A Faster, Affordable Path Into Health Care Starts at San Jacinto College
For many people, the dream of working in health care feels out of reach. Grown adults juggling full-time jobs, kids, and other responsibilities might imagine years of schooling, overwhelming tuition, and a long road before they can even get started.
At San Jacinto College, that journey is actually made possible. With dozens of health science programs that take two years or less to complete, San Jac is helping students step confidently into prominent medical careers without putting their lives or finances on hold.
Strong Career Demand and Earning Potential
One major advantage of enrolling at San Jac is their direct link to high-demand jobs in Houston and the Gulf Coast region. All of the listed programs are two-year or less associate level careers, and the college holds very high placement rates for graduates in Greater Houston.
According to texaswages.com, certain roles offer particularly strong salaries. Some specific examples are MRI technologists, which have a median salary of approximately $97,000, as well as surgical technologists, which have a median salary of $63,500.
“Many students think you have to get a four-year degree to make a solid living in health care,” Dr. Farias states. “That’s not the case. A lot of our programs, which can be completed in two years or less, lead to well-paying, in-demand jobs. With the right program, students can be out in the workforce quickly and earning a strong wage without taking on years of school or debt. ”
To ensure graduates are obtaining jobs that provide a good quality of life, San Jac relies on their direct employer collaboration, maintaining strong partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and medical employers to ensure its curriculum stays aligned with workforce needs.
Each program has an advisory board composed of industry partners, which typically meet once a semester to go over industry trends and expectations. These collaborations extend into career fairs, networking opportunities, and most importantly, clinical rotations. This way, classroom experiences are fully preparing students for real-world industry needs.
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Many students begin their health care journey believing that every role involves direct, hands-on patient care. As Dr. Farias explains, that isn’t the case.
“A common misconception is that every healthcare job means hands-on patient care,” he says. “Some students are surprised to learn what that really looks like, including having to physically touch patients or help with invasive procedures. For some, that’s exactly what they want. For others, it’s a bit of a wake-up call that maybe they’d be happier in a different part of the health care world.”
Fortunately, the field offers countless pathways for those who prefer limited patient interaction. There are plenty of roles where people can work more closely with technology, data, or equipment. These options include health information management, coding, certain lab jobs, or pharmacy tech work. Additionally, roles in counseling and addiction studies involve interaction but little physical contact, offering a different type of fit for people-oriented students.
In short, San Jac’s programs provide multiple options for students who want to contribute to health care without being at the bedside every day.
sponsored by: San jacinto college
Options for Students Who Prefer Limited Patient Contact
EMT
An Affordable Path Into a Meaningful Career
To anyone who believes they don’t have the time or resources for a traditional four-year health care degree, San Jac is designed to be your perfect gateway to a more fulfilling career and better home life.
“Health care needs people from every background, and there’s more than one path to get there,” Dr. Farias says. “San Jacinto College offers many short, efficient, workforce-focused programs and affordable pathways that lead directly to great careers with strong wages and advancement opportunities. The hardest part is just taking that first step, and we’re here to make that step as doable as possible.”
Some programs at San Jac offer even offer stackable credentials, allowing students to advance their career step by step. For example, students can begin by earning their EMT credential, then choose whether to enter the workforce immediately or continue training to become a paramedic. Advancing to the next level brings greater responsibility, higher earning potential, and expanded career options.
“Time and resources should never be barriers to entering a career that can genuinely change one’s life—and the lives of patients,” Dr. Farias summarizes. “This flexible structure allows students to work while continuing their education on their own timeline.”
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Location 1
123 N. Street Name Rd
City, ST
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555-555-5555
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“Many students think you have to get a four-year degree to make a solid living in health care. That’s not the case. A lot of our programs, which can be completed in two years or less, lead to well-paying, in-demand jobs. With the right program, students can be out in the workforce quickly and earning a strong wage without taking on years of school or debt. ”
- Dr. Teddy Farias, Dean of Allied Health
Understanding this mission clearly is Dr. Teddy Farias, who has served as a dean over health programs at San Jacinto College for the past seven years. His background also includes extensive clinical experience as a chiropractor, medical assistant, and pharmacy technician. This combination of academic leadership and hands-on health care work gives him deep knowledge of what today’s medical employers need to thrive in the field.
“San Jacinto College offers a wide variety of allied health programs, including everything from medical medical billing and coding to surgical technology and occupational therapy assisting,” Dr. Farias says. “We’ve also got more ‘hands-on’ programs, such as respiratory, occupational and physical therapy, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, eye care, surgical technologies, and medical imaging programs.”
People interested can check out the full, impressive list of allied healthcare offerings here.
“Time and resources should never be barriers to entering a career that can genuinely change one’s life—and the lives of patients. This flexible structure allows students to work while continuing their education on their own timeline.”
- Dr. Teddy Farias, Dean of Allied Health
Location 2
123 N. Street Name Rd
City, ST
12345
555-555-5555
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis. Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor.
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Location 3
123 N. Street Name Rd
City, ST
12345
555-555-5555
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis. Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor.
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Radiography
Eye Care
Pharmacy Tech
By Monica Vanover on December 1, 2025
EMT
Pharmacy Tech
Eye Care
Programs Guided by Real-World Healthcare Experience
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With flexible scheduling, online coursework, financial aid availability, and deeply supportive faculty, San Jacinto College is committed to making healthcare careers accessible for all. Begin your journey today by visiting www.sanjac.edu.
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