In Connecticut, healthcare roles are some of the fastest growing occupations, and they combine fulfilling work with competitive pay. You don’t need to have a four-year degree to get a job in the medical field. There are many good jobs in CT that you can get with just a short-term training program or associate’s degree, including office support staff, medical support staff, and allied health professions. Here are the top 10 jobs to consider, including the education requirements and average pay in Connecticut.
1. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants help keep medical offices running smoothly by performing administrative and clinical tasks. Their day-to-day tasks may include keeping treatment rooms clean, measuring and recording patients’ vital signs, and documenting patients’ medical histories.
Education requirements: Completion of a Medical Assisting certificate program.
Average salary in Connecticut: $21.48 per hour
2. Front Office Assistant
Front office assistants, also known as medical receptionists, work at the front desk of a medical practice. They’re responsible for greeting and checking in patients, answering telephone calls, and scheduling appointments. They explain financial requirements to patients and process copayments and other fees.
Education requirements: A high school diploma or GED.
Average salary in Connecticut: $19.80 per hour
3. Administrative Assistant
Medical administrative assistants provide clerical support to medical offices. Their day-to-day responsibilities vary, but may include tasks like taking phone messages for physicians, managing incoming and outgoing mail, or entering orders into patients’ electronic medical records.
Education requirements: A high school diploma or GED.
Average salary in Connecticut: $21.53 per hour
4. Certified Nurse Aide
Nurse aides provide hands-on care for patients under the direction of a licensed nurse. Typical duties could include helping patients with daily activities, administering medications, and reporting changes to nursing staff.
Education requirements: Completion of a Connecticut-approved nurse aide program consisting of at least 100 hours in classroom and clinical settings.
Average salary in Connecticut: $20.61 per hour
5. Medical Biller
Medical billers manage the billing process to ensure healthcare providers are paid for their services. They submit claims to insurance companies, follow up on unpaid bills, and help patients resolve billing complaints. Attention to detail and knowledge of medical terminology are essential for success in this role.
Education requirements: High school diploma or GED. Some job postings also require a Certified Professional Biller certification.
Average salary in Connecticut: $21.95 per hour
6. Authorization Specialist
Authorization specialists help patients access the healthcare they need by securing insurance pre-authorizations for medications, procedures, and surgeries. They’re responsible for communicating with insurance companies, verifying patients’ eligibility and coverage for services, and following up on insurance denials.
Education requirements: A high school diploma or GED. Some job postings request that candidates have a Prior Authorization Certified Specialist certification.
Average salary in Connecticut: $21.62 per hour
7. Sterile Processing Technician
Sterile processing technicians, also known as central supply technicians, play a vital role in patient safety. They’re responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing a wide variety of reusable medical instruments and equipment, from scissors to endoscopes. They monitor inventory levels of sterilized equipment and distribute supplies to patient care areas.
Education requirements: Completion of a Central Sterile Processing Technician certificate program. You’ll also need to pass the Sterile Processing Technician certification exam.
Average salary in Connecticut: $40.44 per hour
8. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses provide hands-on care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse and/or physician. Typical job duties for LPNs include administering medications, dressing wounds, and monitoring patients’ symptoms. LPNs also educate patients about the care they’re receiving and may provide emotional support, if necessary.
Education requirements: Completion of a state-approved Licensed Practical Nurse certificate program. You’ll also need to pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Examination.
Average salary in Connecticut: $33.38 per hour
9. Surgical Scheduler
Surgical schedulers, also known as surgical coordinators, perform the administrative tasks that keep a surgical center running effectively. They coordinate with surgeons to schedule patients’ surgical procedures, including pre and postoperative appointments. Surgical schedulers ensure patients complete necessary paperwork and tests prior to surgery.
Education requirements: High school diploma or GED.
Average salary in Connecticut: $23.49 per hour
10. Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists are crucial members of the surgical team. Their typical tasks include preparing operating rooms for surgery, getting patients ready for surgery, and maintaining a sterile environment. They might also assist with operations, as directed by the surgeon.
Education requirements: A two-year associate degree in Surgical Technology.
Average salary in Connecticut: $54.83 per hour
Start Your New Career at PACT
The Physicians Alliance of Connecticut (PACT) is a multi-specialty medical group with locations in New Haven County, Connecticut. We have an ongoing need for professionals in a wide variety of roles, from schedulers and authorization specialists to medical assistants and LPNs. To find good jobs in CT, browse our current openings.
