No advanced degree? No problem. Build your career at UI Health Care.
Several roles offer on-the-job training, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to help change lives
As one of the largest and best employers in the state, University of Iowa Health Care offers a wide range of rewarding careers, many of which do not require an advanced degree. In fact, some roles only require a high school diploma or equivalent. From hands-on patient care positions to behind-the-scenes roles that keep the health system running smoothly, UI Health Care is a place to build and grow a meaningful and stable career.
For candidates who are intrigued by a career in health care, but not sure where to start, UI Health Care recruiters are available to discuss qualifications and areas of interest. John Cashman, human resources director, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, says that when talking with a candidate, the HR team first focuses more broadly on what kinds of work they find fulfilling.
“We have many roles available that suit a wide variety of interests and strengths,” Cashman says. "So, when talking with a candidate, we work to highlight positions that could be a good fit as well as support their longer-term career path.”
Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in patient care
One example of a role that doesn’t require a degree to get started is pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy technicians play an essential role on the patient care team by assisting pharmacists with processing prescriptions, preparing medications, maintaining inventory, and coordinating logistics to make sure every patient receives the right medication at the right time. Depending on the setting, these roles can be highly patient-facing — such as in ambulatory clinics — or more behind-the-scenes in inpatient or central pharmacy operations.
A high school diploma or equivalent is the only educational requirement to start. New hires commit to earning pharmacy technician certification within one year, and UI Health Care provides on-the-job training and resources to help candidates succeed. From there, employees can advance to Certified Pharmacy Technician, Senior Technician, and even supervisory roles.
Take, for example, Molly Walter, CPhT, who began her career at UI Health Care 15 years ago when she was hired as a pharmacy technician. She trained for the role while on the job and worked toward her pharmacy technician certification within the first year of being hired. She went on to become a Benefits Investigation and Prior Authorization Representative for the Specialty Pharmacy and was honored as the Pharmacy Technician of the Year.
In December 2025, Walter took a role as a compliance coordinator within the Research Medical Billing team, demonstrating the opportunities for exploring new roles and advancement over time at UI Health Care.
“I appreciate the opportunities I had as a pharmacy technician that allowed for my development but did not require me to go back to school or take on additional time and cost burdens to further my career," Walter says. "Working at UI Health Care has helped me grow as an employee and as a person, never losing sight of the real people that we are trying to help every day."
Additional roles at UI Health Care that don’t require advanced degrees
UI Health Care recruits for many positions that allow you to start or grow your career without an advanced degree, including:
- Medical assistants (MAs): Work side-by-side with providers to deliver high-quality care. This includes assisting with physical examinations, preparing patients for their visit, care documentation, performing routine tests and procedures, and administering medications, to name a few. MAs can train with the University of Iowa Medical Assistant Hospital-Based Training Program to work toward MA certification and can do so while working.
- Patient care technicians: Support nurses and clinical teams in providing direct patient care. For example, taking vital health measurements, performing routine tests and procedures, and assisting patients with daily living activities (bathing, eating, and dressing) are just a few of the job responsibilities.
- Central sterilizing technicians: Ensure surgical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and ready for use.
- Food and Nutrition Services and Environmental Services positions: Perform vital roles that keep patients safe, nourished, and comfortable.
All of these positions offer on-the-job training, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to make a real difference in patient care. At UI Health Care, these roles also come with support for professional growth, including tuition assistance and continuing education. Mobility across departments allows candidates to build a long-term career without leaving the organization. While the educational requirements for each of these roles vary, none of them require advanced degrees.
Roles like these are in high demand across several UI Health Care locations, with the greatest number of positions available at the university campus.
UI Health Care is committed to helping employees grow — whether through tuition reimbursement, advanced training programs, or exploring new roles within the organization. If you’re ready to start a meaningful career without the barrier of an advanced degree, explore current openings and learn more.
