
- Entry point into nursing careers
According to the BLS, nursing assistants earned a median of $42,260 in May 2025 and typically need to complete a state-approved program and pass a competency exam. CNA training programs are often among the fastest healthcare credentials available, but the work is physically demanding, with one of the highest injury rates of any occupation.
5. Health Information Technician
Health information technicians manage electronic medical records and healthcare data systems.
Why It’s Great for Career Changers:
- Technology-focused role
- Growing healthcare digitization
- Administrative career opportunities
- Limited patient interaction
The BLS includes this work in the medical records specialists occupation ($51,140 median, 8% projected growth). Those who pursue the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential need a CAHIIM-accredited associate degree, according to AHIMA. This career may be ideal for people transitioning from IT, operations, or administrative fields.
6. Phlebotomy Technician
Phlebotomists collect blood samples for testing and medical procedures.
Why It’s Great for Career Changers:
- Short-term certification programs
- Quick workforce entry
- Hands-on patient care experience
- Flexible work settings, from hospitals (36% of jobs) to medical and diagnostic labs (33%)
The BLS reports a median of $45,230 in May 2025 and projects 7% growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average. Training programs usually take less than a year, and many can be completed in just a few months.
7. Medical Administrative Assistant
Medical administrative assistants help healthcare offices manage scheduling, insurance paperwork, and patient communications.
Why It’s Great for Career Changers:
- Transferable office skills
- Minimal clinical training required
- Stable healthcare environment—5% projected growth from 2025 to 2035, even as secretary and administrative assistant jobs overall are projected to decline 2%
- Flexible learning options
According to the BLS, medical secretaries and administrative assistants earned a median of $45,930 in May 2025. They need to know medical terminology and records procedures, which community colleges and technical schools teach. Professionals with customer service or office management experience may transition easily into this role.
Why Healthcare Is a Popular Industry for Career Changers
Healthcare offers several advantages that appeal to adults changing careers later in life.
Strong Job Stability
The BLS projects overall employment in healthcare occupations to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2035, with about 1.9 million openings each year.
Flexible Education Options
Many healthcare careers offer:
- Online certification programs
- Evening and weekend classes
- Accelerated training pathways
Cost varies by school type. According to NCES, average tuition and fees at public two-year colleges were about $4,200 a year for in-district students in 2024–25, compared with about $17,000 at private for-profit two-year schools.
Meaningful Work
Many career changers are drawn to healthcare because they want work that feels impactful and purpose-driven.
Healthcare Career Outlook for Career Changers
Healthcare offers multiple accessible pathways for adults seeking a fresh start in 2026. Here’s what the data shows:
- Demand is broad. The BLS projects about 1.9 million healthcare openings a year from 2025 to 2035.
- Medical assisting is growing fastest. Jobs are projected to grow 13%, with about 109,700 openings a year.
- Office-based roles can pay well. Medical records specialists earned a median of $51,140, and medical administrative assistants $45,930.
- Most roles pay in the mid-$40,000s. Medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and phlebotomists all had medians between $45,230 and $45,750.
- Training is short and affordable at community colleges. Public two-year tuition averages about $4,200 a year, versus about $17,000 at for-profit two-year schools.
For career changers seeking stability, growth, and meaningful work, healthcare remains one of the best industries to enter—especially if you choose a role that fits your existing skills.
Related Career Karma Guides
- How to make a career change at 45
- How to make a career change at 35
- Best jobs for people over 50
- Jobs that only require a certificate
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Healthcare Occupations (projections 2025–35)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Assistants (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Records Specialists (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Pharmacy Technicians (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nursing Assistants and Orderlies (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Phlebotomists (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35)
- National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS: Average costs of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduates, 2022–23 and 2024–25
- AHIMA: Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
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