Want to start a healthcare career in Houston—without a college degree? You're in luck. The city’s booming medical industry is filled with opportunities for people who are ready to work but don’t have time (or money) for a 4-year degree. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant, and Phlebotomist are three of the fastest ways to break in — with real job security and opportunities for growth.
Let’s break down the top 10 entry-level healthcare jobs in Houston that don’t require a degree, how much they pay, what kind of training you need, and where to start.
1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Avg. Pay in Houston: $28,000 – $38,000/year
Training Required: 4–12 weeks (state-approved CNA program + exam)
Where You’ll Work: Nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies
CNAs are the frontline caregivers in Houston’s long-term care system. You’ll help patients with bathing, eating, mobility, and basic vitals. With Texas’ aging population, CNAs are in constant demand — especially in Southwest Houston, Pasadena, and 5th Ward clinics.
➡️ How to Become a CNA in Houston – Read the Full Guide
➡️ Find Houston CNA Programs (Some Are Free)
2. Medical Assistant (MA)
Avg. Pay in Houston: $33,000 – $42,000/year
Training Required: 6–12 months (certificate or diploma program)
Where You’ll Work: Clinics, urgent care, outpatient centers
Medical assistants do a mix of clinical and administrative tasks — like taking vitals, managing patient records, and prepping exam rooms. Houston clinics like Kelsey-Seybold, Legacy, and Next Level Urgent Care are big MA employers.
➡️ Top MA Programs in Houston You Can Finish Fast
➡️ Best Clinics Hiring MAs Right Now
3. Phlebotomist
Avg. Pay in Houston: $31,000 – $40,000/year
Training Required: 4–8 weeks (certification program)
Where You’ll Work: Labs, blood banks, hospitals, mobile testing centers
Love hands-on work? Phlebotomists draw blood for tests and transfusions. Houston’s growing number of diagnostic labs and health fairs make this job in-demand and flexible — often with overnight or PRN (as-needed) shifts.
➡️ Fast Phlebotomy Courses in Houston (2024 List)
4. Medical Biller / Coder
Avg. Pay in Houston: $37,000 – $50,000/year
Training Required: 6–9 months (online or in-person certification)
Where You’ll Work: Remote, hospitals, billing agencies, private practices
This is one of the best-paying, work-from-home-friendly roles in healthcare. Coders translate medical procedures into billing codes used for insurance claims. Houston has many small practices looking for certified coders who can work part-time or flexibly.
➡️ Best Online Medical Coding Courses for Houston Workers
5. Home Health Aide (HHA)
Avg. Pay in Houston: $25,000 – $32,000/year
Training Required: On-the-job or short HHA program (no degree or cert required to start)
Where You’ll Work: Private homes, home health agencies
Houston’s booming senior population means massive demand for HHAs. You’ll help patients with daily tasks in their homes and often develop close relationships with families. Many HHAs eventually get CNA certified — but you can start working before that.
➡️ Agencies Hiring HHAs in Houston – Entry-Level OK
6. EKG Technician
Avg. Pay in Houston: $35,000 – $45,000/year
Training Required: 3–6 months (certification program)
Where You’ll Work: Hospitals, cardiology clinics, ERs
EKG techs run tests on heart function. You’ll learn to read and monitor electrocardiograms — and you don’t need a degree to do it. Many community colleges and private schools in Houston offer this fast-track path.
➡️ Houston EKG Tech Programs with Weekend Classes
7. Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Avg. Pay in Houston: $32,000 – $40,000/year
Training Required: ~6 months (CNA + extra certifications)
Where You’ll Work: Hospitals, dialysis centers, rehab facilities
PCTs are a step up from CNAs — doing basic medical tasks like drawing blood, EKGs, wound care, and more. Big systems like HCA and Methodist hire many PCTs who want to grow into nursing or tech roles.
➡️ PCT vs. CNA – Which Is Better in Houston?
8. Medical Receptionist
Avg. Pay in Houston: $28,000 – $36,000/year
Training Required: On-the-job or short clerical course
Where You’ll Work: Private practices, urgent care, specialty clinics
Receptionists are the first point of contact for patients. You’ll schedule appointments, check insurance, and handle front-desk tasks. This is a great role if you’re organized, friendly, and want to work in healthcare without direct patient care.
➡️ Entry-Level Medical Office Jobs in Houston
9. Caregiver / Personal Care Assistant
Avg. Pay in Houston: $23,000 – $30,000/year
Training Required: None to start; some on-the-job training
Where You’ll Work: Private homes, assisted living, non-medical agencies
This role is less clinical, more personal — helping seniors with everyday tasks like meals, meds, or errands. If you’re compassionate and patient, this is one of the easiest ways to get into healthcare, with tons of positions open in Houston.
➡️ Caregiver Jobs in Houston That Don’t Require Certification
10. Dialysis Technician
Avg. Pay in Houston: $40,000 – $50,000/year
Training Required: 3–6 months certification (some clinics offer paid training)
Where You’ll Work: Dialysis centers, outpatient kidney clinics
This high-responsibility role involves prepping dialysis machines, monitoring patients, and supporting RNs. Companies like DaVita and Fresenius are constantly hiring in the Houston metro area — especially in underserved zip codes.
➡️ Dialysis Tech Training & Employers in Houston
Ready to Start Your Healthcare Career in Houston?
You don’t need a four-year degree to break into Houston’s booming healthcare industry. Whether you're looking for steady pay, flexible hours, or a way to make a real impact in your community, these 10 roles give you a fast, affordable entry point.
The demand is real — Houston’s hospitals, clinics, and care agencies are hiring constantly, and many will even help cover training or certification costs. Your first job could be the start of a career that lasts decades.
Start by choosing the path that fits you best — CNA, MA, phlebotomist, or any of the roles above. Then:
- Enroll in a short training program (many are under 12 weeks)
- Get on our email list for job openings, certification discounts, and employer referrals
The healthcare industry in Houston isn’t slowing down — but the sooner you start, the sooner you move up.