There are a lot of well-paying jobs in health care, but most require years of schooling. But if you want to get to work quickly, and don’t want to spend years in school, consider a healthcare certificate program. Some certificate jobs more lucrative than others, with one job trumping the rest as the highest: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Assistant.

Top-Paying Certificate Jobs in Health Care

Many healthcare certificates lead to well-paying jobs, but these three provide the biggest paydays:

• CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) helper
  • Average Pay: $50-$70 per hour
  • Title: CRNA Assistants assist anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in various surgical settings. They track patients, help set up anesthesia, and ensure safety in the operating room.
  • Training needed: First, a CNA certification, then further training in anesthesia assistance.
• Radiologic Technologist (X–Ray Technician)
  • Average Pay: $30-$50 per hour
  • Job Overview: X-ray techs conduct imaging procedures to assist doctors in diagnosing conditions. This allows them to work for hospitals, clinics as well as imaging centers.
  • Training Needed: 1–2 years of a radiologic technology certificate program
• Surgical Technologist
  • Average Pay: $25-$40 per hour
  • Job Role: Surgical techs prep operating rooms, assist surgeons and manage surgical instruments during procedures.
  • Training Needed: Surgical technology certificate program (approximately one year).

Why Are CRNA Assistants the Highest Paid?

There are a few main reasons why CRNA assistants are so well compensated:

• In-Demand Career: Anesthesia care is a crucial aspect of surgeries and medical procedures, leading to a steady demand for qualified professionals.
• Beyond Spcialized Training: The role is more advanced and valuable as it requires a different level of skills than the rudimentary patient care.
• Surgical Environment: Operating room work often pays more due to the responsibility.

How to Get Started

If you’re interested in getting a high paying healthcare certificate job, here’s what to do:

• Choose the Right Program – Attend an accredited school where you can learn the substances of radiology, surgical technology, and anesthesia assistance.
• Get Certified – Once you complete the program, take the required exams to become certified.
• Think About Job Locations: The Best pay is usually offered in states such as California, New York and Texas.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need years of school to build a rewarding, high-paying career with a healthcare certificate. The best-paying option is likely to get trained as either a CRNA assistant, radiologic technologist, or surgical technologist, all of which offer good pay and job security.