You don’t have to be a doctor, a nurse, or have any clinical background to get an entry-level role in healthcare. Top healthcare organizations for entry-level employees offer more than just securing a job; it’s a pathway to impacting lives while building a strong professional foundation. The healthcare industry is not only essential but also thriving—offering a diverse range of opportunities for those who want to contribute to a sector that touches everyone’s life. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the healthcare sector is projected to add 2.6 million new jobs from 2021 to 2031, more than any other occupational group. Healthcare jobs also offer competitive salaries, job security, and career growth. For example, in 2023, the median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations was $81,000, with the healthcare and social assistance sector expected to see faster-than-average job growth.
For entry-level employees, the healthcare industry offers diverse roles across payors, providers, and pharmaceutical companies. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an early professional, this guide highlights top healthcare organizations that provide excellent opportunities, competitive salaries, and growth potential. By choosing the right employer, you can set the stage for a fulfilling and dynamic career.
3 Areas of Healthcare Job Seekers Should Consider: Providers, Payers and Pharma
Providers: Opportunities Across Healthcare Settings
Providers are the professionals and organizations delivering direct healthcare services to patients, including hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, and specialized care centers. They are the face of the healthcare industry, offering critical care and services that range from routine check-ups to cutting-edge treatments. For recent graduates and early-career professionals, providers offer a variety of entry-level roles in administration, patient care, health IT, and operations. These positions not only provide firsthand exposure to the healthcare environment but also serve as a stepping stone for long-term career growth in the sector.
Your Local Health System
Local health systems are often the backbone of healthcare delivery in communities across the country, offering vital services and a diverse range of roles. For entry-level professionals, these systems provide opportunities to work in patient coordination, medical billing, administration, and support services. Many local health systems have partnerships with nearby colleges, offering tailored internship and training programs that transition into full-time roles. Graduates working in local health systems gain meaningful experience while directly contributing to the health of their communities. Health systems are traditionally one of the largest local employers, so visit the career pages of hospitals and clinics in your area top learn more.
OptumCare
Part of UnitedHealth Group, OptumCare is a leader in data-driven, value-based care, focusing on innovation in healthcare delivery. Entry-level positions at OptumCare include roles in care coordination, analytics, and patient support, making it an ideal choice for graduates interested in blending technology and healthcare. OptumCare’s emphasis on leveraging data for better patient outcomes offers unparalleled learning opportunities for early-career professionals.
Oak Street Health
Oak Street Health, initially funded by private equity investments, has quickly grown into a leading primary care network specializing in serving Medicare patients. The organization’s focus on innovative healthcare delivery has made it a model for value-based care. Entry-level roles at Oak Street Health include care team coordinators, medical scribes, and IT support, providing exposure to fast-paced environments and opportunities for growth. For graduates interested in private equity-backed healthcare ventures, Oak Street Health is an excellent starting point. Apply at Oak Street Health: oakstreethealth.com/careers
Mass General Brigham
Mass General Brigham, based in Boston, is a leading healthcare system known for its academic research and patient care excellence. Entry-level roles include positions in research support, patient coordination, and administration, providing exposure to world-class medical practices. The institution offers mentorship programs and access to groundbreaking innovations, making it a top destination for early-career professionals passionate about healthcare. You can learn more and apply for current openings at massgeneralbrigham.org/careers
Mayo Clinic
Recognized as one of the top hospitals in the world, Mayo Clinic offers entry-level positions in patient care, administrative support, and healthcare operations. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture, world-class training programs, and exposure to cutting-edge research and technology. With a mission focused on innovation and patient care, Mayo Clinic is an ideal starting point for graduates seeking impactful careers. Browse current opportunities at jobs.mayoclinic.org
Cleveland Clinic
The Cleveland Clinic is renowned for its focus on innovation and clinical excellence. Entry-level roles span areas like research support, IT, and patient care assistance, providing employees with the chance to work on groundbreaking medical advancements. Cleveland Clinic also offers professional development programs designed to accelerate career growth for new graduates. Find out more about working at Cleveland Clinic at clevelandclinic.jobs
HCA Healthcare
As one of the largest private healthcare systems in the U.S., HCA Healthcare offers a wide array of entry-level roles, including positions in operations, financial services, and patient support. The organization is known for its leadership development programs, making it a top choice for graduates looking to build their careers in healthcare management. HCA also supports continuing education, helping employees advance their skills and career goals. Explore opportunities with HCA at careers.hcahealthcare.com
Payors: Leading Health Insurance Companies
Payers are organizations that finance or reimburse the cost of healthcare services, such as insurance companies, government programs (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid), and managed care organizations. They play a vital role in managing healthcare costs, facilitating access to care, and ensuring that services are efficiently delivered to patients. For early-career professionals, payers offer opportunities in data analysis, customer service, and claims processing, providing a strong foundation in understanding healthcare operations and financial systems. While many payors such as UnitedHealth Group have faced criticism for prioritizing profits over patient care in some cases, working for payors can offer an opportunity to help change a broken system. Aspiring professionals looking for alternatives might explore organizations embracing value-based care models, such as Humana, which emphasizes care coordination, or Geisinger Health Plan, known for its innovative reimbursement models that prioritize quality outcomes.
For early-career professionals, payers offer diverse opportunities to build a foundation in the business of healthcare. Roles such as claims processors, customer service representatives, healthcare data analysts, and account coordinators allow new graduates to gain expertise in navigating health insurance systems and payment models. Organizations like Blue Cross Blue Shield (known for its focus on community-based care) and Kaiser Permanente (an integrated payer-provider model) offer entry-level roles that expose employees to innovative healthcare delivery systems.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a federation of 34 independent and locally operated companies, making it one of the largest and most recognizable health insurance providers in the United States. Its focus on community-based care means employees are often part of initiatives that directly impact local populations, fostering a sense of purpose and connection. Entry-level roles at BCBS provide a strong foundation in health insurance operations, customer relations, and data analysis. BCBS also emphasizes professional development, offering robust training programs and opportunities to grow within the organization. For job seekers interested in meaningful work with tangible community impact, BCBS is a compelling choice. Explore BCBS Careers here.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is unique in its integration of payer and provider systems, allowing employees to gain insights into both healthcare financing and direct care delivery. This innovative model focuses on preventative care and population health, aligning with value-based care principles that prioritize patient outcomes over volume. Early-career professionals benefit from a collaborative culture, exposure to cutting-edge healthcare technology, and comprehensive professional development programs. Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainability further enhances its appeal as a forward-thinking employer. Explore Kaiser Permanente Early Career Opportunities: kaiserpermanentejobs.org
Humana
Humana stands out for its focus on value-based care, where the emphasis is on improving patient health outcomes through coordinated care rather than fee-for-service reimbursement. This progressive approach allows employees to be part of transformative changes in healthcare delivery. Humana offers various entry-level roles in areas such as customer service, data analysis, and care management. Known for its supportive workplace culture, Humana also provides mentorship programs and resources for career growth. Employees often cite the company’s commitment to work-life balance and innovation as key benefits. Explore Humana Student and Graduate Career
Risant Health (Geisinger Health Plan)
Risant Health, which recently acquired Geisinger, is redefining value-based care on a national scale. While the Risant website does not yet offer employment opportunities, you can check back at risanthealth.org Entry-level roles at Geisinger Health include positions in care coordination, health IT, and operations, offering exposure to cutting-edge programs like ProvenCare®. Employees at Risant Health benefit from a strong emphasis on innovation and quality improvement, making it an excellent place to start a healthcare career. Learn more about working at Geisinger
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, oversees national healthcare programs that provide coverage to over 140 million Americans. CMS is an excellent choice for early-career professionals interested in public service and policy-driven healthcare. Entry-level roles, such as health insurance specialist or program analyst, allow employees to engage in work that shapes healthcare policy, manages programs, and improves access to care for vulnerable populations. CMS also offers professional development opportunities for students and recent graduates, fostering growth in public sector healthcare. Learn more about careers for students here
Pharma: Innovators in Drug and Biotech Development
Pharmaceutical companies are at the forefront of addressing global health challenges, delivering life-changing medications, and advancing medical research. For early-career professionals, these organizations provide opportunities in research, regulatory affairs, marketing, sales, and supply chain management. As an alternative to pharma giants like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, smaller or innovative pharmaceutical companies like Vertex, Regeneron, and Biogen provide unique advantages. They often offer closer mentorship, faster growth opportunities, and a more entrepreneurial environment. For graduates looking to work on specialized therapies or cutting-edge technologies, these companies can offer unparalleled experiences while contributing to meaningful advancements in healthcare.
Pfizer
As a global leader in vaccines and treatments, Pfizer offers numerous entry points for new graduates. Programs like the Breakthrough Fellowship Program and the digital rotational program roles in areas like research, marketing, and operations offer unique opportunities foryoung professionals to grow while contributing to healthcare advancements. One of the benefits of working for a company as large as Pfizer is career development. Salaries start at $55,000–$65,000, with extensive mentoring and career progression opportunities. Explore careers at Pfizer: Pfizer Early Careers
Johnson & Johnson
Known for its wide-ranging impact in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health, J&J offers robust Leadership Development Programs that help new graduates explore roles in regulatory affairs, marketing, and engineering. Entry-level salaries start around $60,000, with an emphasis on personal and professional growth Johnson & Johnson offers a wealth of career opportunities for students, new graduates and early career professionals..
Novartis
With more than 78,000 employees, if you are looking at Big Pharma opportunities, you can’t overlook Novartis is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of medicine and its focus on public health. Graduates can enter the Early Talent Development Programs, which provide experience in drug development, health economics, and market access. Salaries begin at $55,000–$65,000, and participants enjoy a collaborative and inclusive work culture. You can learn more about student and early career opportunities at Novartis here.
Merck
Looking for an award-winning culture? Merck has been a longstanding member of a wide range of “best places to work ” lists, including Forbes, Fortune, Time and Glassdoor. Merck’s Future Talent Program is ideal for graduates looking to grow in data analysis, clinical research, and marketing. Salaries start at approximately $60,000, and the company’s mentorship culture fosters career-long learning and developmen
Amgen
Whether you are looking for a co-op, internship or entry-level role, Amgen offers a variety of opportunities for students and new graduates to start their career. Amgen specializes in biotech innovation, offering entry-level roles in research and biomanufacturing through its Early Career Programs. Salaries range from $55,000–$65,000, and employees gain exposure to groundbreaking therapies and a collaborative scientific community. Be sure to review Amgen Careers for Students and Graduates for current job opportunities and check to see if there are any upcoming hiring events near you.
Moderna
Incorporated in 2010, Moderna has not been around as long as many of the traditional pharmas. However, you likely heard about Moderna in 2020 when the CDC voted to recommend use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. As a leader in mRNA technology, Moderna stands out for its transformative work in vaccines and therapeutics. Also impressive is the list of awards they have collected for their workplace culture. Entry-level roles in clinical trials, data analytics, and research operations offer graduates a chance to contribute to cutting-edge advancements. Salaries typically start at $60,000–$70,000, with a culture of innovation and growth. Explore Moderna’s career opportunities: Moderna Careers
Biogen
Focused on neuroscience, Biogen offers graduates opportunities in therapeutic research, medical affairs, and health technology innovation. Entry-level roles start at $55,000–$65,000. Known for its smaller size compared to Big Pharma, Biogen provides a close-knit environment and a mission-driven culture. Learn more about careers for students and new graduates at Biogen.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Founded in1989 Vertex went public in 1991. Since then, the company has had tremendous success, They specialize in rare disease research, including treatments for cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. This focus on niche therapies sets it apart from larger companies. Graduates can explore roles in research assistance, clinical operations, and supply chain. Vertex has likewise collected an impressive list of workplace awards from Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company, Time and more. Vertex is serious about recognizing success for hard work. Salaries start at $60,000–$70,000, and Vertex prioritizes innovation and employee development with a focus on early career development.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Regeneron is a biotech leader known for its cutting-edge monoclonal antibody therapies. Early career development may include specialty rotational programs, internships and more. New graduates can join roles in research, quality control, and technology transfer, starting at $55,000–$65,000. Regeneron’s dynamic culture and focus on solving complex medical challenges make it a standout choice. You can browse current job opportunities at Regeneron Careers
Tips for Applying
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight skills that match the job description, including any healthcare-specific experience like internships or certifications. Even summer jobs like lifeguarding or first aid certifications can show a demonstrated genuine interest in healthcare.
- Join the Talent Network: Many healthcare organizations have talent networks on their career websites. Add your profile and create an alert for jobs of interest.
- Network: Use LinkedIn to connect with current employees and alumni from your university who work at these organizations. Many healthcare organizations also have hiring events. If you are unable to attend, reach out and explain that while you are unable to attend, you are very interested in opportunities with their organization
- Practice Behavioral Interviews: Prepare to discuss how your skills align with the company’s mission and values. Check out these AI prompts to help you prepare.
- .Know the company, know the industry: Be sure you are familiar with recent company news and industry news. Becker’s Hospital Review and Becker’s Payer Issues provide an excellent overview of timely and important industry news. Fierce Healthcare and Fierce Pharma are other worthwhile reads to assure you are knowledgable regarding what is happing in healthcare.
Next in the Series
Stay tuned for the next post in our “Top Companies to Launch Your Career” series, where we will spotlight Top Financial Institutions for Entry-Level Employees.
