How to Land a $60K HealthCare Job Without a Degree
The kids are screaming, and it seems impossible to get dinner on the table, much less research a new career and go back to college. For a busy mom, getting through the day can be so challenging that it is hard to think of new ways to make money. The following three careers offer at least $60,000 yearly earning potential, and you can get into these industries without a four-year or even a two-year degree.
Physical Therapy Assistants
Physical therapy assistants work with physical therapists to implement treatment plans and document the progress of their patients through these plans. While most earn a median wage of $25 per hour, those in the top quarter of the field earn almost $30 per hour or just over $62,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To earn in the top quarter, choose your employer carefully.
On average, physical therapy assistants who work in home healthcare earn more than those who work in hospitals or other facilities. If you’re not earning the salary you want after you complete school, you may want to head somewhere that pays these professionals well. The BLS reports that physical therapy assistants earn the highest wages in Texas, Nevada, New Jersey, California and Connecticut. There is no formal training required for this job, but if you want to give your resume a winning edge with an educational certificate, you can earn one in as little as four weeks.
Medical Coding and Billing
Medical coding and billing may not pay quite as much as the other careers on this list, but it is a great one to consider for its flexibility. The average median pay for someone who works in medical coding is just over $32,000 per year (BLS), which is an incredible return on investment when you consider how quickly you can get training in this field. A certificate in medical billing and coding at Penn Foster, for example, can be completed in just seven months.
Students can study online at their own pace and learn how to handle all aspects of this field including preparing insurance forms, creating invoices and managing records. The industry is slated to grow by an additional 21 percent over the next decade, and experts suggest that experienced coders can make between $60,000 and $80,000 per year. Many of these professionals work from home, which is perfect for moms of young ones.
Massage Therapists
When the leaders in the massage therapy industry work their magic on their clients’ sore muscles, the result is a salary that is approximately $69,000 per year. Only about one of four massage therapists work full time. The rest work part time, which makes this an ideal position for moms who needs to juggle multiple responsibilities. Getting started in the field only requires the completion of a massage training program. As a massage therapist, you can work for an established massage parlor, rent your own studio or offer massages in your home or clients’ homes with the proper state licensing.