If you’re passionate about helping others and eager to start a career in healthcare, there’s good news: 529 accounts can help cover the costs of certain healthcare and health science programs.

What Are Healthcare and Health Sciences?

Healthcare and health sciences careers focus on improving patient health, providing care and ensuring the safety of others. These roles range from hands-on patient care to supporting medical operations behind the scenes. The healthcare field offers flexible opportunities for those who want to help others without committing to extensive education.

Why Healthcare Programs Are 529-Eligible

A 529 account is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed for qualified education expenses, including tuition, fees, books and certain equipment.  A number of healthcare programs offered by eligible educational institutions, like community colleges or vocational schools, qualify as 529 expenses. As long as the college is an eligible educational institution (which means that the institution is eligible for Title IV federal student aid), a 529 account can be used for the associated tuition and fees. These programs prepare individuals for in-demand jobs and provide a time-sensitive pathway to entering the healthcare field.

5 Healthcare Programs You Can Complete in Less than a Year

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
   • What You’ll Do: CNAs assist patients with daily activities like bathing, feeding and mobility. They work closely with nurses and play a vital role in patient care.
   • Training Time: 4-12 weeks
   • Why It’s in Demand: The growing aging population is driving the need for CNAs in hospitals, nursing homes and home healthcare settings.
2. Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
   • What You’ll Do: These specialists ensure that healthcare providers are accurately reimbursed by managing billing codes and insurance claims.
   • Training Time: 6-9 months
   • Why It’s in Demand: Accurate billing and coding are critical for operational efficiency in the healthcare field.
3. Phlebotomy Technician
   • What You’ll Do: Phlebotomy technicians draw blood for testing, transfusions, or donations, working in hospitals, labs and clinics.
   • Training Time: 3-6 months
   • Why It’s in Demand: Blood tests are a cornerstone of medical diagnostics, making skilled phlebotomists essential.
4. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
   • What You’ll Do: EMTs provide critical pre-hospital care in emergency situations, often serving as first responders.
   • Training Time: 6 months
   • Why It’s in Demand: EMTs are in high demand to meet the growing need for emergency medical services in communities.
5. Dental Assistant
   • What You’ll Do: Dental assistants support dentists by preparing patients, sterilizing instruments and assisting during procedures.
   • Training Time: 9-12 months
   • Why It’s in Demand: With growing awareness of oral health, the need for skilled dental assistants is rising.

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors, offering stability, competitive pay and the chance to make a difference. Individuals interested in learning more about these options can explore the program offerings at local community colleges to find these healthcare opportunities and others.

Note: Many of these programs are also registered apprenticeships with the U.S. Department of Labor. To explore apprenticeship opportunities in healthcare, visit Apprenticeship.gov.

Source: FastForward, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics