Exploring Ohio Health Careers: Healthcare Career Options for Career Prep Students

Are you interested in a job where you can make a difference in people’s lives? 

Ohio health careers offer a wide range of exciting opportunities, from helping patients directly to working behind the scenes in management and technology. If you’re a student who is unsure about your future, now is the perfect time to explore what’s available. With hands-on training and local partnerships, Career Prep High School can help you discover your passion and prepare for a fulfilling healthcare career. We’re experts at helping students get free education and get into enjoyable health care with as little unnecessary work or headache as possible. Let’s dive into the many options waiting for you!

Key Healthcare Career Paths for Students in Ohio

Healthcare offers a wide range of career paths, each requiring specific levels of education and training. Here’s a detailed breakdown of several options, including the schooling needed, salary ranges, and work hours:

Nursing Careers

Nursing is one of the most versatile and impactful fields in healthcare, with multiple levels of responsibility and education required:

1. Registered Nurses (RNs): Registered nurses are critical caregivers who assist doctors, educate patients, and perform procedures. Becoming an RN requires either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which typically takes 2–3 years, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a 4-year degree. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam for a valid license. RNs typically earn an annual salary of around $81,220 and often work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays in hospital settings.
2. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): LPNs focus on basic patient care under the supervision of RNs. To become an LPN, students complete a 1-year practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The median salary for LPNs is approximately $48,070, with schedules that include 8-hour shifts and weekend rotations.
   

Nurse Aides (CNAs): CNAs assist patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. CNA programs are short, often lasting just a few weeks, and require state certification. Their annual salary is about $30,290, and they frequently work 8–12-hour shifts, including weekends.

Allied Health Professions

These roles focus on supporting medical teams and providing specialized care.

• Medical Assistants: Medical assistants handle both administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments, taking vital signs, and drawing blood. A certificate or diploma program, which can be completed in about a year, is typically required. Some may pursue an associate degree for broader opportunities. Medical assistants earn a median salary of $38,190 and often work 9-to-5 in outpatient clinics.
• Radiologic Technologists: Radiologic technologists operate imaging equipment like X-rays and MRIs to help diagnose conditions. An associate degree in radiologic technology is the minimum requirement, and professionals must also obtain certification. They earn a median salary of $61,370 and may work shifts that include evenings or weekends.
• Physical Therapists: Physical therapists specialize in helping patients regain mobility and manage pain. Becoming a physical therapist requires earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which takes about 7 years total, including undergraduate and graduate studies. State licensure is also required. With a median salary of $95,620, physical therapists typically work 40-hour weeks, often in outpatient settings.

Health Administration

For those interested in the business side of healthcare, these roles are important to help medical facilities operate efficiently:

Medical Office Managers: They oversee the daily operations of clinics, including staff management and budgeting. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field is typically required. They earn a median annual salary of $101,340 and usually work standard business hours from Monday through Friday.

Health Information Technicians: Health information technicians manage and organize patient records to ensure accuracy and confidentiality. An associate degree in health information management is the usual entry point, though certification (such as RHIT) can enhance opportunities. These professionals earn a median salary of $47,180, working primarily 9-to-5 schedules.

Public Health Careers

These roles focus on improving the health and well-being of entire communities:

• Health Educators: Healthcare educators design programs to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent illness. A bachelor’s degree in public health, health education, or a related field is required. Their median salary is $59,990, and they typically work Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings for events.
• Epidemiologists: Epidemiologists study disease patterns and work to prevent outbreaks. A master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a related field is required, with many professionals also pursuing a doctoral degree for advanced research roles. Epidemiologists earn a median salary of $78,830 and generally follow standard business hours but may work extended shifts during health crises.

These career paths offer opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives while providing diverse work environments and schedules. Whether you’re drawn to hands-on patient care, specialized support, or administrative leadership, healthcare has something for everyone.

Entry-Level Healthcare Jobs for Students

If you're a student interested in healthcare but not ready to commit to years of schooling, there are many entry-level positions to consider. These roles provide valuable experience, help you decide which path to pursue, and often offer opportunities for on-the-job training or certification.

Here are some of the most common entry-level healthcare jobs if you are interested in pursuing a health career:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Becoming a CNA requires completing a short training program (often 4-12 weeks) and passing a state certification exam. This is an excellent role for students interested in nursing or hands-on patient care. CNAs earn a median annual salary of $30,290 and often work flexible shifts, making it possible to balance school and work.

Medical Assistant

Many programs take only about a year to complete, but some offices provide on-the-job training for entry-level workers. This role is a great way to explore the medical field while earning a median salary of $38,190.

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood for tests, transfusions, or donations. Training programs typically last a few months, and certification is often required. This role is perfect for students who are detail-oriented and enjoy working with people. The median annual salary is around $37,380, and the hours are often flexible.

Home Health Aide

Home health aides provide personal care for elderly, disabled, or recovering patients in their homes. This role often requires only a high school diploma, though some states may mandate certification. It’s an excellent way to gain caregiving experience while earning a median salary of $29,430. Many positions offer flexible part-time schedules, ideal for students.

Patient Transporter

Patient transporters assist patients in moving around hospitals or care facilities, often between rooms, testing areas, or surgeries. This role requires no formal education beyond a high school diploma and is an excellent introduction to a hospital environment. Patient transporters earn an average hourly wage of around $13–$15.

Dietary Aide

Dietary aides work in hospitals or nursing homes, helping prepare and serve meals to patients based on dietary needs. This role requires little to no prior experience and is a great stepping stone for students interested in nutrition or dietetics. The average hourly pay is $11–$14, depending on the facility.

Front Desk Receptionist in a Medical Office

Receptionists are the face of a medical office, handling patient check-ins, scheduling, and insurance paperwork. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills but typically doesn’t require specialized training. It’s a great starting point for students interested in health administration. The median salary is around $36,580 annually.

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing customer service. Many states require certification, which can often be completed in a few months. This role offers exposure to pharmaceuticals and earns a median annual salary of $37,780.

Why Start in an Entry-Level Role?

These jobs provide firsthand experience in the healthcare field and are often stepping stones to more advanced positions. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, or opportunities to advance into higher-paying roles. For students, they offer flexibility to work part-time while attending school and help clarify long-term career goals.

How Career Prep High School Prepares Students for Healthcare Careers

Career Prep High School is all about helping you get ready for a successful career, especially in healthcare, no matter what your background is. Here’s how we prepare students for exciting healthcare jobs:

1. Career-Focused Education and Training Programs: At Career Prep High School, you’ll take classes that are specifically designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need for healthcare careers. These programs teach you important topics like medical terminology, healthcare basics, and how the healthcare system works. This helps you feel confident and ready for your future career.
2. Partnerships with Local Healthcare Providers for Internships and Mentorship: Career Prep works closely with local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations. These partnerships give students opportunities to work directly with healthcare professionals. You might even be able to do an internship, where you can get hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting. Plus, you could have mentors—healthcare workers who guide you, give advice, and help you learn more about your chosen field.
3. Job Shadowing and Exposure to Different Healthcare Roles: Career Prep gives you the chance to "shadow" or observe professionals in different healthcare jobs. This allows you to see what it's really like to work as a nurse, medical assistant, or even in health administration. By job shadowing, you can decide which healthcare career interests you most and what you’d like to pursue.

These programs and opportunities at Career Prep High School are designed to help you build the skills and experiences you need to start your healthcare career with confidence. Whether you want to work directly with patients or support healthcare systems behind the scenes, Career Prep gives you the tools to succeed!

Call us today at (888) 995-7143 to speak with our admissions team and learn more about how Career Prep can help you!

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Healthcare Careers

Pursuing a healthcare career can be expensive, but there are scholarships and financial aid options to help. In Ohio, many scholarships and grants are available for students entering healthcare fields. Career Prep High School supports students by connecting them with financial resources to cover training or college costs. These opportunities make it easier to focus on your education and future career without worrying about the expenses.

Explore Ohio Health Careers With Career Prep High School

A healthcare career in Ohio can be incredibly rewarding. Not only are there many job opportunities, but healthcare careers also allow you to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re interested in nursing, medical assistance, or health administration, the healthcare field offers something for everyone.

Career Prep High School is here to help you explore all these options. We focus on helping our students build a career while they complete their education through our hands-on experiences and connections to local healthcare providers. We provide the support you need to succeed and help you through every step.

Start your journey toward a healthcare career today at Career Prep High School! Let us help you find the right path and set you up for success.