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If you’re fresh out of college and eager to start a career in the healthcare field, there are a variety of entry-level jobs that you could pursue without spending years in medical school. These jobs are excellent ways to get your foot in the door to a hospital. You can continue to work in the healthcare field without a medical degree, or you could opt to return to school a few years down the line.

Certified Nursing Assistant

As a certified nursing assistant, you’ll work under registered nurses or licensed practical nurse. You’ll assist them in primary patient care functions, such as bathing, feeding and dressing. One of the most in-demand jobs in the country, by 2016 there is a projected need for 400,000 CNAs.

Medical Billing and Coding

Perfect for individuals with careful attention to detail and excellent organizational skills, medical billers are responsible for collecting, processing and posting accounts receivables. These employees work in physician’s offices, insurance companies, nursing homes and hospitals.

Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists assist healthcare professionals by transcribing medical reports, such as operations, chart reviews and ER visits. As a medical transcriptionist, you can expect to gain a great deal of knowledge on hospital and clinic proceedings. Medical transcriptionists can move up in their field and can use their experience to become a medical assistant, medical secretary, or a health information technologist.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists have the benefit of being able to work in both hospitals and clinics or resorts or spas. Many are able to set their own schedule or prices as well, and they have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients. An increasing number of medical professionals are accepting massages as a necessary alternative medical practice.