So, you are thinking about a job in health care. It is a smart choice — the jobs tend to pay well. Additionally, with expanded insurance options providing care to more people, health care providers are scrambling to expand their teams, which means a variety of job opportunities are waiting for applicants. In fact, there are a handful of health care and hospital jobs that do not require a degree.

You might assume that you would need a bachelor’s or at least an associate degree to get any job in health care. Turns out that is not always the case. However, you must complete high school or get your GED. Some require a short certification course, while others do not even need that much. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Monster gathered great health care jobs you can get without a college degree.

1. MEDICAL SCRIBE

What you would do: Physicians who use scribes — individuals who complete the patient chart using electronic medical records software — can focus on the patient instead of the computer, resulting in a better experience, says Alex Ruwe, a regional scribe manager at Woodland Hills, California-based Essia Health.

What you would need: To become a medical scribe, you would need an interest in medicine and must be able to think — and type — quickly, Ruwe says.

What you would make: $35,250

per year.

2. MEDICAL ASSISTANT

medical staff without getting totally hands on. This means performing administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, updating medical records and bookkeeping, and preparing patients for exams.

What you would need: The qualifications are simple enough. Medical assistants need to take a postsecondary program that usually takes about a year, says Michael Lan, senior resume consultant at Resume Writer Direct in Wilmington, Delaware.

What you would make: $32,480 per year.

3. PHLEBOTOMIST

What you would do: Phlebotomists draw blood in lab settings, a somewhat routine, but very important job in the health care industry.

What you would need: To be a phlebotomist, you would need a certification, which usually takes about six to 12 weeks, says health care consumer advocate Michelle Katz. Taking a phlebotomist job is a good way to get an intro to the field and to see if it is the right fit for you in the long run.

What you would make: $33,670 per year.

4. MEDICAL CODER

What you would do: This is an in-demand job in medicine, Katz says. Medical coders go over medical records and establish the proper coding for insurance reimbursement. It is not a hands-on role, but it is crucial.

What you would need: Becoming a medical coder does take some training, and that will vary depending on the employer and specialty. If you are familiar with ICD-10 you have an even better shot of landing this gig, according to Katz.

What you would make: $39,180 per year.

5. SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

What you would do: Surgical technologists work in the operating rooms, prepping the surgical equipment and helping doctors as needed. They may work in inpatient or outpatient facilities, Katz says.

What you would need: An associate degree or completion of a certification program.

What you would make: $46,310

per year

6. ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN

What you would do: Ultrasound techs perform ultrasounds on patients and pass along information to providers. Working as an ultrasound technician is another good way to determine if you are cut out for a job in health care, Katz says.

What you would need: An associate degree or a postsecondary certificate. What you would make: $65,620 per year.

7. ASSISTED LIVING

What you would do: There are many different available jobs in assisted living that do not require a degree. For example, personal care assistants who, as part of their multifaceted jobs, may help people in and out of bed and perform some daily tasks. Also, within this industry exists opportunities for caregivers, dining services representatives, housekeepers, and maintenance and administrative personnel.

What you would need: A proven history and passion for working with seniors is a huge plus for positions such as caregivers (both certified and not), dining services, housekeeping, maintenance, activities and administrative positions.

What you would make: Caregivers

earn $23,130 per year

HOW TO LAND ONE OF THESE JOBS

Do you want to move your application to the top of the pile and increase your chances of getting hired? Of course, you do! Well, in order to land one of these health care jobs, you will need to focus on getting in front of hiring managers. Need help? Join Monster.com today.

As a member, you can upload up to five versions of your resume — each tailored to the jobs that most interest you. Additionally, you can get job alerts sent to your inbox as soon as positions become available. Your health care career is waiting! ■