Published On: June 4, 2025

How to Get a Job at a Hospital: Practical Steps for Success

Learning how to get a job at a hospital is the first step toward building a rewarding career in healthcare. Whether you’re looking to work directly with patients, support hospital operations, or specialize in a technical role, hospitals offer a wide range of opportunities. The key is knowing what qualifications are needed, how to gain relevant experience, and where to apply.

With hospitals constantly in need of skilled professionals, job openings are plentiful—but so is the competition. A strong resume, the right certifications, and strategic networking can set you apart. Whether you’re entering the field for the first time or looking to advance, understanding the hiring process will help you take the next step with confidence!

Inside the Hospital: A Breakdown of Careers in Healthcare

Hospitals are packed with opportunities, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up in your career. From hands-on patient care to behind-the-scenes roles keeping things running smoothly, there’s a place for every skill set and passion in healthcare.

Some jobs require specialized training, while others offer a great starting point with room to grow. No matter where you are in your journey, understanding the different hospital roles can help you find the right fit and plan your next steps with confidence. Let’s break it down so you can see where you might belong in the world of hospital careers.

Entry-Level Positions

These roles are a great starting point for those entering the healthcare field. They require minimal training but offer valuable hands-on experience.

Medical Assistant – Helps with both clinical and administrative tasks, such as taking vital signs and updating medical records.
Patient Care Technician – Assists nurses with daily patient care, including bathing, feeding, and monitoring vital signs.
Phlebotomist – Specializes in drawing blood for medical tests, transfusions, and donations.
Administrative Assistant – Supports hospital staff with scheduling, patient records, and office management.

These positions often serve as stepping stones to more specialized healthcare careers.

Mid-Level Roles

For those with additional training or certifications, mid-level hospital jobs offer more responsibility and a higher level of patient care.

Registered Nurse (RN) – Provides direct patient care, administers medications, and coordinates treatments.
Radiologic Technologist – Performs diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and MRIs, to assist in medical diagnoses.
Respiratory Therapist – Helps patients with breathing disorders by managing ventilators and providing oxygen therapy.
Medical Laboratory Technician – Analyzes body fluids and tissues to help diagnose diseases.
Health Information Manager – Oversees medical records, ensuring accuracy, security, and compliance with healthcare regulations.

Many of these roles require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and specialized certifications.

Advanced Roles

Professionals in these positions have extensive education, clinical experience, and leadership responsibilities.

Physician Assistant (PA) – Diagnoses and treats patients under a physician’s supervision.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Provides primary or specialized care, often with greater independence than an RN.
Hospital Administrator – Manages hospital operations, budgets, and staff to ensure efficient healthcare delivery.
Clinical Research Coordinator – Oversees medical studies, ensuring compliance with ethical and scientific standards.

These careers require advanced degrees and experience, but they offer the opportunity to lead, innovate, and shape patient care.

Want to Work in Healthcare? Here’s What You Need

Getting hired at a hospital starts with the right qualifications. Some positions require specific degrees, while others need hands-on experience or professional certifications. Understanding these requirements can help you choose the best path for your career.

Whether you’re entering healthcare for the first time or moving into a new role, knowing how education, certification, and experience work together will help you stand out in the hiring process.

Certifications & Licenses for Specific Roles

Some hospital jobs require specific certifications before you can get hired. These show employers that you have the right skills and training to do the job safely and effectively.

CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) – A must-have for most patient care jobs, including nurses, technicians, and assistants.
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) – A great option for those starting out in healthcare who want hands-on patient care experience.
RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) – Needed for professionals working in behavioral health settings.
RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) – Perfect for those looking to work in medical records and health informatics.

Certifications can give you a competitive edge, showing employers that you’re serious about your role in patient care and hospital operations.

Degree Requirements for Hospital Jobs

Different healthcare careers require different levels of education. Choosing between an associate’s or bachelor’s degree depends on the type of role you want.

Associate’s Degree – Common for roles like medical lab technician, radiologic technologist, and respiratory therapist.
Bachelor’s Degree – Needed for leadership positions, specialized healthcare roles, and as a foundation for advanced degrees.

If you’re transitioning into healthcare, an online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) from SCU can help you gain the necessary knowledge while keeping your schedule flexible.

Experience vs. Education: What Matters More?

When it comes to landing a hospital job, both education and hands-on experience are important. A strong resume often includes a combination of both.

Volunteering – Helps you get hospital experience while building professional connections.
Internships – Many programs offer real-world training that gives you an inside look at hospital work.
Hospital Shadowing – Observing professionals on the job helps you understand daily responsibilities and expectations.

A solid mix of education and hands-on experience makes you a more competitive job candidate and better prepared for the challenges of hospital work.

Flexible, Affordable, Career-Focused: SCU’s Online BSHS Program

A hospital career can be exciting, meaningful, and full of opportunity—but breaking in or advancing often requires the right education. At SCU, we help students gain the qualifications, confidence, and connections to land healthcare jobs and grow in their field.

Our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) program is designed for working students, career changers, and anyone looking for a flexible, online path into hospital and healthcare careers. Whether you’re starting fresh or aiming for a leadership role, we’re here to help.

Why SCU?

Our BSHS program is an online, transfer-friendly degree that prepares students for a wide range of hospital and healthcare careers.

Designed for flexibility – Study full-time or part-time while balancing work and life.
Pathways to multiple careers – Graduates qualify for roles in public health, healthcare administration, patient advocacy, and allied health professions.
Built for career growth – Our program provides a strong foundation for advanced degrees in nursing, physician assistant studies, and hospital leadership.
Specialized concentrations – Students can focus their studies with options like Human Genetics and Genomics, Functional Anatomy, and Health Education. Those in the Health Education concentration will also be prepared to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) exam from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).

This program is more than a degree—it’s a launchpad for a career in healthcare.

Flexible Learning for Working Students

A busy schedule shouldn’t stop you from earning a degree. Our BSHS program is fully online and designed for students who need flexibility.

Choose a pace that works for you – Full-time or part-time options let you set your own schedule.
No need to relocate – Study from anywhere, balancing your education with work or family life.
Small class sizes & faculty support – Get personal attention and guidance throughout your studies.

Advancing in healthcare shouldn’t mean putting life on hold—we make sure it doesn’t have to.

Physician Assistant Program Interviews

For students looking to become a PA, we offer a direct pathway. BSHS graduates who meet specific requirements are guaranteed an interview with our Master of Science: Physician Assistant Program.

This gives our students a valuable opportunity to take the next step in their healthcare careers with a smooth transition into graduate-level studies.

Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee & Scholarship Opportunities

We believe that pursuing a healthcare career shouldn’t come with financial uncertainty. That’s why we offer tuition that is both predictable and accessible, so you can focus on your education without worrying about unexpected costs.

Fixed Rate Tuition – Your tuition cost remains the same throughout your program, giving you stability in planning your education. No surprise increases, no hidden fees—just a clear, consistent tuition structure from start to finish.
Scholarship Opportunities – We offer a variety of scholarships to help ease the financial burden. Whether based on academic achievement, financial need, or professional goals, these scholarships can make earning your degree more affordable.

With these financial options in place, we help ensure that advancing your healthcare career is within reach.

Experience Matters: How to Build It Before Landing Your Hospital Job

Employers want experience, but how do you get it before landing your first job? The good news is that there are plenty of ways to build real-world skills before you even submit an application. Whether through volunteering, shadowing, or part-time work, hands-on experience helps you stand out.

If you’re planning a career in healthcare, getting exposure to hospital settings, patient care, and medical operations is key. The more experience you gain now, the stronger your resume will be when it’s time to apply.

Volunteering & Internships at Hospitals

Hospitals and healthcare facilities often welcome volunteers and interns looking to gain experience. These opportunities offer firsthand exposure to the healthcare environment and allow you to build connections with professionals in the field.

Hospital Volunteer Programs – Many hospitals have structured programs where volunteers assist with patient transport, administrative tasks, and non-clinical support.
Internships in Healthcare Administration or Research – If you’re interested in behind-the-scenes hospital operations, internships in health informatics, public health, or clinical research can provide valuable experience.

These roles let you observe healthcare in action, develop critical skills, and add meaningful experience to your resume.

Shadowing Healthcare Professionals

If you’re aiming for a patient-facing role, shadowing experienced professionals is one of the best ways to learn what the job is really like.

Shadowing allows you to follow a nurse, doctor, physical therapist, or other healthcare worker as they go about their day. You’ll gain insight into patient interactions, medical procedures, and the daily responsibilities of the role. It’s also a great way to ask questions and build professional connections that can help when you start applying for jobs.

Part-Time Healthcare Jobs & Side Roles

Some entry-level healthcare jobs don’t require advanced certifications but still provide valuable hands-on experience. These roles can help you develop essential skills while working in a hospital or clinical setting.

Medical Scribe – Work alongside physicians, documenting patient information and learning medical terminology.
Patient Transporter – Assist in moving patients between departments, giving you exposure to different hospital areas.
Home Health Aide – Support patients in their homes with basic care and daily activities.
Pharmacy Technician – Work in a pharmacy setting while learning about medications and patient interactions.

These jobs not only help you build relevant skills, but they also give you an inside look at how hospitals and clinics operate—which can be invaluable when applying for more advanced roles.

Turn Your Passion for Healthcare Into a Career

Figuring out how to get a job at a hospital starts with having the right education, credentials, and experience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to move into a more advanced role, the right degree can open doors and set you on a clear career path. At SCU, we offer flexible, career-focused education designed to help you qualify for hospital jobs and advance in the field.

The next step is yours to take. With affordable tuition, online learning options, and pathways to high-demand careers, SCU gives you the foundation to succeed in healthcare. Explore our admissions requirements today and start your journey toward a hospital career with confidence.

FAQs

How to get a job at a hospital?

Most hospital jobs require a high school diploma at minimum, but many roles need certifications, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. The exact requirements depend on the job—nurses, lab techs, and administrators all have different educational paths.

Do I need experience to work in a hospital?

Some entry-level jobs, like patient care technician or administrative assistant, don’t require experience. However, internships, volunteering, or shadowing healthcare professionals can help you stand out, especially for competitive roles. Hospitals value hands-on experience just as much as formal education.

How does SCU’s BSHS program help me qualify for hospital jobs?

Our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) program gives you a strong foundation in healthcare knowledge, patient advocacy, and administration. It’s designed for students who want to enter or advance in hospital careers, from patient care to leadership roles.

How can I make my hospital job application stand out?

Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, certifications, and skills. If you’re applying for a patient-facing role, showcase communication and teamwork abilities. For technical jobs, emphasize your training and certifications. Networking and strong references also make a big difference.

Is SCU’s BSHS program fully online?

Yes! Our program is designed for flexibility, so you can study from anywhere while balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. You can take classes full-time or part-time, making it easier to fit your education into your life.