5 answers
Sarah
Student
Webster, Texas
3
Questions
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Whats a job I can get in TX during high school that is in healthcare?
Hi! I am a freshman in high school, I want to get a job right now in the healthcare field. Are there any kinds of jobs you guys know that would hire a high schooler, entry-level?
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5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1333
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Sarah, first of all, props to you for jumping into healthcare early! That’s like getting a head start in a marathon—except with more scrubs and fewer water breaks.
Doc Frick came through with a whole buffet of job options, from home health aide to hospital porter. Great for getting your foot in the door (or in this case, the hospital waiting room). Mars suggested hospital volunteering and pharmacy tech trainee gigs—both solid choices if you want hands-on experience without needing a diploma yet. And Kim kept it real, reminding you that some places might hesitate to hire younger teens but that persistence (and a CPR certification) can go a long way.
If you’re set on healthcare but can’t land a paid gig yet, volunteering or shadowing professionals is a power move. It’ll boost your resume, help you network, and get you comfortable in a medical setting. Also, don’t sleep on vet clinics if you’re open to a slightly furrier patient base!
Keep that first aid certification current, and you’ll be one step ahead of the game. Who knows? This could be the start of a legendary career in medicine… or at least some great stories for your future med school application! Hope you bets of luck out there Sarah! 😉
Doc Frick came through with a whole buffet of job options, from home health aide to hospital porter. Great for getting your foot in the door (or in this case, the hospital waiting room). Mars suggested hospital volunteering and pharmacy tech trainee gigs—both solid choices if you want hands-on experience without needing a diploma yet. And Kim kept it real, reminding you that some places might hesitate to hire younger teens but that persistence (and a CPR certification) can go a long way.
If you’re set on healthcare but can’t land a paid gig yet, volunteering or shadowing professionals is a power move. It’ll boost your resume, help you network, and get you comfortable in a medical setting. Also, don’t sleep on vet clinics if you’re open to a slightly furrier patient base!
Keep that first aid certification current, and you’ll be one step ahead of the game. Who knows? This could be the start of a legendary career in medicine… or at least some great stories for your future med school application! Hope you bets of luck out there Sarah! 😉
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1773
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Sarah,
It may be difficult getting jobs if you are under 18 years of age. Healthcare providers can be sued if patients are injured, etc., and they may not think a freshman has the maturity required for the job. You will need to be persistent, and don't get discouraged!!! You may do better at facilities that are locally owned, rather than part of a large national chain. I also encourage you to get your first aid and CPR certifications, as well as other certifications listed as required on the job descriptions. And, if you have any volunteer experience, that will help.
Patient Transporter was my favorite position to refer job applicants to. It doesn't require any experience, just good people skills and attention to detail. In addition to transporting patients from one end of the hospital to the other for xrays, etc., they also maintain the equipment. So, if the wheelchair brakes aren't working, they would be responsible for putting it out of service and sending it off to get repaired.
Another position is called Patient Sitter. These are people who provide companionship to patients, talking, reading to them, etc. They are often privately hired by family to keep their loved ones company in nursing homes. You might look on Care.com.
You will potentially be around very ill people, who may pass away, and you need to be mentally/emotionally prepared to deal with that.
I like the previous suggestion to explore animal care options as well.
If you are looking for marketable experience for a later resume, honestly, anything that develops people-skills will be helpful. Learning to listen to people, figure out what they are actually saying (some aren't real good at explaining the problem and telling you what they want done to resolve it), and remain calm under stress are all good skills to acquire, as they are transferable to so many different types of jobs!
good luck to you!
Kim
It may be difficult getting jobs if you are under 18 years of age. Healthcare providers can be sued if patients are injured, etc., and they may not think a freshman has the maturity required for the job. You will need to be persistent, and don't get discouraged!!! You may do better at facilities that are locally owned, rather than part of a large national chain. I also encourage you to get your first aid and CPR certifications, as well as other certifications listed as required on the job descriptions. And, if you have any volunteer experience, that will help.
Patient Transporter was my favorite position to refer job applicants to. It doesn't require any experience, just good people skills and attention to detail. In addition to transporting patients from one end of the hospital to the other for xrays, etc., they also maintain the equipment. So, if the wheelchair brakes aren't working, they would be responsible for putting it out of service and sending it off to get repaired.
Another position is called Patient Sitter. These are people who provide companionship to patients, talking, reading to them, etc. They are often privately hired by family to keep their loved ones company in nursing homes. You might look on Care.com.
You will potentially be around very ill people, who may pass away, and you need to be mentally/emotionally prepared to deal with that.
I like the previous suggestion to explore animal care options as well.
If you are looking for marketable experience for a later resume, honestly, anything that develops people-skills will be helpful. Learning to listen to people, figure out what they are actually saying (some aren't real good at explaining the problem and telling you what they want done to resolve it), and remain calm under stress are all good skills to acquire, as they are transferable to so many different types of jobs!
good luck to you!
Kim
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice! I will volunteer this year and i forgot to mention, I got my First Aid certification last month
Sarah
Way to go! Remember to keep the certification current.
Kim Igleheart
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1810
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Sarah here are some healthcare positions that do not require a high school diploma to explore:
1️⃣ HOME HEALTH AIDE: These positions provide care for clients in their homes, assisting with daily activities such as meals, bathing, and dressing. This job typically requires some on-the-job training but doesn't usually require a diploma.
2️⃣ MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION DRIVER: This role involves transporting patients to medical appointments. It requires a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
3️⃣ DIETARY AIDE: These professionals help prepare meals in healthcare settings like hospitals or nursing homes. They may also assist with serving food and cleaning.
4️⃣ HOSPITAL PORTER: This job involves moving patients, equipment, and various supplies around within a healthcare facility. It's physically demanding, but it provides an entry point into the healthcare world.
Once you're in any of these positions, the potential for growth might be limited compared to opportunities that require a high school diploma or more advanced education. Similarly, the salary for these positions will likely start quite low. Career progression often requires additional training, certification, or education. If you're interested in advancing your career in the long term, it may be worth considering whether earning a high school diploma, GED, or additional credentials could open up more opportunities for you. Remember, every healthcare path will require dedication and a strong work ethic. With determination and a willingness to learn, it's definitely possible to establish a fulfilling career in healthcare.
CAREERS AVAILABLE WITH A DIPLOMA
Following is a list of hospital jobs that you can get with a high school diploma.
1️⃣ PHARMACY TECHNICIAN: Pharmacy technician performs both administrative and pharmaceutical duties. Under the direction of a pharmacist, pharmacy technicians can perform tasks such as compounding, mixing and labeling prescription medications. They also have clerical responsibilities, like sending claims to insurance companies, processing different patient payments, ordering more pharmacy supplies and updating patient databases. Pharmacy technicians may find employment opportunities at a range of work environments, including pharmacies in drugstores, hospitals and retail shops.
2️⃣ NURSING ASSISTANT: A nursing assistant performs basic patient care tasks under the supervision of a nurse. Also called certified nursing assistants CNA, nursing assistants help patients with tasks related to daily living, such as eating, bathing, brushing their teeth or using the restroom. Nursing assistants can also provide physical support to patients, such as by repositioning them in their beds or transferring them to a wheelchair and checking their vital signs.
3️⃣ MEDICAL ASSISTANT: A medical assistant provides both administrative and clinical support services to physicians. Their administrative job duties typically include recording a patient's medical history and concerns and helping schedule appointments. A medical assistant's clinical duties can vary based on factors like their training and state but may include collecting samples such as blood for diagnostic testing, measuring a patient's vital signs, administering medication and helping physicians with patient evaluations.
4️⃣ EKG TECHNICIAN: An EKG technician performs diagnostic tests that can help physicians evaluate if a patient has health issues or conditions related to their heart or blood vessels. EKG technicians can perform a range of cardiovascular tests, but the most common that they perform is an electrocardiogram or EKG. While most EKG technicians find jobs in hospitals, others find employment opportunities at other health care organizations, such as private clinics or long-term care facilities.
5️⃣ PHLEBOTOMIST: A phlebotomist is a health care professional who specializes in safely drawing a patient's blood. Phlebotomists might take a patient's blood for a number of reasons, such as for a diagnostic test, research or blood donation. Responsibilities include monitoring a patient's condition during the blood draw, making sure that a patient's medical records are accurate, labeling blood vials or bags and helping patients relax if they're nervous about the procedure. Many phlebotomists work at hospitals, but some may find employment opportunities elsewhere, such as blood donation centers, academic institutions or long-term care facilities.
1️⃣ HOME HEALTH AIDE: These positions provide care for clients in their homes, assisting with daily activities such as meals, bathing, and dressing. This job typically requires some on-the-job training but doesn't usually require a diploma.
2️⃣ MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION DRIVER: This role involves transporting patients to medical appointments. It requires a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
3️⃣ DIETARY AIDE: These professionals help prepare meals in healthcare settings like hospitals or nursing homes. They may also assist with serving food and cleaning.
4️⃣ HOSPITAL PORTER: This job involves moving patients, equipment, and various supplies around within a healthcare facility. It's physically demanding, but it provides an entry point into the healthcare world.
Once you're in any of these positions, the potential for growth might be limited compared to opportunities that require a high school diploma or more advanced education. Similarly, the salary for these positions will likely start quite low. Career progression often requires additional training, certification, or education. If you're interested in advancing your career in the long term, it may be worth considering whether earning a high school diploma, GED, or additional credentials could open up more opportunities for you. Remember, every healthcare path will require dedication and a strong work ethic. With determination and a willingness to learn, it's definitely possible to establish a fulfilling career in healthcare.
CAREERS AVAILABLE WITH A DIPLOMA
Following is a list of hospital jobs that you can get with a high school diploma.
1️⃣ PHARMACY TECHNICIAN: Pharmacy technician performs both administrative and pharmaceutical duties. Under the direction of a pharmacist, pharmacy technicians can perform tasks such as compounding, mixing and labeling prescription medications. They also have clerical responsibilities, like sending claims to insurance companies, processing different patient payments, ordering more pharmacy supplies and updating patient databases. Pharmacy technicians may find employment opportunities at a range of work environments, including pharmacies in drugstores, hospitals and retail shops.
2️⃣ NURSING ASSISTANT: A nursing assistant performs basic patient care tasks under the supervision of a nurse. Also called certified nursing assistants CNA, nursing assistants help patients with tasks related to daily living, such as eating, bathing, brushing their teeth or using the restroom. Nursing assistants can also provide physical support to patients, such as by repositioning them in their beds or transferring them to a wheelchair and checking their vital signs.
3️⃣ MEDICAL ASSISTANT: A medical assistant provides both administrative and clinical support services to physicians. Their administrative job duties typically include recording a patient's medical history and concerns and helping schedule appointments. A medical assistant's clinical duties can vary based on factors like their training and state but may include collecting samples such as blood for diagnostic testing, measuring a patient's vital signs, administering medication and helping physicians with patient evaluations.
4️⃣ EKG TECHNICIAN: An EKG technician performs diagnostic tests that can help physicians evaluate if a patient has health issues or conditions related to their heart or blood vessels. EKG technicians can perform a range of cardiovascular tests, but the most common that they perform is an electrocardiogram or EKG. While most EKG technicians find jobs in hospitals, others find employment opportunities at other health care organizations, such as private clinics or long-term care facilities.
5️⃣ PHLEBOTOMIST: A phlebotomist is a health care professional who specializes in safely drawing a patient's blood. Phlebotomists might take a patient's blood for a number of reasons, such as for a diagnostic test, research or blood donation. Responsibilities include monitoring a patient's condition during the blood draw, making sure that a patient's medical records are accurate, labeling blood vials or bags and helping patients relax if they're nervous about the procedure. Many phlebotomists work at hospitals, but some may find employment opportunities elsewhere, such as blood donation centers, academic institutions or long-term care facilities.
Mars Smith
Facilitated Enrollment Representative Marketplace Sales
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mars’s Answer
That’s great that you’re interested in getting into healthcare early! While many healthcare jobs require certifications or degrees, there are entry-level positions in Texas that you can get while still in high school. Here are some options:
1. Hospital Volunteer (Great for Experience)
Many hospitals have volunteer programs for high school students.
You won’t get paid, but you’ll gain valuable experience, make connections, and boost your resume.
Check with local hospitals like Texas Health, Baylor Scott & White, or Houston Methodist.
2. Medical Office Assistant (Entry-Level, No Certification Needed)
Some doctor’s offices, clinics, and chiropractic offices hire high school students for administrative work.
You might help with answering phones, scheduling appointments, and filing paperwork.
3. Pharmacy Technician Trainee
Some pharmacies (like CVS or Walgreens) offer on-the-job training for pharmacy tech positions.
You usually need to be 16+ and may need to register as a pharmacy technician trainee with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
4. Dietary Aide in a Hospital or Nursing Home
You’d help prepare meals for patients, follow dietary restrictions, and assist with food service.
Hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes often hire for this role.
5. Caregiver or Home Health Aide (Some Agencies Accept Teens)
Some home healthcare agencies hire 16- to 18-year-olds to assist with companionship, meal prep, and light housekeeping for elderly or disabled patients.
You may need a CPR certification, which is easy to get.
6. Veterinary Assistant (If You’re Open to Animal Healthcare)
If you’re interested in healthcare for animals, some vet clinics and animal hospitals hire high schoolers to help with cleaning, feeding, and assisting vet techs.
How to Find These Jobs:
Search job boards like Indeed, Snagajob, or hospital websites.
Visit local clinics, pharmacies, or nursing homes and ask if they’re hiring.
Ask family or friends if they know of any openings.
Do you have a specific type of healthcare job in mind? I can help you find job listings or certification requirements!
1. Hospital Volunteer (Great for Experience)
Many hospitals have volunteer programs for high school students.
You won’t get paid, but you’ll gain valuable experience, make connections, and boost your resume.
Check with local hospitals like Texas Health, Baylor Scott & White, or Houston Methodist.
2. Medical Office Assistant (Entry-Level, No Certification Needed)
Some doctor’s offices, clinics, and chiropractic offices hire high school students for administrative work.
You might help with answering phones, scheduling appointments, and filing paperwork.
3. Pharmacy Technician Trainee
Some pharmacies (like CVS or Walgreens) offer on-the-job training for pharmacy tech positions.
You usually need to be 16+ and may need to register as a pharmacy technician trainee with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
4. Dietary Aide in a Hospital or Nursing Home
You’d help prepare meals for patients, follow dietary restrictions, and assist with food service.
Hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes often hire for this role.
5. Caregiver or Home Health Aide (Some Agencies Accept Teens)
Some home healthcare agencies hire 16- to 18-year-olds to assist with companionship, meal prep, and light housekeeping for elderly or disabled patients.
You may need a CPR certification, which is easy to get.
6. Veterinary Assistant (If You’re Open to Animal Healthcare)
If you’re interested in healthcare for animals, some vet clinics and animal hospitals hire high schoolers to help with cleaning, feeding, and assisting vet techs.
How to Find These Jobs:
Search job boards like Indeed, Snagajob, or hospital websites.
Visit local clinics, pharmacies, or nursing homes and ask if they’re hiring.
Ask family or friends if they know of any openings.
Do you have a specific type of healthcare job in mind? I can help you find job listings or certification requirements!
Thank you, Mars!
Sarah
Samantha Zavala
Mobile Phlebotomist | Healthcare Affiliate
3
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
A few Ideas..
Hospital Volunteer: Many hospitals have programs for high school students aged 15 and older. You can assist with tasks like greeting patients, deliver items, and provide comfort.
Dietary Aide: Hospitals and nursing homes often hire dietary aides to help prepare and serve meals to patients, ensuring they meet specific dietary needs and restrictions. This role involves kitchen work and some patient interaction.
Patient Transporter: Some hospitals hire patient transporters to move patients between different departments (e.g., from their room to radiology). This job requires good communication and physical stamina but typically doesn't need prior experience.
Hospital Volunteer: Many hospitals have programs for high school students aged 15 and older. You can assist with tasks like greeting patients, deliver items, and provide comfort.
Dietary Aide: Hospitals and nursing homes often hire dietary aides to help prepare and serve meals to patients, ensuring they meet specific dietary needs and restrictions. This role involves kitchen work and some patient interaction.
Patient Transporter: Some hospitals hire patient transporters to move patients between different departments (e.g., from their room to radiology). This job requires good communication and physical stamina but typically doesn't need prior experience.