Find CNA, Phlebotomy & Pharmacy Tech Programs Near You

Career guides

Short programs, real jobs

Patient care

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Hands-on patient care in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living and home health. The fastest common entry point into healthcare.

Training: 4–12 weeks
Median pay: $42,260/yr
Exam: State nurse aide competency exam (written + skills)

Advanced CNA / Patient Care Technician (PCT)

An advanced CNA role for hospitals and clinics that adds skills like EKGs and specimen collection on top of basic nursing assistant care.

Training: Often a short add-on course after basic CNA training
Median pay: $42,260/yr
Exam: Program certificate; some employers ask for NHA's CPCT/A

Medication Aide (CMA)

Pass medications to residents in nursing homes, assisted living and supported living under a nurse's supervision. A step up for experienced CNAs and direct care staff.

Training: About 4 weeks plus supervised practicum hours
Median pay: $42,260/yr
Exam: State-approved medication aide exam (rules vary by state)

Home Health Aide

Help older adults and people with disabilities live safely at home with personal care, light housekeeping and companionship.

Training: Federal minimum 75 hours for Medicare-certified agencies; some states require more
Median pay: $35,800/yr
Exam: Competency evaluation (written and skills); some states keep a registry

Medication Manager (Iowa)

Iowa's medication training for staff who manage residents' medications in small residential care, assisted living, supported living, childcare and home and community-based settings.

Training: About 20 hours: online training plus an RN skills check-off
Median pay: $42,260/yr
Exam: Final exam (80% to pass) and RN skills check-off; certificate of completion

Nursing IV courses

LPN IV Therapy Certification

Expand your LPN scope to start and manage peripheral IVs where your state board of nursing and employer allow it.

Training: Short board-approved course with online coursework and hands-on skills validation
Median pay: $64,400/yr
Exam: State board of nursing–approved IV therapy course and skills check (rules vary by state)

RN IV Refresher Course

For registered nurses returning to hands-on care who want to rebuild IV skills and confidence and earn CE hours.

Training: Usually online theory plus a hands-on skills lab
Median pay: $97,550/yr
Exam: Certificate of completion with CE contact hours

Lab, heart & kidney

Phlebotomy Technician

Draw blood for tests, donations and transfusions in labs, hospitals and clinics. Short training, steady demand.

Training: 4–16 weeks, including supervised venipunctures
Median pay: $45,230/yr
Exam: NHA CPT, ASCP PBT or AMT RPT

EKG Technician

Record the heart's electrical activity for doctors to read, using 12-lead EKGs, Holter monitors and stress tests.

Training: Short certificate programs, often a few weeks to a few months
Median pay: $74,310/yr
Exam: NHA CET or CCI CCT

Dialysis Technician

Run the machines that clean the blood of patients with kidney failure and keep them safe during treatment.

Training: Several months, often paid training through a dialysis employer
Median pay: $50,290/yr
Exam: BONENT CHT or NNCC CCHT (federal rules require certification within 18 months of hire)

Surgery

Surgical Technologist

Work in the operating room, preparing the sterile field and handing instruments to the surgeon during procedures.

Training: About 12–24 months
Median pay: $64,650/yr
Exam: NBSTSA CST or NCCT TS-C

Sterile Processing Technician

Clean, sterilize and assemble surgical instruments so every operation starts with safe equipment.

Training: About 3–6 months, often with hands-on hours
Median pay: $47,690/yr
Exam: HSPA CRCST or CBSPD CSPDT

Pharmacy, clinic & office

Pharmacy Technician

Prepare and dispense medications under a pharmacist in retail, hospital and mail-order pharmacies. Much of the training can be done online.

Training: 3–12 months depending on program and state
Median pay: $45,750/yr
Exam: PTCB's PTCE or NHA's ExCPT

Medical Assistant

Split time between clinical tasks and the front desk in doctors' offices and outpatient clinics.

Training: 9 months–2 years
Median pay: $45,690/yr
Exam: AAMA CMA, AMT RMA or NHA CCMA

Medical Administrative Assistant

Run the front office of a clinic: scheduling, check-in, records and insurance.

Training: A few weeks to a few months
Median pay: $45,930/yr
Exam: NHA CMAA

Medical Billing & Coding Specialist

Turn doctors' notes into insurance codes and claims so providers get paid. Much of this work can be done remotely.

Training: About 4 months to 1 year
Median pay: $51,140/yr
Exam: AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCA or NHA CBCS

Therapy, dental & emergency

Physical Therapy Aide

Keep a physical therapy clinic running: set up equipment, help patients get where they need to be, and support the therapists.

Training: Often on-the-job training or a short certificate course
Median pay: $35,240/yr
Exam: No state exam in most states; many programs give a certificate

Dental Assistant

Work chairside with dentists, prepping patients, taking X-rays and keeping instruments sterile.

Training: About 9–12 months; some states allow on-the-job training
Median pay: $48,070/yr
Exam: DANB CDA, plus any state-specific requirements

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Respond to 911 calls and give emergency care on the scene and in the ambulance.

Training: Usually one semester or less
Median pay: $44,470/yr
Exam: NREMT cognitive exam plus a state skills exam

Find requirements and programs in your state. In Iowa? See CNA classes in Iowa.

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