7 Pediatric Healthcare Careers That Don’t Require a Four-Year Degree

When people think about healthcare careers, they often assume a four-year degree is required to get started. That’s not always the case. At Texas Children’s Hospital, we offer a variety of fulfilling roles where you can start making a real difference sooner—without completing four years in a college or university program.  

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or someone looking to make a career change, there are opportunities here to learn, grow and build a meaningful future in pediatric care. 

High-Impact Children’s Hospital Careers

You don’t need a degree to play a vital role in caring for children and supporting families. Here are seven rewarding positions at Texas Children’s Hospital that provide excellent opportunities for growth and advancement: 

1. Radiology Technologist 

Radiology Techs play a critical role in diagnosing and treating patients by operating imaging equipment like X-rays, MRIs and CT scans. You can become registered as a radiology tech after participating in a two-year associate’s degree program, making it possible to enter this career quickly, and opportunities for specialization can take your career even further. 

“I always knew I wanted to go into healthcare and initially considered nursing. My dad is a cancer survivor and had a lot of imaging done, which inspired me to focus on radiology instead. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door, and with certifications in different modalities, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement once you start working. Four years into my career, I began pursuing my bachelor’s degree at a pace that worked for me. For 17 years, I’ve been proud to be part of Texas Children’s, where every department works together for these kids. They’re the reason we do what we do.”  – Nicole Williams, Radiology Technologist – Advanced Specialist, Medical Center 

Search for opportunities as a Radiology Technologist at Texas Children’s. 

2. Milk Bank Technician 

At Texas Children’s Hospital, our Milk Bank ensures our tiniest patients receive the nutrition they need. Milk Bank Technicians collect, label, and prepare breast milk, often customizing it to meet the unique, doctor-prescribed nutritional needs of infants in the Texas Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women. This unique role provides experience in lab settings and pathways into nutrition or laboratory careers. 

“Working in the Milk Bank has been a hands-on learning experience, and it has also become a path for career advancement, with Texas Children’s helping me gain certifications and supporting my continued education. Having previously worked in the restaurant industry, I didn’t know much about the Milk Bank when I started. I can truly say it’s been a life-changing experience. I love being part of an amazing team that makes a real difference for babies, mothers and families.”  – Jennifer Castillo, Milk Bank Technician, Medical Center Campus 

Apply for Milk Bank Technician opportunities at Texas Children’s. 

3. Patient Care Assistant 

Patient Care Assistants provide direct support to patients and families by helping with daily activities such as feeding, dressing and mobility. This role offers a strong foundation for those interested in continuing their education to pursue nursing, physical or behavioral therapy or other advanced patient care roles. 

Apply to be a Patient Care Assistant at Texas Children’s. 

4. Surgical Technologist 

Surgical Technologists are essential team members in the operating room, preparing surgical equipment, ensuring a sterile environment and assisting surgeons during procedures. In partnership with Texas Children’s, Houston Community College (HCC) Coleman College for Health Sciences offers a Surgical Technology Entrance into Practice Program, designed to provide hands-on training and prepare candidates for certification. Becoming a surgical technologist is a clear pathway into a specialized and in-demand field. 

“I knew that I wanted to help people. When I learned about becoming a surgical technologist, I didn’t know much about it at first, but I loved the idea of something hands-on, where I could start helping people right away. It just seemed like the right fit.” – Loretta Idlebird, Surgical Technologist, Neurosurgery and Kidney/Liver Transplant 

Start your career as a Surgical Technologist at Texas Children’s. 

5. Medical Assistant 

Medical Assistants (MA) are the backbone of patient care, assisting nurses and physicians by preparing patients for exams, taking vital signs and coordinating follow-up care. Some even work in our Virtual Visit Support Center facilitating telehealth visits between patients and their providers. With continued education, many MAs go on to pursue careers as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) or registered nurses (RNs). 

Discover opportunities as a Medical Assistant at Texas Children’s. 

6. Pharmacy Technician 

Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists with medication preparation, managing inventory and ensuring prescriptions are accurate. Many technicians pursue advanced certifications to support specialty pharmacy and infusion therapy services, pharmacy operations management or use this role as a steppingstone to become licensed pharmacists. 

“For anyone considering entering the healthcare field, becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician is a great path. It provides invaluable knowledge of medications and how pharmacy teams play a critical role in patient care. My experience as a pharmacy tech gave me a strong foundation, and with the support of Texas Children’s Hospital—including tuition reimbursement that helped me earn degrees in healthcare and pharmacy management—I advanced to Pharmacy Technician Manager just four years after joining.” – Sean Howard, Pharmacy Technician Manager, Acute Care/MRC/Cancer Center 

Apply to be a Pharmacy Technician at Texas Children’s. 

7. Housekeeping and Maintenance Technicians 

Housekeeping and Maintenance Technicians are non-clinical roles crucial to keeping our hospital running smoothly. By maintaining clean, safe, and functional spaces, these professionals contribute directly to patient safety and care. These roles also provide opportunities for growth into facilities management and operations. 

Explore careers in Housekeeping and Maintenance at Texas Children’s. 

Why Work at Texas Children’s Hospital? 

Working at Texas Children’s Hospital means being part of a team that puts children and families first. Here, you’ll find: 

• A Culture of Support: You’ll work alongside experienced professionals who are ready to help you succeed. 
• Opportunities to Advance: Many of our team members begin in entry-level positions and grow into leadership roles. 
• A Mission That Matters: Every role at Texas Children’s contributes to providing exceptional care and changing lives. 

Be the Difference: Find Your Path at Texas Children’s 

We are committed to helping you grow. For many roles, Texas Children’s provides hands-on training and continuing education opportunities, allowing you to gain certifications, learn new skills and advance your career. If you’re ready to start a meaningful career, with or without a four-year degree, Texas Children’s Hospital is ready for you. Explore our open positions, learn more about our programs and take the first step toward making a difference.