Best Non-Clinical Healthcare Jobs & Careers You Should Consider for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Many think working in healthcare means wearing scrubs, handling needles, or spending long shifts in a hospital. That’s simply not true. The healthcare field is full of essential jobs that don’t require touching a patient. From managing records to analyzing data to leading healthcare teams, there are many ways to make a difference without working on the frontlines.

The truth is that healthcare is growing fast. Between 2023 and 2033, nearly 2 million job openings per year are expected in this field, not just because new positions are being added, but also because many workers are retiring. And a significant share of those openings will be in non-clinical healthcare jobs. This article will walk you through the best non-clinical career paths to consider in 2025, explain what each involves, and help you see which roles match your goals. It’s written by experts in career planning to help you take confident steps toward your future.

Key Things You Should Know About Non-Clinical Healthcare Jobs and Careers

Depending on the role, you can start working in non-clinical healthcare jobs in as little as six months.
Degrees in health information management, healthcare administration, or public health prepare students for most non-clinical roles.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), and options from paralegal certification programs give you an edge.

What are the best non-clinical healthcare jobs and careers for 2025?
What skills do you need for non-clinical healthcare careers?
What’s the best degree for a non-clinical healthcare career?
What certifications are best for non-clinical healthcare careers?
How long does it take to get qualified for a non-clinical job?
What are the highest-paying non-clinical healthcare careers?
How do non-clinical salaries compare by location?
What are the career progression and growth opportunities in non-clinical healthcare positions?
How Can Advanced Online Education Enhance Your Non-Clinical Healthcare Career?
What challenges should you consider in non-clinical healthcare jobs?
Are non-clinical healthcare jobs in high demand right now?
What non-clinical healthcare jobs are growing the fastest?
Can you transition from a non-clinical role to a clinical career?
Other Things You Should Know About Non-Clinical Healthcare Jobs

What are the best non-clinical healthcare jobs and careers for 2025?

Some of the best non-clinical healthcare jobs for 2025 are in management, data, tech, law, and education, and they don’t require working with patients directly. Here are 10 top jobs to consider:

Medical and Health Services Manager – These professionals run hospitals, clinics, and healthcare departments. They manage budgets, staff, and policies. This role often requires a bachelor’s degree and experience in healthcare settings.
Medical Records and Health Information Technician – This job involves organizing and managing patient data. Many people start with a certificate, and it’s a solid step toward roles in health IT or coding.
Health Educator or Community Health Worker – These roles focus on teaching people how to stay healthy. They often work with specific groups in the community and help improve public health programs.
Information Security Analyst – As hospitals shift to digital records, protecting patient information is critical. These analysts help secure healthcare data from cyberattacks. You can look into how to become an information security manager if this career interests you.
Clinical Data Analyst – These analysts work behind the scenes with healthcare data. They help hospitals improve quality and efficiency using reports and statistics.
Human Resources Manager – Healthcare facilities need HR professionals to recruit staff, manage benefits, and oversee employee issues. A degree in HR or business is helpful. Check out HR officer salary if you want to know how much HR personnel in healthcare facilities earn.
Healthcare Marketing Specialist – These professionals promote services, handle public relations, and develop campaigns for hospitals or clinics.
Nurse Paralegal – This role blends medical knowledge with legal work. Nurse paralegals help law firms review cases involving healthcare and medical records.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist – These workers translate medical services into billing codes. Understanding the difference between CBCS and CPC certification can help you choose the right credential for your desired career path.
Healthcare Compliance Officer – This job ensures healthcare businesses follow all laws and regulations. It’s ideal for detail-oriented students who like rules and structure.

Each of these careers offers a way to help others without stepping into a hospital room. You’ll find options at all levels, from certificates to degrees, and in settings that range from small clinics to large healthcare systems. In 2024, 24% of healthcare support jobs required previous work experience, and over 85% included on-the-job training. That means many non-clinical healthcare jobs are open to new grads willing to learn and grow on the job.

The chart below illustrates the salary distribution of healthcare support workers, as published by the BLS in 2025.

What skills do you need for non-clinical healthcare careers?

To succeed in non-clinical healthcare jobs, you need people skills, tech know-how, and the ability to adapt in a fast-moving environment. Here are some of the top skills employers look for:

Communication – Whether you’re handling records, teaching patients, or managing a team, being able to clearly explain things matters. Good communication builds trust and prevents mistakes.
Organization – Many non-clinical jobs involve handling details, keeping schedules, or tracking patient information. Strong organizational skills help you stay on top of it all.
Adaptability – Healthcare keeps changing. In fact, 61% of healthcare support jobs require workers to be flexible and able to adjust quickly. That means you should be open to learning new software, rules, or tasks.
Teamwork – Even in non-patient roles, you’ll work with nurses, doctors, or tech teams. Being a team player makes the work smoother for everyone.
Data and Tech Skills – More healthcare jobs use digital tools every day. Knowing how to work with spreadsheets, scheduling software, or health databases can give you an edge. For jobs like data analyst or records technician, looking into the top database management degree programs can be a smart step forward.
Problem-Solving – You’ll often face challenges like billing issues, data errors, or staffing problems. Being able to think clearly and solve problems helps you stand out.

What’s the best degree for a non-clinical healthcare career?

The best degrees for non-clinical healthcare jobs are in health administration, public health, health information, or business. These programs teach you how the healthcare system works without needing to treat patients directly. Here are the best degree options to consider:

Healthcare Administration – This degree is for students who want to lead teams, manage budgets, or help clinics run smoothly. It can lead to roles like medical office manager or health services administrator. Get familiar with the steps on how to become a health administrator if you think this is the path you'd want to take.
Health Information Management – This major focuses on medical records, data systems, and healthcare privacy laws. It’s a strong choice if you want to manage patient information or work in coding or compliance.
Public Health – This field teaches you how to improve health across communities. You’ll learn about disease prevention, health education, and working with public health programs. Check out various public health careers you can get into.
Business Administration (with a healthcare focus) – A business degree with healthcare electives can lead to careers in human resources, finance, or project management inside hospitals and insurance companies.
Informatics or Health IT – These tech-based degrees prepare you for careers focusing on using data and digital tools in healthcare settings.

Some students start with a two-year degree in these fields. Recent data shows 18% of all associate degrees were awarded in health-related programs. A four-year degree gives you even more options, and 13% of bachelor’s degrees were also in this growing field. These degrees help open the door to well-paying non-clinical healthcare jobs—and give you the knowledge to grow into leadership or tech roles later.

What certifications are best for non-clinical healthcare careers?

Certifications can quickly qualify you for a non-clinical healthcare job, especially if you want to stand out or move up without a four-year degree. Here are some top certifications to consider:

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) – This is one of the most popular medical billing and coding credentials. It shows you how to code patient diagnoses and procedures for insurance claims.
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) – Like the CPC, this certification proves you’re skilled in billing, insurance, and handling sensitive patient data.
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) – This one is great for those managing medical records or working with electronic health data. It’s often required for health information roles in hospitals and clinics.
Certified Medical Manager (CMM) – This certification helps you qualify for administrative leadership jobs, like running a private practice or leading a clinic’s business operations.
CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) – If you want to work in patient education or public health outreach, this certification proves you know how to teach others about staying healthy.
Paralegal Certification – If you’re interested in legal aspects of healthcare, like compliance or patient rights, look into paralegal certification programs. With added healthcare training, this path can lead to nurse paralegal or medical-legal assistant jobs.

Certifications are valuable for many entry-level and mid-level non-clinical healthcare jobs. They show employers you’ve taken the time to learn specialized skills, and they can help you land better roles faster, even without years of experience.

How long does it take to get qualified for a non-clinical job?

You can qualify for many non-clinical healthcare jobs in as little as six months, but the timeline depends on your chosen path. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Certificate Programs (6 months to 1 year) - Some jobs only need a short training program and a certification. For example, you can become a medical billing specialist, coding assistant, or health unit clerk in under a year. These roles are a good choice if you want to start working quickly and build experience while studying for more advanced roles later.
Associate Degree Programs (2 years) - Many community colleges offer two-year degrees in health information management, medical office technology, or public health. These programs lead to roles like health information technician or administrative coordinator. They also prepare you to take exams like the RHIT or CBCS.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs (4 years) - A four-year degree opens more doors, especially if you want to work in management, healthcare analysis, or informatics. While this takes longer, it also prepares you for higher-paying positions and long-term career growth.

The chart below illustrates the distribution of healthcare support workers by how much time they've spent learning the techniques and skills, or specific vocational preparation (SVP) level, as reported by the BLS in 2025.

What are the highest-paying non-clinical healthcare careers?

The highest-paying non-clinical healthcare jobs for 2025 are found in hospitals, insurance firms, tech companies, and public health agencies. Most start with entry-level roles that students can qualify for with a two-year degree, on-the-job training, or a basic certification. Here are five strong options that show where you might begin and how far you can go:

Medical and Health Services Manager ($110,000–$135,000) - These professionals manage hospital departments or clinics. Many start as medical office assistants or unit clerks and work up through supervisor roles.
Information Security Analyst (Healthcare) ($100,000–$125,000) - They protect sensitive patient data in hospitals and healthcare tech companies. Students often start in IT support or junior tech roles before specializing in cybersecurity.
Health Informatics Specialist ($85,000–$115,000) - These analysts work in research hospitals and insurance firms to manage patient data. A typical path starts in medical records or data entry jobs.
Human Resources Manager (Healthcare) ($90,000–$120,000) - HR managers lead hiring and training inside large healthcare systems. Most begin as HR assistants or generalists and grow into leadership roles.
Care Case Manager (non-clinical path) ($70,000–$90,000) - They coordinate services for patients in Medicaid programs or nonprofits. Many start as community health workers or patient advocates. If you’re exploring careers in care case management, this is a great place to begin.
Health Policy Analyst ($75,000–$95,000) - These analysts guide healthcare decisions in government and nonprofit groups. Students often enter the field as public health interns or assistants.

How do non-clinical salaries compare by location?

Salaries for non-clinical healthcare jobs can vary depending on where you live. Big cities and states with higher living costs usually pay more, but not consistently enough to make up for higher housing and expenses.

For example, workers in California, New York, and Massachusetts often earn the highest wages for roles like medical and health services managers or health information technicians. These areas have large hospital networks and strict healthcare rules, which create more demand for skilled non-clinical workers.

However, pay might be lower in lower-cost areas like Texas, Florida, or the Midwest, but your paycheck may go further. Once rent, food, and transportation are factored in, a $55,000 salary in Ohio could offer more real value than a $70,000 salary in San Francisco.

Rural areas are also hiring more non-clinical workers to support local health systems and reduce provider burnout. While the pay may be modest initially, these regions often offer perks like loan repayment help, lower competition for jobs, or faster promotion timelines.

If you want the best combination of pay and lifestyle, compare average salaries with the cost of living. Job boards, government data, and health workforce websites can show what roles pay in your area. This helps you plan where to start your career and how to budget once you land the job.

What are the career progression and growth opportunities in non-clinical healthcare positions?

Non-clinical healthcare roles often offer clear paths for career advancement through skill development, continuing education, and on-the-job training. Professionals can progress from entry-level positions to supervisory or managerial roles by acquiring specialized certifications and leadership training. Many organizations support further education and professional growth through tuition reimbursement and career development programs. For instance, obtaining credentials such as a certified medical assistant program can be a strategic step toward more specialized roles within health administration and operations management.

How Can Advanced Online Education Enhance Your Non-Clinical Healthcare Career?

Advanced online education equips professionals with strategic, analytical, and leadership skills tailored to the evolving healthcare landscape. These programs—often designed for busy individuals—offer flexible learning paths that complement hands-on experience in non-clinical roles. They focus on building competencies in areas such as data interpretation, project management, and healthcare informatics, which are increasingly valued by employers. Additionally, specialized courses like the fastest PharmD online programs demonstrate the potential to integrate advanced clinical insights into administrative and technological applications, ultimately driving career growth and industry innovation.

What challenges should you consider in non-clinical healthcare jobs?

Non-clinical healthcare roles also present unique challenges that warrant careful consideration. Professionals may face rapid technological changes requiring continuous upskilling and adaptability to new digital platforms and regulations. Balancing workload with ongoing professional development remains critical, especially as industry standards evolve. Moreover, competition for higher-level positions demands targeted training and industry-recognized certifications. Exploring accessible education options, such as cheap online medical billing and coding courses, can be a strategic step in overcoming these hurdles and maintaining long-term career growth.

Are non-clinical healthcare jobs in high demand right now?

Yes, non-clinical healthcare jobs are experiencing significant demand for 2025, driven by technological advancements, an aging population, and expanding healthcare services. Recent reports indicate a substantial increase in non-clinical roles within the healthcare sector. For instance, in the first quarter of 2025, over 1,000 non-clinical positions were posted for rehabilitation professionals, including care coordination and client interaction roles. Additionally, the integration of AI and digital transformation in healthcare has led to a surge in demand for professionals skilled in health informatics, data analytics, and telemedicine.

Healthcare remains one of the most resilient sectors in the job market. In April 2025 alone, the industry added 51,000 new jobs, underscoring its robust growth. This trend reflects the increasing need for non-clinical professionals who can support the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery.

What non-clinical healthcare jobs are growing the fastest?

Some of 2025’s fastest-growing non-clinical healthcare jobs are tied to tech, data, and health equity. These roles are expanding as healthcare becomes more digital, patient-centered, and preventive. Here are five non-clinical healthcare jobs growing quickly right now:

Clinical documentation specialist – These professionals review and improve medical records, ensuring that diagnoses and treatments are correctly coded. The growth of AI-assisted health records and insurance audits drives demand for people in this role.
Population health analyst – These workers use public health data to track disease trends and improve community health outcomes. Growth is strong as health systems shift toward preventive care and value-based models.
Health equity coordinator – This role is expanding with more focus on closing care gaps. Coordinators work with hospitals, government programs, and nonprofits to ensure patients of all backgrounds get access to needed care.
Healthcare compliance officer – These professionals ensure hospitals and clinics follow all federal and state rules. The rise in telehealth and privacy regulations means this job is more important than ever.
Digital health project manager – As telehealth, apps, and remote patient monitoring continue to grow, project managers help bring digital solutions into hospitals and clinics. Tech companies and startups are hiring for this role, too.

The chart below lists the highest-paying states for healthcare support workers, as reported by the BLS in 2024.

Can you transition from a non-clinical role to a clinical career?

Yes, many people start in non-clinical healthcare jobs and later move into clinical careers once they gain experience and training.

Starting in a non-clinical role like a medical records clerk, healthcare administrator, or insurance specialist can help you learn how healthcare systems work. You’ll develop valuable communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills in clinical and non-clinical roles. Many entry-level jobs also offer on-the-job training, which gives you time to explore career options while working.

If you later decide to pursue a clinical career, your experience will still count. For example, a medical coder who wants to become a nurse will already understand patient documentation and healthcare regulations. They can then take steps to meet the qualifications for clinical roles, like earning a nursing degree and passing licensure exams. If you’re interested in high-pressure roles, you’ll need to meet specific qualifications for critical care nurses, which include advanced clinical education, experience in acute care settings, and certification.

Some employers even offer tuition assistance for employees wanting to advance in healthcare. This makes it easier to return to school without starting over from scratch. Whether your goal is nursing, radiology, or another clinical field, non-clinical healthcare jobs can be a smart first step toward getting there.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Non-Clinical Healthcare Careers

I work as a data coordinator for a hospital group, and I don’t have to wear scrubs or deal with emergencies. What I do still helps doctors make better choices, and that gives me a real sense of purpose. – Aileen

At first, I wasn’t sure if a non-clinical healthcare job would feel important, but now I run outreach programs that actually change people’s lives. I didn’t need med school to make a difference. – Sara

I switched to human resources in healthcare after working retail. It’s stable, the benefits are solid, and I actually like logging into work each day. I never expected to feel that way about a job. – Gregor

Key Findings

Over 1.9 million healthcare job openings are expected annually through 2033, many non-clinical.
Entry-level non-clinical roles like health information technician typically require only an associate's degree.
85.6% of healthcare support workers receive on-the-job training, and 24% need prior experience.
61% of employers in healthcare support roles value adaptability as a top skill.
18% of all associate and 13% of bachelor's degrees are in health-related fields.
You can qualify for specific non-clinical healthcare jobs in as little as 6 months.

Other Things You Should Know About Non-Clinical Healthcare Jobs

What is an example of a non-clinical intervention?

A non-clinical intervention might include a health education workshop that teaches people how to manage diabetes through diet and exercise. These interventions don’t involve direct medical treatment but help improve outcomes. They’re common in many non-clinical healthcare jobs.

What is considered clinical vs non clinical?

Clinical roles involve direct patient care like diagnosing, treating, or performing procedures. Non-clinical roles support patient health through education, data, coordination, and administration without hands-on care.

What is an example of a non clinical disease?

A non-clinical disease example could be a condition tracked through data systems, like rising obesity rates across a population. Analysts study trends to support public health planning but don’t treat individual patients.

Can you work from home in non-clinical healthcare jobs?

Yes, many non-clinical healthcare jobs—like medical coders, telehealth support staff, and health data analysts—can be done remotely. Remote roles have grown with the expansion of digital health services.

References:

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Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2024). 31-0000 Healthcare Support Occupations (Major Group). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. BLS.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2025a). Healthcare Occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. BLS.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2025b). Healthcare support occupations. BLS.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2025c). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System. BLS.
The Non-Clinical PT. (2025). The Non-Clinical Job Market & Career Insights Report – Q1 2025. Career Paths. The Non-Clinical PT.