10 Fast-Track Healthcare Jobs You Can Start Quickly
Explore 10 healthcare careers in 2 years or less. Start your fast-track healthcare job quickly with room for growth.
Dreaming of a healthcare career but dreading years of medical school? You’re not alone. The healthcare industry offers numerous rewarding paths that don’t require a decade of education. Many high-demand healthcare careers allow you to start helping patients and earning competitive salaries in just 6 to 24 months of training.
These quick-entry healthcare careers offer job security in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting healthcare employment to grow 13% through 2031—much faster than average. Whether you’re drawn to direct patient care, cutting-edge medical technology, or rehabilitation services, there’s a fast-track healthcare job that fits your goals.
Here are 10 healthcare careers you can start in 2 years or less, ranked by salary potential using 2023 BLS data.
- Radiation Therapist
What they do: Administer precise radiation treatments to cancer patients using advanced equipment.
Training required: 2-year associate degree from an accredited program.
Median salary: $86,850 per year
Job outlook: Excellent (7% growth projected).
Why it pays well: Specialized role in life-saving cancer treatment.
Best Colleges with Radiation Therapy Degrees!
- Dental Hygienist
What they do: Provide preventive dental care, clean teeth, and screen for oral diseases.
Training required: 2-year associate degree.
Median salary: $77,090 per year
Job outlook: Strong (9% growth projected).
Career advantage: Flexible schedules and strong demand make this a top fast-track healthcare career.
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
What they do: Operate ultrasound equipment to create images for diagnosis.
Training required: 18–24 month accredited program or 2-year associate degree.
Median salary: $75,920 per year
Job outlook: Excellent (10% growth projected).
Career advantage: One of the best quick healthcare careers with opportunities to specialize in cardiac, vascular, or OB sonography.
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
What they do: Support patients recovering from injury or disability by teaching daily living and work skills.
Training required: 2-year associate degree.
Median salary: $64,250 per year
Job outlook: Very strong (25% growth projected).
Rewarding aspect: Directly helps people regain independence and quality of life.
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