11 High-Paying Healthcare Jobs in New York (No Degree Required)

People often think that all jobs in healthcare require a degree, but there are many ways to make a good living without a degree. Please remember that these jobs may not require a formal degree but may still need specific training, certifications, or licenses, often obtained through trade schools or vocational programs. Here are some high-paying healthcare jobs in New York that don’t require a degree:

1. Community Habilitation Worker (Comm Hab Staff) – $20-$35 Per Hour

The Comm Hab staff is responsible for providing education, instruction, direct services, and supports that promote individual choice and individualized outcomes that empower and enable consumers to achieve their stated goals and to live as optimally as possible. The Community Habilitation Worker and the individual will work together to achieve the goals stated in each individual’s life plan.

Comm Hab Staff Job Description

• Comm hab staff ensure a person-centered approach is used in all aspects of service delivery.
• Comm hab staff assist with developing the consumers’ Community Habilitation Plans.
• Comm hab staff ensure goals reflected in the consumers’ plans are addressed and worked on with the consumer.
• Community Habilitation Workers act as an advocate for consumers and encourage self-advocacy and choices.
• Community Habilitation Workers assist individuals in performing activities of daily living with as much independence as possible.
• Assist in developing social skills by providing education, training, and role modeling.
• Assist individuals in community integration and developing relationships.
• Provide training and education in health-related issues, including specialized dietary needs.
• Maintain professional relationships with consumers, co-workers, and representatives from other agencies.
• Assist individuals with finances and budgeting, such as paying bills and shopping.
• Attend meetings and ISP reviews for consumers.
• Complete weekly schedule of appointments.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of consumers at all times.
• Attend program, training, and staff meetings as scheduled.
• Transporting clients as part of the Service Plan.

Comm Hab Staff Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent with one year of experience working in a related field preferred. Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
• A valid NYS driver’s license is required, pass a driving background check, and must have reliable transportation.
• Must complete Employee Criminal History Review (fingerprinting) and training required by NYS Office of Children and Family Services (This is done online after being hired).
• Ability to receive clearance from the New York State Central Registry, NYS Justice Center Staff Exclusion List (SEL), and the Medicaid Exclusion Registry
• Must have an up-to-date PPD certified by a Physician, Physician’s Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner.

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2. Medical Coder – $29-$35 Per Hour

Medical coders translate healthcare services into universal medical codes that can be used for billing and keeping track of information. Some employers may require certification, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

Medical Coder Job Description

• Service Delivery: Ensures an accurate, efficient, effective, and timely team approach to daily operations of the Concurrent Coding/Auditing Services
• Staff Development and Management: Contributes to the development of staff capabilities to meet organizational goals and objectives
• Customer Service: Ensures the team provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers, Practices Servant Leadership management style with a focus on employee engagement
• Liaison and Communication/Teamwork: Leads and Promotes a team environment and enhances partnership and collaboration through effective communication ensuring an inclusive approach
• Utilize resources and reference materials (e.g., online sources, manuals) to identify appropriate medical codes and reference code applicability, rules, and guidelines.
• Apply understanding of relevant medical coding subject areas (e.g., diagnosis, procedural, evaluation and management, ancillary services) to assign appropriate medical codes.
• Apply basic anatomy and physiology understanding to interpret clinical documentation and identify applicable medical codes.
• Identify areas in clinical documentation that are unclear or incomplete and generate queries to obtain additional information.
• Follow up with providers as necessary when responses to queries are not provided on time.
• Utilize medical coding software programs or reference materials to identify appropriate codes.
• Apply post-query response to make final determinations
• Apply relevant Medical Coding References, Federal, State, and Professional guidelines to assign and record independent medical code determinations.
• Manage multiple work demands simultaneously to maintain relevant productivity and turnaround time standards for completing medical records (e.g., charts, assessments, visits, encounters)
• Resolve medical coding edits or denials about code assignment
• Provide information or respond to questions from medical coding quality audits
• Educate and mentor others to improve medical coding quality
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of the impact of coding decisions on the revenue cycle
• Attain and maintain relevant professional certifications and continuing education seminars as required
• Utilize and navigate across clinical software applications to assign medical codes or complete reviews

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Coding Certification from AAPC or AHIMA professional coding association: (CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, RHIT, RHIA, CCA, CCS, CCS-P, etc.)
• Coding experience
• Excellent understanding of ICD-10-CM, CPT, Modifiers & HCPCS coding classification, and guidelines
• Excellent understanding of medical terminology, disease process, and anatomy and physiology

3. Phlebotomist – $21-$24 Per Hour

The Phlebotomist career is one of the high-paying healthcare jobs in New York. Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. While a degree isn’t required, a certification program is often needed.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform blood collections by venipuncture and capillary techniques for all age groups
• Collect specimens for drug screens, paternity tests, alcohol tests, etc.
• Perform data entry of patient information in an accurate and timely manner
• Process billing information and collect payments when required
• Prepare all collected specimens for testing and analysis
• Maintain patient and specimen information logs
• Provide superior customer service to all patients
• Administrative and clerical duties as necessary
• Travel to additional sites when needed

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Phlebotomy certification from an accredited agency is preferred
• Previous experience as a phlebotomist
• Proven track record in providing exceptional customer service
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment
• Comfortable working under minimal supervision
• Reliable transportation and clean driving record if applicable
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed
• Able to pass a standardized color blindness test

4. Health Information Tech – $30-$35 Per Hour

Health Information Tech professionals organize and manage health information data. They may need to learn specific coding systems or health record software, but a degree is typically not required.

Required Qualifications

• Education, Training, Experience, Certification, And Licensure
• Accredited Record Technician preferred. High school graduate or equivalent, medical secretarial or health information education a plus. One to two years experience in a Medical Record Department.
• Participates in orientation and continuing education and updates and maintains knowledge and skills related to specific areas of expertise.

Special Equipment, Skills, Or Other Requirements

• Knowledge of office equipment, i.e., FAX, copy machine, microfilm reader/printers, and multi-line phones.
• Formal or working knowledge of PC applications, medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, as well as good interpersonal skills required. Customer service orientated.

5. Pharmacy Technician – $20-$25 Per Hour

Pharmacy Technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. They usually require a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training.

6. Surgical Tech – $50-$65 Per Hour

Surgical Techs assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries. Certificate programs are commonly required.

7. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – $35-$85 Per Hour

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers operate special imaging equipment to create images or to conduct tests that help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. Some form of professional certification or diploma may be required.

8. Medical Equipment Repair Technician – $20-$30 Per Hour

Medical Equipment Repair Tech professionals install, maintain, and repair patient care equipment. A high school diploma is typically enough to get started, but further training is usually provided on the job.

9. Radiologic Tech – $44-$53 Per Hour

Radiologic Techs perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. While some employers may require an associate degree, others might accept a postsecondary nondegree award. This is one of the high-paying healthcare jobs you can get without a bachelor’s degree.

10. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic – $19-$25 Per Hour

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics respond to emergency calls, perform medical services, and transport patients to medical facilities. A postsecondary nondegree award or certificate is typically required.

11. Physical Therapist Assistant – $30-$45 Per Hour

Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain. An associate degree is typically required.

The Bottom Line

Remember, while these positions don’t require a 4-year degree, most require some form of postsecondary education, training, experience, or certification. It’s essential to research each job thoroughly to understand the specific requirements.