Entry-Level Hospital Jobs For Beginners

The U.S. healthcare system is vast, and hospitals across the country constantly seek entry-level staff to support patient care and daily operations. For beginners with little to no healthcare experience, these roles offer a low barrier to entry, hands-on learning, and a clear path to advance in the field. Below are four in-demand entry-level hospital jobs tailored to U.S. job seekers, complete with key duties, U.S.-specific requirements, salary data, and career growth opportunities.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNAs are the backbone of direct patient care, working under the supervision of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. This role is ideal for those who want to work closely with patients and build a foundation for a nursing career.

Key Responsibilities

• Help patients with daily activities: Bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, and using the restroom.

• Monitor and record vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration) and report changes to nurses immediately.

• Reposition bedridden patients to prevent bedsores and assist with mobility (e.g., moving to wheelchairs).

• Keep patient rooms clean and organized, restocking supplies like linens and toiletries.

• Communicate with patients and their families to provide updates and emotional support.

U.S. Specific Requirements

• State-approved training program: Programs last 4–12 weeks (40–120 hours) and include both classroom learning (anatomy, infection control) and clinical practice. These are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and even some hospitals (e.g., Kaiser Permanente, HCA Healthcare).

• Certification exam: After training, candidates must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), which has a written test and a skills demonstration (e.g., taking vital signs).

• Background check & immunizations: All U.S. states require a fingerprint-based criminal background check and proof of immunizations (COVID-19, flu, hepatitis B) to ensure patient safety.

• Renewal: CNA certification expires every 2–3 years; most states require 12–24 hours of continuing education to renew.

Average Salary (U.S.)

• National average: $30,830 per year ($14.82 per hour) (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)

• High-cost areas (California, New York): $35,000–$40,000 per year

• Rural areas: $27,000–$29,000 per year

Career Growth

Many CNAs use this role to become LPNs or RNs. Most U.S. hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for CNAs pursuing nursing degrees. Some also specialize in areas like geriatrics or pediatrics with additional training.

2. Medical Scribe

Medical scribes work directly with doctors and nurse practitioners to document patient visits in real time. This role is perfect for pre-med students, aspiring nurses, or anyone who wants to learn about medical terminology and patient care workflows without direct patient contact.

Key Responsibilities

• Transcribe patient information: Record medical histories, exam findings, test results, and treatment plans into electronic health records (EHRs) like Epic or Cerner—systems used by 90% of U.S. hospitals.

• Assist with order entry: Input lab tests, imaging requests (X-rays, MRIs), and medication orders into EHRs accurately.

• Organize patient charts: Ensure all documents (consent forms, lab reports) are filed correctly and comply with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) rules.

• Support doctors during visits: Prepare charts before appointments and follow up on pending test results to keep care on track.

U.S. Specific Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; college coursework in biology or pre-med is a plus but not required.

• HIPAA training: Mandatory for all staff handling patient data—employers provide this training during onboarding.

• Typing speed: At least 40–50 words per minute (WPM) to keep up with real-time patient conversations.

• On-the-job training: Most companies (e.g., ScribeAmerica, PhysAssist) offer 2–4 weeks of training on medical terminology and EHR systems.

Average Salary (U.S.)

• National average: $35,600 per year ($17.11 per hour) (BLS, 2024)

• Urban hospitals (Chicago, Houston): $38,000–$42,000 per year

• Scribe agencies: $32,000–$36,000 per year (with performance bonuses)

Career Growth

Scribes often use this role to gain clinical experience for medical school, PA programs, or nursing school. Others advance to EHR Specialist or Medical Records Coordinator roles with a Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) certification.

3. Hospital Transporter

Transporters ensure the safe and timely movement of patients, equipment, and supplies throughout the hospital. This active role is great for beginners who prefer physical work and want to learn how hospitals operate behind the scenes.

Key Responsibilities

• Transport patients: Escort patients to and from rooms, operating rooms (ORs), radiology, and discharge areas using stretchers, wheelchairs, or hospital beds.

• Move equipment and supplies: Deliver medical devices (IV poles, monitors) between units and restock nurses’ stations with linens, gloves, and other supplies.

• Follow safety rules: Secure patients during transport, sanitize stretchers between uses, and adhere to fire and infection control protocols.

• Communicate with staff: Coordinate with nurses, OR teams, and receptionists to schedule transports and update on delays.

U.S. Specific Requirements

• High school diploma or GED (no healthcare experience needed).

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification: Required by most hospitals—can be obtained through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association for $50–$100.

• Physical ability: Must lift up to 50 pounds (with help), stand/walk for 8–12 hour shifts, and push/pull heavy equipment.

• Background check & drug test: Standard for all U.S. hospital roles to protect patients.

Average Salary (U.S.)

• National average: $28,950 per year ($13.92 per hour) (BLS, 2024)

• Large hospital systems (Cleveland Clinic, UPMC): $30,000–$32,000 per year

• Overtime/night shifts: Time-and-a-half pay ($20.88+ per hour) for evening, night, or weekend work.

Career Growth

Transporters often become Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) with additional training. Some use the role to gain hospital experience before pursuing degrees in nursing or healthcare management.

4. Pharmacy Technician (Hospital-Based)

Hospital pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and distributing medications to patients. This role is ideal for those interested in pharmaceuticals and healthcare logistics, with clear paths to advance in the pharmacy field.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare medications: Count pills, measure liquid drugs, and label prescriptions under pharmacist supervision.

• Manage inventory: Track medication stock, rotate supplies to prevent expiration, and order new stock from vendors like McKesson.

• Verify patient information: Cross-check patient names, drug doses, and allergies in EHRs to avoid errors.

• Deliver medications: Transport inpatient medications (including IV drugs) to nursing units on time.

U.S. Specific Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.

• State certification: 46 U.S. states require certification via the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. To take the exam, candidates need a high school diploma and a PTCB-approved training program (4–6 months).

• DEA registration: Mandatory for handling controlled substances (e.g., opioids) in U.S. hospitals.

• Continuing education: PTCB certification requires 20 hours of CE every 2 years to renew.

Average Salary (U.S.)

• National average: $37,570 per year ($18.06 per hour) (BLS, 2024)

• Academic medical centers (Massachusetts General Hospital): $40,000–$43,000 per year

• Specialty pharmacies (oncology, pediatrics): $42,000–$45,000 per year

Career Growth

Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) can advance to Senior Pharmacy Technician or Inventory Manager roles. Many go on to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree to become pharmacists, with hospitals often covering partial tuition.