How to Become a Medical Professional: Get Started in Healthcare Today

Do You Like Working with Patients?

Before entering the healthcare profession, it’s important to consider your comfort level with direct patient care. Some roles are highly patient-facing. Others are behind the scenes. And some combine both.

Here’s a breakdown of careers by level of patient interaction:

I want to work with patients every day!

If you enjoy working closely with people, these careers may be a good fit:

• Registered Nurse (RN): Assess patient conditions, record histories, administer medication, direct treatments, and more
• Home Health Aide: Assist patients with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, meal prep, and physical therapy exercises

Other patient-facing roles include:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Dental Hygienist
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Licensed Practical Nurse / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)
• Occupational Therapist
• Paramedic
• Physical Therapist Assistant

I don’t want to always be working with patients.

Looking for a balance between patient care and non-clinical tasks? These roles may offer the best of both worlds:

• Dental Assistant
• Medical Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Radiologic Technologist
• Sonographer
• Surgical Tech
• X-Ray Technician

I’d like to have minimal patient interaction.

Prefer behind-the-scenes work? Consider a healthcare career that focuses on clerical or administrative tasks:

• Medical Biller or Coder
• Veterinary Technician

What’s Your Preferred Work Environment?

Healthcare happens in many settings, and each comes with a different pace and structure. Think about which environment suits you best:

• Hospitals: Fast-paced and dynamic. Great for those who thrive under pressure and want diverse patient exposure.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Slower-paced and more relationship-driven. Ideal for those who value continuity of care.
• Nonprofits: Perfect for those interested in the policy or public health side of healthcare.
• Physician Offices: Structured, 9–5 schedules with smaller teams and fewer patients.

What are Your Strengths?

Before pursuing any healthcare path, take an honest look at your strengths. Ask yourself how well they align with the responsibilities of the role.

Here are some key qualities and who needs them:

Higher Education by Level

There are healthcare careers available at every educational level:

• Certificates & Diplomas: Complete in under a year; fast-track into the workforce
• Associate Degrees: Entry-level roles with higher earning potential and a foundation for further study
• Bachelor’s Degrees: Unlocks broader career paths and advancement opportunities
• Master’s & Doctoral Degrees: Required for top-tier roles in advanced practice, leadership, academia, or research

Ask yourself:

• What level of education is typical for this career?
• What’s the minimum I need to get hired (or advance)?
• How much time and money can I invest right now?

Education by Delivery Method

Today’s healthcare education can meet you where you are:

• On-Campus: Traditional classroom-based learning
• Online: Flexible and convenient for working adults
• Hybrid/Blended: A mix of in-person and online formats

To find the best fit, ask yourself:

• What format supports my lifestyle and learning preferences?
• Can I meet all or part of my requirements through online learning?

Which School Makes Sense?

Not all careers require a bachelor’s or advanced degree. Some can be started with short-term vocational training. But before you choose, consider how your school choice fits your long-term plans.

Ask yourself:

• Will this program prepare me for future education or certification?
• Is on-the-job training available through employers? Is that enough?
• What’s my current budget for education?