New Country, New Career: A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Healthcare Career with No Experience 

For those who have recently arrived in South Florida or who come from a first-generation family, the healthcare field offers a practical way to enter the workforce through entry-level healthcare positions that can potentially lead to stable, long-term careers. The region’s growing demand for nurses and allied health professionals means beginners can start with short training programs that build practical skills and include real-world clinical practice, even without prior experience.  

At FVI School of Nursing and Technology, our programs are designed to help students from diverse backgrounds launch these careers. Both our Miami and Miramar campuses provide: 

• Flexible schedules 

• Bilingual options where available 

• Hands-on preparation 

Why Healthcare Is a Strong Career for New Immigrants in South Florida 

South Florida’s healthcare system needs more workers, and that need will continue for years. According to the Florida Center for Nursing’s 2022–2037 Workforce Projections Report, demand for Registered Nurses in Florida is expected to grow by around 26 percent through 2037, far exceeding national averages. Allied health roles, such as medical assistants and patient care technicians, show similar trends for high job growth. In South and Southeast Florida, for example, demand for Nursing Assistants is projected to increase by over 12,000 full-time equivalent positions through 2037.  

Local hospitals and clinics prioritize staff who connect with the communities they serve. Many facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties actively recruit bilingual professionals fluent in Spanish or Haitian Creole to better meet patient needs. Your language skills and cultural knowledge become real assets here, helping build trust and improve care in diverse settings.  

Healthcare can potentially provide job stability, competitive pay, and clear ways to advance from entry-level positions to leadership roles over time. 

You Don’t Need Experience to Start a Healthcare Career 

Healthcare offers many entry-level jobs for immigrants that require no previous work history in the field.  

At FVI School of Nursing and Technology, our education programs prepare beginners for these roles through focused classroom instruction combined with real-world clinical practice. The training timelines are short compared to traditional degrees, so you can complete the program and start working sooner. Flexible day and evening schedules are designed to fit around work, family, or other responsibilities. 

Here are some accessible roles you can prepare for at FVI: 

• Nursing Assistant / Home Health Aide 

• Patient Care Technician 

• Medical Assistant 

• Pharmacy Technician 

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 

• Licensed Practical Nurse 

• Registered Nurse 

FVI School of Nursing and Technology offers programs that prepare immigrants and beginners for all of the above healthcare roles. Many of these programs are short and focused, allowing you to complete training quickly and enter the workforce sooner. For example, you can typically complete the Nursing Assistant / Home Health Aide program in about nine weeks, the EMT training program in 16 weeks, and the Patient Care Technician program in around 30 weeks. 

FVI’s programs incorporate hands-on clinical rotations at approved local medical facilities, where you apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings to develop skills and confidence under supervision. 

Looking for an efficient pathway into the healthcare workforce? Learn about FVI’s Medical Assistant program in Miami & Miramar, which can typically be completed in nine months. 

Provided you successfully pass the appropriate certification or licensure exams – such as the Florida CNA exam for Nursing Assistants, the NREMT for EMTs, or the NCLEX-PN for Practical Nursing – you could potentially start working in entry-level roles soon after graduation. 

Graduation prepares you for these exams but does not guarantee passing or employment. 

Ready to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse? FVI School of Nursing and Technology’s Miramar & Miami ASN nursing program offers an accelerated 22-month pathway with hands-on training and clinical experience to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam. 

How to Get Started in Your Healthcare Career 

1. Research Roles and Programs: Look at job descriptions for entry level healthcare jobs in Miami, FL, and surrounding regions to see which ones match the kind of work you want to do, the hours you can manage, and the work setting you prefer. Pay attention to the skills required, typical daily tasks, and opportunities for advancement. Then look at the training programs that prepare you for those roles, including program length, course content, and admissions requirements at schools like FVI School of Nursing and Technology. 
    

2. Meet Admissions Criteria: Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with basic assessments in math, reading, and sometimes English proficiency. FVI’s admissions team can walk you through these steps and answer questions about eligibility.  

3. Apply for Financial Aid: Submit the FAFSA to determine eligibility for grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study. FVI provides dedicated guidance to help you navigate this process and identify options for those who qualify.  

4. Enroll and Complete Training: Select a program that matches your schedule and goals. Attend classes, participate in labs, and complete required clinical rotations to gain practical experience in real healthcare settings.  

5. Earn Certification or Licensure: After graduation, prepare for and take the necessary exams, such as the Florida CNA exam for Nursing Assistants, NREMT for EMTs, or NCLEX for nursing roles. FVI offers resources like NCLEX preparation.  

6. Build Your Resume and Prepare for Work: Use FVI’s career services for resume reviews and interview practice. Explore job openings through online applications, healthcare job boards, networking events, or job fairs to connect with potential employers. 

Interested in becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)? Take the first step toward LPN licensure with FVI School of Nursing and Technology’s Practical Nursing program in Miami & Miramar. 

How FVI School of Nursing & Technology Supports Immigrant Students 

FVI School of Nursing and Technology welcomes students from many different countries and backgrounds, including a large number of immigrants and international students. Our campuses in Miami and Miramar create an inclusive environment where familiarity with different cultures is recognized as highly valuable in South Florida’s diverse healthcare settings.  

Here is how FVI helps students from immigrant communities succeed: 

• Guidance on student visas and other assistance for international students. 

• Hands-on learning through labs, simulation, and skills practice. 

• Clinical and externship experiences aligned with program requirements. 

• Bilingual options: FVI’s Miami campus offers bilingual Spanish/English instruction in select programs. 

• Flexible scheduling options designed for working adults. 

• Dedicated success coaching and academic support services. 

• Career services assistance. 

• Two convenient campuses to choose from: Learn about our Miami nursing school and Miramar nursing school. 

For many newcomers to South Florida, working in healthcare provides a structured way to build a career from the ground up. With the right training and support, it is possible to move from beginner to professional while contributing to the health of the community you now call home. Contact us to get started.