Nursing is one of the fastest-growing careers in America. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth in the field will continue in the coming years. And since nurses are needed everywhere, finding a way to pay for school without taking out loans is essential.

While some schools offer scholarships or grants, others don’t. In addition, student loan debt continues to rise each year. That means you’re going to need to look into other options.

Here are eight great part-time jobs for aspiring nurses.

1. Patient Transporter

Before graduating, get your foot into the door of the healthcare field as a transporter. This career option allows you to work in hospitals and medical facilities worldwide. As a transporter, you’ll get to see hospital operations firsthand.

You’ll ensure patients arrive safely and comfortably at each department where they receive treatment. You can assist doctors and nurses during procedures. In addition to transporting patients, you may also help them dress, bathe, feed, and discharge them.

This job could be ideal if you like working with people from all walks of life. You’ll interact with patients and families to ensure their comfort and safety while traveling through the facility.

The best part about this position is that it allows you to explore different cultures and learn about different ways of doing things.

2. Medical Biller

Medical billers collect insurance payments and submit them to healthcare providers. This could be the right fit if you have an eye for detail and like numbers.

You’ll need to know how to read medical records and bills and enter all the information into your computer system. After that, you’ll need to send invoices and collect payment. Some medical billing companies even provide their software.

This is another good choice if you want to travel. Many medical billers have offices outside of major cities. So, you can move wherever there are more opportunities.

3. Phlebotomist

If you’re looking for a career change, phlebotomy might be perfect. This occupation involves drawing blood for testing and transfusion purposes. You’ll often find yourself working in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and blood banks.

Phlebotomists must be able to handle themselves in stressful situations and deal with people who don’t always cooperate. They also need to be comfortable taking sharp instruments and blood.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment opportunities for phlebotomists are expected to grow about 17% over the next decade.

4. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified nursing assistants perform basic tasks such as bathing, feeding, dressing, and cleaning. They also assist doctors and nurses by performing routine duties such as checking vital signs, monitoring medications, and assisting with wound care.

A nursing assistant works with a registered nurse and administers care for patients in a hospital or another healthcare facility. Their primary duty includes addressing individual patient needs and ensuring they are comfortable during their stay.

As a CNA, you’ll spend most of your time standing and moving around. You might also lift items weighing less than 25 pounds. Your average daily schedule includes 6-8 hours of direct patient contact.

5. Psychiatric Aide

The job description for a psychiatric aide sounds like something out of a movie. But it’s one of the most common jobs in America today.

A psychiatric aide works in a mental health facility, providing care and support to psychiatric clients. They do everything from helping patients bathe, clean up, dress, and eat to monitoring their behavior and mood in case of escalation.

Similar to a nurse aide, they may also be required to initiate therapeutic restraints on a patient who is a danger to themselves or someone else.

In addition to working closely with psychiatrists and psychologists, psychiatric aides spend much of their day interacting with patients. This includes taking notes about what they say and behave, keeping track of medications, and observing whether they comply with treatment plans.

They often interact with patients during group therapy sessions, too. And because many psychiatric facilities require employees to undergo CPR and emergency procedures training, they may also be called upon to perform those duties.

6. Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants treat patients who suffer from physical injuries or diseases. Their primary responsibility is to teach patients exercises and rehabilitate them so they can return to normal activity.

The hours are typically long, but much PTAs work split shifts. For example, start your day at 7 am and finish at 3 pm. Then, you’d take off again until 9 am.

PTAs usually have some experience working with patients before entering school. However, they still need to complete an extensive education program.

After graduation, you’ll likely be assigned to a clinic where you’ll provide services to patients recovering from surgery, injuries, and other illnesses.

You’ll also be responsible for teaching patients new skills and techniques. You could even help them learn how to

7. Speech Pathologist

Speech pathologists diagnose and treat speech disorders. They evaluate children and adults to determine the type of therapy best suits their needs.

Some professionals specialize in treating stuttering, autism, cleft palate, lisping, and other conditions. Others focus on more general speech problems.

Most speech therapists have a master’s degree. However, some states only require high school diplomas.

You might spend most of your days sitting down while performing evaluations and testing. You might also need to travel to different locations to meet with patients.

Your typical schedule involves weekly 8-10 hours of direct patient interaction. Some clinics offer evenings and weekends.

8. Dietary aide

Dietary aids prepare food for people who need special diets. They help patients manage their nutrition and monitor their intake.

These professionals usually work in hospitals, assisted living centers, and retirement homes. Some even provide meal services for homebound individuals.

Many dietary aides work part-time while studying to become certified. After graduation, they continue to work in the field.

Conclusion

The flexibility to work from home is a huge perk of being a nurse. You can set your hours and still get paid the same amount. In addition, formal education or experience is not a prerequisite. Getting your license and entering the workforce are the only requirements.

It’s common for nursing students to have a lot on their plates. With these part-time jobs, however, all you’ll have to worry about is making money.

Your resume must reflect this by highlighting your time management and prioritization skills. Our professional resume writers can assist you in developing a resume that will get you noticed.