If you think scrubs are much more comfortable than typical office wear, then we have to agree with you. If you ask us, they are! And not only that: lab coats play an important role in helping healthcare professionals do their work safely, efficiently, confidently — let's be honest — and stylishly. But working in a lab coat isn't only for medical school graduates. Did you know that some careers in the medical field don't require a university degree?
These professions, also referred to as allied health professions, often include diagnostic, technical, and administrative tasks and do not require direct patient care. But they still wear lab coats! After all, the coat is meant to protect patients and staff from pathogens. So it only makes sense that everyone who works in a clinical setting wears a coat, regardless of the nature of their duties.
And with that in mind: Can anyone wear a lab coat? Actually, yes! You can work in healthcare as well as in other fields that don't require a college degree (associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees). Read on to find out which of these healthcare-related roles might suit you (and whether you should wear a lab coat!).
Healthcare professions that do not require a university degree
The healthcare sector is a vast landscape populated by professionals who do not have a college degree but only a high school diploma and a certification. If you are looking for a role that helps you become familiar with the specifics of the medical field, you can work in one of the following positions and even use it to enhance your resume while pursuing another career, e.g., in nursing.
Medical Scribe
Medical assistants work closely with physicians to document patient interactions and help them fill out forms, which means they work in an environment that is vulnerable to pathogens. This is where the lab coat comes into play. High-quality lab coats prevent this cross-contamination between medical staff and patients.
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists collect blood samples from patients, which means they come into direct contact with bodily fluids. Therefore, when working in hospitals, clinics, clinical laboratories, private medical practices, or blood banks, they must wear lab coats. This is a great medical job for students with no experience who want to gain experience in a clinical setting and add some related activities to their resume.
Medical Coder
Medical coders are involved in the administrative work of assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures for billing purposes. Although not all employers require medical coders to wear a lab coat - especially not those who work from home - it's always a good idea to have a set of lab coats on hand to feel comfortable at work.
Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists assist surgeons and other healthcare providers during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases, which is why aspiring technologists must obtain a specialized certificate. Their duties include sterilizing instruments, managing surgical equipment, assisting surgeons in the operating room, applying wound dressings, and donning gowns. Besides wearing scrubs, this role has another advantage: it is one of the highest-paid medical professions that does not require a college degree. Surgical technologists earn an average of $73,000 per year.
Massage therapist
Massage therapists offer relaxing and therapeutic services that help clients relieve muscle pain, boost circulation, and improve their well-being. Tunics are a popular garment for these professionals, although they aren't required. After all, a high-quality tunic is just as comfortable as a pair of yoga pants. May we recommend our yoga pants to you, which combine the best of both worlds?
State-certified nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) must complete a certificate program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) before they work with physicians and nurses to provide patient care and maintain medical records. Because they work in a clinical environment, LPNs often wear lab coats, sometimes in a specific color, to distinguish themselves from other healthcare professionals.
Where should you wear a lab coat?
Sometimes the lab coat is part of a healthcare facility's dress code. In other cases, they are absolutely essential for the safety of medical staff. Here are some jobs that don't require a college degree but do require a lab coat.
Nursing staff
Caregivers help their patients with everyday tasks such as personal care, eating, and taking medication. These professionals, who wear a smock, must first complete a training program and obtain their certification.
Care assistant
Under the supervision of nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) assist patients in the clinical setting with routine tasks such as personal care and feeding. They may also care for wounds and measure vital signs. Because of the nature of their work, CNAs must also wear gowns.
Physiotherapy Assistants
Physiotherapy assistants (PTAs) work with physiotherapists to help patients recover from injuries and improve their mobility. They have been providing physiotherapy services in coats for many years, as these are easy to clean and disinfect.
Veterinary technician
Veterinary medical assistants examine animals and collect blood and other samples. Because of their direct contact with pathogens, veterinary technicians should wear lab coats.
Always be prepared
Even though expertise is the most important tool of the trade, there are a few other things you can't do without. The right workwear is of great importance to many healthcare professionals. These include not only lab coats, but also other items such as compression leggings or socks, comfortable shoes and other safety items like face masks and surgical caps.
In addition to workwear, medical professionals often also need other tools and supplies for their work, such as medical scissors, stethoscopes, writing instruments, a flashlight - and a place to store everything, such as a bag or a belt-pouch-sized organizer.
Whether you choose a specialization or a training program that doesn't require a degree, a decent pair of lab coats never hurts. With our workwear, you'll not only be safe and comfortable, but you'll also look good. As you advance in your career, you can learn from us about industry-specific content, certification programs, and degrees.
