If you're short on time and energy to return to school, worry not. You don't need to spend years studying to secure a well-paying job.

The healthcare sector has a massive demand for skilled individuals to join the workforce at hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers. With an aging population and a growing need for healthcare services, these positions are increasingly available nationwide. However, you may need additional training or certifications to qualify for these jobs.

Online certifications allow you to continue working while enhancing your skillset, providing the convenience of 24/7 courses. Eager for a career change? Here are 7 quick certifications that lead to well-paying jobs:

1. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Training duration: 12 weeks Median salary: $34,480 per year Top salary: $49,060+

Phlebotomists draw blood for transfusions, tests, or donations. They are essential in the healthcare industry, as doctors frequently request blood work for patients. Empathetic individuals excel in this role, as they often need to reassure patients during blood sample collection.

Workplaces: Labs, hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices

2. Professional Billing and Coder Training duration: 14 weeks Median salary: $44,751 per year Top salary: $51,752+

In under six months, you can become a professional coder and work in bustling healthcare offices. Professional coders organize and review patient medical records, assigning codes for diagnoses and treatments. They also prepare coded information for healthcare insurers or research purposes.

Workplaces: Hospitals and other healthcare facilities

3. Pharmacy Technician Professional Training duration: 14 weeks Median salary: $35,753 per year Top salary: $39,604+

Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and filling medical prescriptions. This role suits strong communicators who handle customer interactions—excluding medication explanations, which are reserved for pharmacists. Responsibilities include pricing medications, processing insurance claims, and dispensing prescriptions.

Workplaces: Retail pharmacies or healthcare facilities

4. Medical Assistant Training duration: 16 weeks Median salary: $33,610 per year Top salary: $47,250+

Medical assistants offer an alternative to operating room careers. They perform both clinical care and administrative tasks, such as taking vital signs, preparing patient rooms, documenting medical histories, and providing patient education. This certification boasts the highest projected job growth among the list.

Workplaces: Outpatient facilities, specialists' offices, and hospitals

AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare offers multiple programs that grant more than one certification. For those aspiring to become Medical Assistants, we provide three online Medical Assistant programs tailored to your desired certifications.

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