How Can I Train for a Career in the Healthcare Field Quickly?

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

| Update: November 14, 2025

Many people want to pursue a meaningful career without spending years in school. This leads to the question, How can I train for a career in the healthcare field quickly?” The good news is, with the right program, you can gain the skills and hands-on experience you need to enter the healthcare field in less than a year.

Short-Term Healthcare Programs

At UEI, several programs can be completed in months, not years. These focused programs give you the opportunity to train for an entry-level healthcare role while balancing work and family responsibilities.

Medical Assistant

UEI’s Medical Assistant program can be completed in as little as ten months. This program sets you up with the best of both worlds: clinical and administrative skills that make you a true asset in any healthcare setting. You’ll learn how to take vital signs, record patient histories, assist doctors during exams, manage scheduling and records, and even perform lab tests and basic procedures. Plus, with interactive labs, online coursework, and a real-world externship, you’ll graduate with hands-on experience.

Dental Assistant

If you’re interested in oral health, UEI’s Dental Assistant program offers training that can be completed in under a year. Students practice sterilizing equipment, preparing exam rooms, assisting during procedures, and supporting patient care. An included externship provides valuable real-world training in dental offices.

Medical Billing & Insurance Coding

Not all healthcare careers require direct patient care. In as little as 10 months, you can complete UEI’s Medical Billing & Insurance Coding program and train for an office-based role. This program focuses on billing systems, coding procedures, and insurance documentation.

Pharmacy Technician

UEI also offers a Pharmacy Technician program, where students learn to assist pharmacists with filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and helping patients. This program is another short-term option, typically completed in as little as 10 months, and includes externship training.

 

Short-Term Healthcare Career Options

Now that you know the programs available, you may still be asking: “What are the best short-term healthcare career options?”

  • If you enjoy direct patient interaction, Medical Assistant or Dental Assistant training may be the best fit. Neither role requires years of medical school.
  • If you prefer office-based work, Medical Billing & Insurance Coding or Medical Office Specialist training can help you enter the healthcare field without direct clinical responsibilities.
  • If you’re drawn to pharmacy support, becoming a Pharmacy Technician can be a rewarding option where you work directly with medications and customers.

With flexible day and evening classes, small group learning, and externship opportunities, UEI makes it easier to fit hands-on healthcare training into your life. UEI’s healthcare programs are built for students like you who want fast, career-focused training. In less than a year, you could be starting your first day in a new healthcare career.

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

Joseph Cockrell is a seasoned strategic communications leader with over 25 years of experience, coupled with a distinguished graduate-level education. A former professional journalist, Joseph excels in media relations, crisis communications, corporate reputation management, strategic communications planning, and marketing. Renowned for his proficiency as an expert storyteller, Joseph possesses a unique ability to craft compelling written and video content of the highest caliber. With an extensive background in navigating complex communication landscapes, he brings unparalleled insight and skill to elevate brands and effectively convey impactful narratives.