If you’re ready to start working in Houston’s healthcare industry quickly, the fastest way is through short-term certifications like CNA, Phlebotomy, Medical Billing & Coding, Community Health Worker (CHW), Pharmacy Technician—or by taking specialized training like the Houston Case Managers Academy to improve your client connection skills.
Many of these programs can be completed in 4 to 12 weeks, with prices starting at just $97.
With over a decade of experience supporting healthcare workforce development, I’ve helped hundreds of people find practical, fast, and affordable routes into healthcare careers.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top fast-track healthcare certifications in Houston, including costs, program lengths, where to register, and how to choose the best fit for your goals.
Why Fast Healthcare Certifications Work in Houston
Houston’s healthcare system is one of the largest in the nation, anchored by the Texas Medical Center. There’s constant demand for entry-level healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, labs, home health, and public health agencies. Best of all, many of these roles require no degree—just a certification that takes weeks, not years.
These training programs are a great fit if you:
- Want to start earning quickly
- Are transitioning from another career
- Need flexible or affordable options
- Want meaningful work in your community
Let’s break down the most accessible and fastest certifications to help you get hired quickly.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNAs assist patients with daily care tasks like bathing, dressing, and mobility in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Time to Complete: 4 to 8 weeks
Training Hours: 100 to 130, including clinicals
Cost: $700 to $1,500, includes certification exam
Where to Enroll:
Houston Community College (HCC)
- Phone: 713-718-2000
- Website: hccs.edu - Nurse Aide Program
Texas Health School
- 11211 Katy Freeway, Suite 170, Houston, TX 77079
- Phone: 713-932-9333
- Website: texashealthschool.com
Phlebotomy Technician
Phlebotomists draw blood for lab testing and donations. They work in hospitals, clinics, and blood banks.
Time to Complete: 4 to 6 weeks
Training Hours: 40–80
Cost: $1,000 to $1,800 (includes exam fee)
Where to Enroll:
Houston School of Phlebotomy
- 3000 Richmond Ave, Suite 270, Houston, TX 77098
- Phone: 713-936-5405
- Website: houstonphlebotomy.com
San Jacinto College
- Phone: 281-998-6150
- Website: sanjac.edu - Phlebotomy Program
Medical Billing and Coding
These specialists manage health records and insurance claims. It’s ideal for those seeking remote or office-based roles.
Time to Complete: 4 to 12 weeks
Cost: $1,500 to $3,000
Certification: Optional exams include CPC or CBCS (~$300)
Where to Enroll:
DeVry University
- Phone: 877-496-9050
- Website: devry.edu - Medical Billing and Coding
Penn Foster (Online)
- Phone: 800-275-4410
- Website: pennfoster.edu - Billing & Coding
Pima Medical Institute – Houston
- 10201 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024
- Phone: 800-477-7462
- Website: pmi.edu - Billing & Coding
Community Health Worker (CHW)
CHWs serve as a bridge between communities and care providers. They help clients access health and social services and educate them on wellness practices.
Time to Complete: 8 to 12 weeks
Cost: $800 to $1,200
Free Certification Option: If you’ve worked at least 1,000 hours in a nonprofit, healthcare, or public health setting, you may qualify for free certification through Texas DSHS.
Where to Enroll:
Texas Gulf Coast CHW Training Center (Houston Health Department)
- 8000 North Stadium Drive, Houston, TX 77054
- Phone: 832-393-5157
- Website: houstonconsumer.org
Free Certification by Experience:
Apply at: Texas DSHS CHW Application
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technicians assist licensed pharmacists in filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and supporting patients.
Time to Complete: 6 to 10 weeks
Cost: Starts at $400 for online training
Where to Enroll:
LW Pharmacy – Contact Lindsey Bradford
Lindsey Bradford provides a low-cost, flexible training pathway to become a certified Pharmacy Tech in Houston.
- Phone: 832-305-6884
- Email: lwpharmacyinfo@gmail.com
- Website: Follow LW Pharmacy on Facebook
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic)
EMTs provide emergency care and transport for injured or ill patients. It’s a foundational step toward advanced paramedic careers.
Time to Complete: 10 to 16 weeks
Cost: $1,000 to $2,500, plus exam ($80)
Where to Enroll:
Lone Star College
Phone: 281-290-2600
Website: lonestar.edu - EMT Basic
Houston Community College
- Phone: 713-718-2000
- Website: hccs.edu - EMT Program
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
PCTs are multi-skilled professionals who perform direct care, EKGs, and phlebotomy. They assist nurses in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Time to Complete: 12 to 27 weeks
Cost: $3,000 to $5,000
Where to Enroll:
College of Health Care Professions (CHCP)
- Phone: 800-487-6728
- Website: chcp.edu - PCT Program
Houston Community College
- Phone: 713-718-2000
- Website: hccs.edu - PCT Program
Houston Case Managers Academy
While not a certification program, the Houston Case Managers Academy is the most comprehensive case management training in the city. It’s designed to teach you how to quickly connect your clients to housing, food, employment, medical care, and mental health services. This self-paced online course is ideal for new or aspiring case managers who want to get results fast.
Cost: $97 one-time payment
Format: Online, self-paced
Who It's For: Healthcare professionals, nonprofit workers, social services staff, and anyone who helps others navigate community resources.
Enroll Here:
Website: Houston Case Managers Academy
This course provides the hands-on knowledge you won’t find in textbooks or college programs—just real tools that help real people. Whether you’re new to the field or need better strategies for helping your clients, this is a smart investment in your professional impact.
Conclusion
To start working in healthcare quickly in Houston, enroll in a short-term certification like CNA, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Tech, CHW, or Billing & Coding. These programs are fast, affordable, and built for people who want to work now, not later.
For those who want to improve their client navigation skills without pursuing a license, the Houston Case Managers Academy offers in-depth, practical training for only $97.