The largest segment of the economy and with a workforce that's growing much faster than the job sector at-large, healthcare remains a vital component of the economy. As larger percentages of people are living longer lives and the number of people alive is increasing with each passing year, it's no shock that this crucial segment of daily life is seeing rapid growth in economic terms.

Most people are familiar with the “bread and butter” occupations in the healthcare sector, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists. However, there are hundreds of unique roles and professions that comprise the healthcare sector – and many of them require no advanced education.

Here are a few health care professions that most people haven't considered, may not even know about and require no degree.

Medical Scribes

People groan whenever they get their bills from the doctor or hospital, and it leaves many wondering: who exactly decides how to bill these charges? The answer is quite simple: medical scribes. These individuals often shadow doctors and nurses, transcribing information as well as the services provided during a visit.

Virtually every doctor's office and hospital is recruiting medical scribes at a rapid clip, and given there's no formal education required to perform this role, individuals with only a high school diploma can obtain employment in this line of work.

Phlebotomists

Not for the faint of heart – and perhaps that's why so few people talk about this healthcare profession – phlebotomists are those intimidating professionals who draw blood from patients. Usually operating within labs rather than emergency rooms, the phlebotomist occupation can be an excellent way for would-be healthcare professionals to get a feel of the industry without a substantial educational commitment. While a two to three-month certification program is required to perform this role, the pay (around $35,000 per year) makes the effort more than worth it.

Home Health Aides

Commonly referred to as caregivers, many people have no idea what the role of a home health aide truly entails or what qualifications are necessary. Caregivers largely function as assistants, meaning that the majority of services provided to patients are not inherently medical in nature. As such, no degree or advanced training is required – but those working in this role must possess patience and a kind heart.

Home health aides earn around $30,000 per year, making it a respectable – and much needed – profession in the healthcare sector.

Medical Coders

Not every healthcare profession provides employees with an up-close and personal experience with patients. Insurance companies, in particular, are in need of qualified recruits who can identify patterns and properly handle claims. Medical coders review claims and verify that the correct coding procedures are used when reimbursing patients.

Workers in this professional earn on average approximately $40,000 per year, making it a well-paying profession given no degree is required. Specialized training is required to become a medical coder, but it pales in comparison to the work required for an advanced degree.

The healthcare sector continues to grow, and its need for more professionals is growing as well. Ultimately, not every well-paying healthcare job requires a degree: these are just a few examples of professions that can provide a financially lucrative and individually rewarding career path for anybody.