You don’t need a college diploma to build a stable, well-paying career in healthcare. Hospitals across the country are hiring thousands of people every year for roles that rely on compassion, reliability, and hands-on skills, not just the skills you would develop with a formal education. Healthcare support occupations are one of the fastest-growing fields in the country and they are adding hundreds of thousands of new jobs every year.1
If you’ve earned your GED or high school diploma and you want to make a real difference in people’s lives, this guide will show you how. We’ll explore the best hospital jobs you can get without a degree, the skills and certifications that will help to boost your pay potential, and where to find employers that are currently ready to hire right now.
Key Takeaways
- Many hospital careers don’t require a college degree, but instead they value candidates that demonstrate they have the dedication, basic training, and willingness to learn on the job.
- Entry-level hospital positions such as medical assistants, phlebotomy aides, and surgical technologists will provide you with valuable experience and the potential to start a meaningful career where you can move up in the hospital sector.
- Certifications like CNA, EMT, or medical billing credentials can significantly increase your job prospects and earning potential.
- Paid apprenticeships and “earn-while-you-learn” programs will allow you to gain valuable experience while you are earning income and gaining credentials.
- Major healthcare networks like Kaiser Permanente, HCA Healthcare, and Cleveland Clinic regularly hire GED-qualified applicants, so you don’t even need a high school diploma to work for one of these reputable organizations.
- As technology reshapes hospitals, and the rest of our work, people who are technologically literate and can understand electronic health records, data entry, and privacy standards, will have an edge in the job market.
What Is a Hospital Job?
Hospital jobs include clinical, allied-health, and non-clinical roles, many of which are open to people without a college degree. Regardless of the type of job, everyone working in a hospital contributes to patient care directly or indirectly.
Anyone wishing to pursue a hospital job with a GED would take on a role as part of the non-clinical staff. Their responsibilities wouldn’t include daily medical tasks they aren’t licensed for, such as administering medication or taking blood samples.
Hospitals are generally divided into three broad categories of employment: clinical, non-clinical, and allied health. Clinical workers (like nurses and technicians) deliver patient care directly, while non-clinical staff handle administrative, maintenance, or support tasks such as admissions, billing, or sanitation. Allied-health professionals bridge both sides and help with rehabilitation, imaging, and lab testing. Many entry-level hospital jobs without degrees fall into the non-clinical or allied-health categories, such as patient transporter, environmental-services aide, or food-services assistant, which can be great first steps into healthcare careers.
What Do Hospital Jobs Pay?
Wages for hospital jobs without a degree vary widely depending on job type, location, shift, and certification. Currently, the median annual wage for healthcare-support occupations was $37,180, and these roles are projected to grow over the next decade.1
In addition to hourly pay, many hospital jobs offer benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, and retirement plans, which make total compensation more valuable than salary alone. Pay also varies depending on shift differentials, certifications, and state. For example, night or weekend shifts often include a wage premium, and entry-level staff may earn overtime for extended shifts or emergency coverage.
What Skills Do You Need to Land a Hospital Job?
To land a hospital job with no degree, you’ll need strong communication, reliability, and basic technical skills.
Working in healthcare often requires you to get information from patients and communicate with them about their concerns. Critical thinking helps you analyze information and decide how to act; attention to detail is vital because errors can affect patient safety.
Beyond interpersonal abilities, hospitals increasingly value technical competencies such as familiarity with electronic health-record (EHR) systems, understanding HIPAA regulations, and maintaining infection-control standards. Employers also emphasize dependability and teamwork, which are two of the most frequently cited soft skills in healthcare hiring. Applicants can stand out by obtaining CPR/BLS certifications or OSHA and HIPAA training, which demonstrate professionalism.
What Education Do You Need to Get a Hospital Job?
Most hospital entry roles require only a high school diploma or GED plus employer training or apprenticeships. Many hospital systems now offer education-assistance programs that allow employees to earn certifications or degrees while working.
Some hospitals sponsor Earn-While-You-Learn apprenticeships recognized by the US Department of Labor, which helps workers transition from entry-level support to licensed roles such as nursing assistants or lab techs. These types of paid programs include classroom training, on-the-job experience, and often guaranteed employment after completion.
Why College Is Not for Everyone
Soaring tuition costs and student debt have made alternative career pathways more attractive, prompting more people to pursue vocational and certificate programs.
Today, there are many paths for those who either can’t, don’t want to, or can’t afford to attend college. Vocational training and apprenticeships help students gain practical skills faster and with less debt, which is proof that higher education is not the only path to success.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Hospital Job?
Coding bootcamps and health-informatics training can make non-degree candidates eligible for hospital tech roles. Hospitals hire medical coders, billing specialists, and records clerks who use software to manage patient data. Bootcamp training in data handling or programming enhances eligibility for these positions.
Modern hospital operations also depend on health-informatics specialists and data analysts, roles that rely heavily on programming and data-management skills. Bootcamps focusing on Python, SQL, and data visualization can open doors to EHR data-analytics or billing-automation roles. Students may also pursue certifications such as CPC, CCA, or RHIT to strengthen employability. Learn more in our guide to the best coding bootcamps.
How to Get a Hospital Job with a GED
With a GED and the right training, you can compete for hospital jobs that emphasize skills and certifications.
- Choose the Right Job for You — There are many healthcare career options that allow people without degrees to serve patients. Find where your interests and passions align with available roles.
- Find Out All the Requirements — Some jobs require only a high school diploma and offer on-the-job training; others require certification exams.
- Hands-On Experience — After earning your GED and completing training, pursue volunteer or internship opportunities to apply your skills under supervision.
- Apply for the Job You Want — Once you have certifications and experience, start applying for open positions.
Applicants can strengthen their resumes by emphasizing certifications, volunteer work, and customer-service experience. Volunteering with organizations such as the American Red Cross provides valuable exposure to healthcare environments. Before hiring, most hospitals require background checks, immunization verification, and sometimes drug screening.
High-Paying Hospital Jobs Without a College Degree
These are hospital roles that often don’t require a degree but still pay well, especially with certification or experience. Healthcare-support occupations overall earned a median of $37,180.1
| Job | Median Salary | Outlook |
| Surgical Technologist | $62,4802 | 5%2 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $62,3403 | 3%3 |
| Medical Records and Health Information Specialist | $50,2504 | 7%4 |
| Massage Therapist | $57,9505 | 15%5 |
| Dental Assistant | $47,3006 | 6%6 |
| Optician | $46,5607 | 3%7 |
| Paramedic | $46,3508 | 5%8 |
| Medical Assistant | $44,2009 | 12%9 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $43,46010 | 6%10 |
Best Hospital Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree: A Closer Look
Each of these roles has its own training, licensure, and certification path—even without a full degree.
- Surgical Technologist — Requires a postsecondary certificate and assists in operations by preparing rooms and instruments.
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — Requires a state-approved program and licensing; provides bedside care and monitors patients.
- Medical Records Specialist — Organizes data and maintains electronic health records; typically needs a high school diploma and training.
- Massage Therapist — Requires a postsecondary certificate and state licensure in most states.
- Dental Assistant — Helps dentists with exams and sterilization; some states require certification.
- Medical Administrative Assistant — Handles scheduling and records; may only need a diploma.
- Optician — Provides eyewear fitting services; training is often on the job.
- Paramedic — Completes CAAHEP-accredited programs and EMT training.
- Medical Assistant — Many complete nondegree awards, though some learn on the job.
Companies and Healthcare Facilities That Offer Entry-Level Hospital Jobs
Many large hospital systems partner with training or apprenticeship programs to hire non-degree candidates.
- NYC Health + Hospitals — The nation’s largest public health system; continues to hire non-degreed staff.
- Northwell Health — New York’s largest private healthcare employer with workforce development programs.
- Cooper University Health Care — Offers apprenticeships and clinical support training.
- JPS Health Network — Maintains Level I trauma status and provides entry opportunities in support roles.
- Cleveland Clinic — Offers on-the-job training and entry-level hiring pathways.
- Kaiser Permanente Pathways Program — Provides paid allied-health training for GED holders.
- HCA Healthcare Careers Launch — Supports career growth through certified patient-care programs.
- Mayo Clinic Entry-Level Jobs — Offers roles in phlebotomy, food service, and environmental operations.
Where to Find Hospital Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
You can find non-degree hospital jobs via specialized healthcare sites or mainstream job boards using smart filters.
- HospitalCareers — Partners with state hospital associations to list openings across the US.
- Nurse.com — Lists nursing-related positions and continuing education resources.
- Medical.Careers.Global — Allows users to search international hospital jobs.
Indeed Healthcare — A mainstream site offering filters such as “no degree required.”
Consider a Healthcare Degree Later in Your Career
If you choose, you can use entry-level hospital roles as a stepping stone into advanced credentials. Working adults can often advance through bridge programs such as LPN-to-RN or MA-to-BSN tracks, many of which are offered online or part-time. Hospitals frequently sponsor tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing, radiology, or health administration degrees.
Entry-level workers can grow from positions like environmental aide to patient transporter, then to nursing assistant or licensed practical nurse with additional certifications.
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Hospital Jobs Without a Degree FAQ
Here are answers to common questions about getting hospital work without a college degree.
Can I get a hospital job with only a GED?
Yes. Several hospital positions, such as patient care technician, occupational therapy aide, and dental assistant, require only a high school diploma or GED.
Can I be involved in patient care without a degree?
Yes. Patient care roles like certified nursing assistant or medical assistant let you interact directly with patients.
What are the differences between certificates and degrees?
Certificates focus on practical job skills and take less time and money than degrees, which cover broader academics.
What is the best way to find a hospital job without a degree?
Use online job boards and hospital career pages; refine searches with “no degree required” filters.
Do I need a background check or certification to work in a hospital?
Yes. Hospitals typically require background checks, immunization records, and role-specific credentials.
Are there remote hospital jobs I can do without a degree?
Yes. Administrative positions such as medical billing, records management, and scheduling can often be done remotely.
Top Hospital Certifications That Boost Pay Without a Degree
Certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Phlebotomy Technician, Patient Care Technician (PCT), Medical Billing Specialist, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) have the potential to increase your employability and earning potential. Hospitals value certified applicants because they require less training and meet compliance standards.
How Technology Is Changing Non-Degree Hospital Jobs
Digitalization has reshaped nearly every entry-level healthcare role. Assistants and administrative workers now manage electronic health records (EHRs), use scheduling software, and communicate through secure portals. Hospitals also rely on AI-powered tools for documentation and workflow automation.
Healthcare Apprenticeship Programs in the US
Healthcare apprenticeships combine classroom learning with paid, hands-on experience. The US Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Program has many active positions in the healthcare sector, including medical assistant and sterile-processing tech roles.
Tips for Interviewing for Hospital Jobs Without Experience
- Research the hospital’s mission and values.
- Highlight teamwork, empathy, and attention to detail.
- Prepare examples of customer-service or volunteer experiences.
- Dress professionally and bring certificates or immunization records.
Sources
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/opticians-dispensing.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
