Changing Careers in the New Year? 4 Healthcare Jobs You Can Train for Without a 4-Year Degree

Thinking about a career change in 2027? Healthcare offers several paths that do not require a four-year degree, including medical assisting, phlebotomy and EKG work, medical office administration, and medical billing and coding. MBS Career Institute in Brooklyn teaches skills relevant to these paths through its Medical Assistant and Medical Office Specialist programs. Available schedules depend on the program and term.

Planning ahead gives you time to compare programs, apply for financial aid, and complete any required placement testing. This guide explains the four career paths, practical considerations for adult students, and steps to take before a spring start. If cost is your first question, read our guide to using FAFSA for medical assistant school.

Why Healthcare Is a Smart Career Change for 2027

Medical offices need people who can see patients, draw blood, keep records and get claims paid. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 109,700 openings each year. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $45,690 for medical assistants in May 2025. See the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for the full data.

Medical offices rely on staff with both clinical and administrative skills. Depending on the role, that may mean taking vital signs, collecting blood samples, recording an EKG, scheduling appointments, or processing insurance claims. The paths below involve different combinations of these responsibilities. For more on demand, see our post on the increased need for qualified medical assistants.

4 Healthcare Careers You Can Start Training For

1. Medical Assistant

Medical assistants support both patient care and medical office operations. Clinical training covers vital signs, phlebotomy, EKG and specimen handling. Administrative training covers medical terminology, electronic health records, scheduling and insurance claims. MBS offers a 1,440-hour Medical Assistant program that includes a 360-hour supervised internship in a medical office. Students may also sit for the optional MedCA certification exam. Ask Admissions about other program lengths and their requirements.

Best for: people who want variety and patient contact. Curious what the work feels like? Read a typical day as a medical assistant.

2. Phlebotomy and EKG Technician

Phlebotomy involves drawing blood and preparing specimens for testing. EKG work involves recording the heart’s electrical activity using an electrocardiogram. At MBS, students practice blood collection, safe specimen handling and labeling, and EKG procedures using clinical equipment. These skills are taught within the Medical Assistant program. Ask Admissions whether standalone courses are currently available and what each option prepares you to do. See Phlebotomy and EKG Technician Training.

Best for: people who enjoy practical clinical work, follow safety procedures carefully, and can help patients feel at ease.

3. Medical Office Specialist

You can work in healthcare without performing clinical procedures. The Medical Office Specialist program trains you for the front office: medical records, insurance claims, scheduling and office software, with a supervised internship. The curriculum also includes medical billing and coding.

Best for: organized people who are good on the phone and at the desk, including those coming from retail, office or customer service work.

4. Medical Billing and Coding

Medical coders translate documented diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes. Medical billers use coded information to prepare claims and follow up on payments. Training covers ICD-10-CM and CPT coding, insurance claims and electronic health records. At MBS, medical billing and coding training is taught within the Medical Assistant and Medical Office Specialist programs, alongside broader clinical or administrative coursework. Ask Admissions about the depth of coding instruction and whether additional training or certification may be needed for your preferred role.

Best for: detail-oriented people who like rules, numbers and solving problems. Our post on how a medical administrative assistant differs from a medical biller compares the two paths.

Career	Patient contact	Best for	How you train at MBS
Medical Assistant	High	Variety, clinical and office work	Medical Assistant program, with internship
Phlebotomy and EKG	High	Hands-on clinical work	Within the Medical Assistant program
Medical Office Specialist	Medium	Front office and scheduling	Medical Office Specialist program, with internship
Billing and Coding	Low	Detail and accuracy	Within Medical Assistant or Medical Office Specialist
Want help choosing before the spring term? Talk to an admissions advisor about which program fits your goals and your schedule. Call (718) 234-4000 or send us a message. Staff speak Chinese and Russian.

What Usually Stops Adult Career Changers, and How to Plan Around It

Your schedule

If you work or care for family, compare class times, study requirements, and internship hours before enrolling. MBS offers day and evening/weekend schedule options. Confirm which are available for your chosen program and whether internship hours fit your commitments.

The cost

Federal Pell Grant and New York State TAP are available to eligible students in the longer, registered programs, including Medical Assistant and Medical Office Specialist. Visit our Financial Aid page and use the Net Price Calculator to estimate your own cost.

Your English

If you need to strengthen your English before career training, ask about ESL support. Classes are taught in English, and faculty and staff speak Chinese and Russian. The six-level ESL program starts with a placement exam, and students who need it complete ESL before moving into career training.

The commute

Consider the commute alongside your class and work schedules. The campus is at 2115 Benson Avenue in Brooklyn, near Caesar’s Bay. See Career Training Near You in Brooklyn for routes from Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Borough Park and Coney Island.

Your New Year Plan: What to Do Before the Spring Term

1. This month: contact Admissions, confirm upcoming start dates, and compare the program options that match your goals.
2. Next: ask the Financial Aid Office which applications you need. A spring 2027 start generally uses the 2026-27 FAFSA. Complete the TAP application if applicable.
3. Before the holidays: confirm document and testing requirements, including ESL placement or an ability-to-benefit test if applicable to your background and aid application.
4. In December: pick your schedule, finish your application and arrange work or childcare.
5. Before classes begin: confirm enrollment, your payment or approved aid arrangements, and any remaining requirements.

Start dates and schedules vary by term, so confirm the spring calendar with the Admissions Office.

Take the Next Step Toward a Healthcare Career

Start with the kind of work you want to do: direct patient care, office administration, or billing and coding. Then compare training requirements, schedules, and financial aid options. Planning now can help you prepare for an upcoming start date with a clearer understanding of what to expect. For the step-by-step path into the field, read how to become a medical assistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch to a healthcare career without a degree?

Yes. Medical assistant, phlebotomy and EKG technician, medical office specialist, and medical billing and coding roles typically require career training rather than a 4-year degree. The BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry-level education for medical assistants.

Which healthcare career is best if I do not want patient contact?

Medical billing and coding may suit you if you prefer work focused on records and claims. Medical office specialist roles do not usually involve clinical procedures, but front-desk positions often include substantial patient interaction.

Can I train for a medical career while working full-time?

It may be possible, depending on your work hours and the program’s requirements. Ask Admissions about available day and evening/weekend schedules, attendance requirements, and internship hours before committing.

Do I need to be certified to work as a medical assistant in New York?

New York does not license medical assistants, but many employers prefer certified candidates. MBS students may sit for the optional MedCA certification exam.

Is it too late to change careers in my 30s, 40s or 50s?

No. Your age alone does not determine whether a career change is practical. Consider your goals, training costs, time commitments, and the requirements of the jobs you want before choosing a program.

Job outlook and wage figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025 wage data and 2025 to 2035 projections). They are national figures, are not a guarantee of earnings or employment, and actual results vary by location, employer and experience.