If you’re looking to enter the medical field quickly and earn a competitive salary, this guide is for you. Updated for 2025, it covers some of the highest-paying, fast-track medical careers that require only a certificate or diploma that take as little as 6 weeks to 1 year to complete.
Most of these programs are available through community colleges and trade schools, though some hospitals also offer them. The careers featured here are popular choices for quick entry into healthcare, including roles such as medical assistant, medical coding specialist, and dental assistant, plus additional fast-track options.
High-Paying Medical Careers with Fast Training Programs
Training durations vary based on the program and your availability. While some programs can be completed in as little as 6 weeks, others may take up to a year. The average salary information provided here is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reflecting 2023 data.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistant programs, which can be classroom-based or online, take as little as 6 weeks in accelerated formats. This role offers career flexibility and can be a stepping stone toward further healthcare training. In 2023, the average salary for medical assistants was $43,350, with the top 10% earning over $56,480.
Program Length:
- 2-6 months for certificate programs
- 2 years for an associate degree (optional)
Dental Assistant
Dental assistant programs typically last one year and are offered at trade schools and community colleges. This role can also lead to advanced training, such as a 2-year associate degree. The average pay for dental assistants was $47,350 in 2023, with the top 10% making over $61,060.
Program Length:
- 1 year for a dental assistant certificate
- Option to continue to a 2-year degree
Medical Coding Specialist (Medical Records)
Medical coding programs take around 6-8 weeks at accredited institutions. Though certification isn’t required, it’s highly valued by employers. Medical records specialists earned an average salary of $53,690 in 2023, with top earners reaching over $77,810.
Program Length:
- 6-8 weeks for certification
- Options to earn a diploma or associate degree for additional training
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technician programs range from 600 to 800 hours, taking about a year to complete. This role serves as a bridge between patients and pharmacists. In 2023, pharmacy technicians earned an average salary of $43,330, with the highest earners making over $57,130.
Program Length:
- 10 months to 1 year for a certificate
Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologist training takes about 9-15 months, with the option to pursue an associate degree for more advanced roles. Surgical technologists had an average salary of $62,250 in 2023, with the top 10% making over $83,150.
Program Length:
- 9-15 months for a certificate
- 2 years for an associate degree (optional)
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
EMTs provide critical patient care and can progress to advanced EMT (AEMT) and paramedic levels. In 2023, EMTs earned an average of $43,100, with experienced professionals making over $59,390.
Program Length:
- 1-3 months for EMT certification
- Additional 400 hours for AEMT qualification
Home Health Aide
Home health aide training is short, usually about 75 hours. This role involves providing in-home patient care, and certification can boost employability. In 2023, home health aides earned an average salary of $33,380, with top earners making over $42,450.
Program Length:
- 75 hours for certification, which can take a few weeks to a few months
Lab Technician
Lab technicians undergo about 1 year of training, often leading to further educational opportunities in laboratory sciences. Lab technicians had an average salary of $62,870 in 2023, with the top 10% making up to $93,900.
Program Length:
- 1 year for a lab technician certificate
Phlebotomy Technician
Phlebotomy training takes 1-2 semesters. Phlebotomists are essential in healthcare, responsible for drawing blood and delivering samples for testing. The average salary for phlebotomists was $40,580 in 2023, with the top 10% making up to $51,610.
Program Length:
- 6-8 months for a certificate
Medical Billing Clerk
Medical billing training can be completed online or at community colleges, typically within a year. In 2023, medical billing clerks earned an average of $47,120, with opportunities for career advancement.
Program Length:
- 1 year or less for certification
- Additional education options for an associate or bachelor’s degree
Medical Administrative Assistant
Medical administrative assistant’s usually complete a 1-year certificate program or a 2-year associate degree. They handle essential administrative tasks in healthcare settings. In 2023, medical secretaries earned an average of $43,380, with experienced professionals making over $58,340.
Program Length:
- 1 year for certification
- 2 years for an associate degree (optional)
Additional Fast-Track Careers
- Patient Care Technician – Certification programs last about 3-6 months. Average pay is around $39,500.
- Sterile Processing Technician – Programs take approximately 6-8 months. These technicians earn about $41,000 annually.
- EKG Technician – 3-6 months of training. They make an average of $45,000, with potential to earn more with experience.
- Medical Transcriptionist – Often a 6-month certification program, with an average salary of around $37,000.
Healthcare careers are in high demand, offering excellent job security, competitive salaries, and growth potential. These programs provide a way to enter the field quickly, making healthcare an accessible career path for those looking to start working and earning in a relatively short time.
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