Are you a school administrator? Yes No x to close
Find Your School
Find VA-Approved Colleges For Military and Veterans

Non-Medical Patient Care Careers

NurseJournal.org says a variety of healthcare degrees or certificates "lead to fulfilling careers helping patients and colleagues, managing, teaching, and more." Not all healthcare certifications involve clinical work, "Students passionate about healthcare can enter the field without clinical components focused on direct patient care."

If needles make you nervous and broken bones make you balk, then a career in the patient care field may seem out of reach. However, there are a surprising number of non-medical patient care careers to choose from where you can work directly with patients and have a positive impact on their health.

If you enjoy helping people live a healthy life but are not interested in the traditional medical fields of patient care such as nursing and radiology, there are many non-medical patient care careers to explore, including:
  • Wellness support
  • Fitness trainer
  • Peer support services
  • Addiction studies specialist
  • Physical therapy assistant
These programs are typically offered as certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs. Master’s programs are also an option for students that wish to become an expert in their chosen field.

GI BIll and Yellow Ribbon Program Options for Non-Clinical Healthcare Degrees

Below is our list of GI Bill participating schools. Remember to explore your other military financial aid and veteran student financial aid opportunities.

Military spouses who need scholarships and other financial aid can also receive help. Those looking for portable careers should ask about MyCAA options associated with a non-clinical degree program.

Non-Clinical Certificate and Associate Degree Programs

Certificate and associate degree programs can be especially appealing, allowing students to start working in the field in a much shorter amount of time than a traditional 4-year degree program. Additionally, certificate and associate degree programs tend to cost less than a 4-year program so students not only earn a great wage quicker but also have less educational costs to defray.

Keep in mind to look for applicable financial aid options at each potential school including GI Bill acceptance, Yellow Ribbon participation, and MyCAA approval.

Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical therapy assistants, sometimes called PTAs, work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain. Physical therapist assistants are involved in the direct care of patients. They may also have tasks that are indirectly related to patient care such as setting up the treatment area, moving patients, and various clerical duties. Median Annual Pay- $50,000.

GI Bill-approved Schools and Yellow Ribbon Colleges with Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

Ready to start your degree as a physical therapy assistant? Check out these programs at our partner schools!

Addiction Studies Specialist

Provide treatment and advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, or other mental or behavioral problems. Employment opportunities in this field include drug and alcohol treatment advising, family and youth services, education, rehabilitation, community health, mental health, employment assistance programs, senior programs, community-based nonprofit agencies, and case-management services. Median Annual Pay-$48,000.

GI Bill-approved Schools and Yellow Ribbon Schools with Addiction Studies Programs

Peer Support Services

Peer support specialists are mental health workers who have had experience with a psychiatric disorder—such as PTSD, depression, or addiction—and have been trained to counsel or assist others with that condition. Familiar with the disorder, these specialists act as role models for clients facing similar difficulties. Median Annual Pay-$37,000.

GI Bill-approved Schools with Peer Support Services Studies Programs

Ready to start your degree in peer support services? Check out these programs at our partner schools!

Fitness Trainers and Instructors

Lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities. Fitness trainers and instructors work in various facilities including recreation centers, health clubs, and various exercise studios. Fitness trainer and instructor careers are great opportunities for those who wish to be self-employed and even start their own studios. Median Annual Pay-$41,000.

GI Bill-approved Schools with Fitness Training & Instruction Programs

Wellness Support Worker

This area of specialization provides students with a broad knowledge covering exercise and fitness, nutrition and its effects on health, basic care and prevention of injuries, and emergency procedures such as basic first aid. Also known as health education specialists, this job helps to develop and deliver programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being.

Wellness support workers may be employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Median annual pay: $48,000.

GI Bill-approved Schools with Wellness Support Programs

RELATED: