Many healthcare jobs don’t require medical school. For example, a medical assistant doesn’t need medical school. They need to be certified, but there are many ways to become certified. There are many online courses and even community colleges that offer certification programs.
Healthcare assistants do much of the essential work in a doctor’s office. For example, they greet patients, take their vital signs, and help the doctor with exams. They also may take care of lab tests or prepare patients for surgery. Medical assistants usually work with other medical team members, which is a good way to get started in the medical field.
Another job that doesn’t require medical school is a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners can do many things that doctors can do, such as diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medicine.
The Best Medical Jobs That Don’t Require Medical School
10. Respiratory Therapist
Median Salary: $61,330
Education Required: Associate degree
Many great medical jobs don’t require medical school, for example. Respiratory therapists play a vital role in helping patients with breathing problems. They work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, and can specialize in different areas, such as critical care or neonatal care. Respiratory therapists typically have an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy; some states also require a license.
9. Radiation Therapist
Median Salary: $85,560
Education Required: Associate degree
Radiation therapists are one of the many health professionals who don’t require a medical degree. Instead, radiation therapists use radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. They work with physicians and other healthcare team members to plan and administer radiation treatments.
Radiation therapy is one of the best medical jobs that don’t require a medical degree. However, it’s a growing field, and there’s projected to be a shortage of radiation therapists in the coming years.
Radiation therapists typically earn a good salary and have excellent job security. They also enjoy benefits like vacation time, sick days, and health insurance. If you’re interested in working in the medical field but don’t want to attend medical school, radiation therapy is a great option.
8. Registered Nurse
Median Salary: $73,300
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Registered nurses have one of the most important jobs in the medical field. They work with patients to help them recover from illnesses and injuries and manage their health overall. Registered nurses do not need a medical degree, though many pursue additional education and training to specialize in certain areas of nursing. Many great registered nurse jobs are available that don’t require a medical degree.
Some of the best-registered nurse jobs are working in a hospital setting. Nurses in hospitals work with patients admitted for short-term or long-term care. They may also work on a team with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and pharmacists. Hospital nurses often specialize in a particular area, such as surgery, critical care, or pediatrics. Another great job for registered nurses is working in a clinic or doctor’s office.
7. Dietitian and Nutritionist
Median Salary: $61,270
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Finding the best medical jobs that don’t require medical school can be challenging. However, dietitian and nutritionist positions are excellent options for those interested in nutrition. Dietitians and nutritionists help people make healthy food choices, impacting their health and well-being. In addition, they may work with clients one-on-one or in groups, providing education and support on topics such as weight loss, heart health, and cancer prevention.
In some states, dietitian and nutritionist positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field and licensure. In addition, many online programs offer degrees in nutrition, making it possible to study from home. Alternatively, many community colleges offer associate’s degrees in dietetics that can be completed in two years or less.
6. Physician Assistant
Median Salary: $112,260
Education Required: Master’s degree
Many medical jobs don’t require medical school. For instance, physician assistants only need a few years of schooling and can do a lot to help doctors in their practice. They can take patients’ vital signs, diagnose minor illnesses, order tests, and even provide treatment under the direction of a doctor. Many other medical jobs don’t require as much schooling as physician assistants.
For example, nurse practitioners only require a master’s degree in nursing and can do many of the same things physician assistants can do. X-ray technicians only need an associate’s degree in radiography, and they can help take X-rays and read the results. Many great medical jobs don’t require medical school; these are just a few examples.
5. Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary: $109,820
Education Required: Master’s degree
Many medical jobs don’t require medical school. Nurse practitioners are one of the best medical jobs for people who want to help but don’t want to attend medical school. Nurse practitioners have many of the same responsibilities as doctors, such as diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering tests, and prescribing medication. They also can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools.
4. Speech-Language Pathologist
Median Salary: $79,120
Education Required: Master’s degree
The speech-language pathologist is one of the best medical jobs that don’t require medical school. They help people with difficulty communicating, swallowing, or other communication issues. The best part about this job is that it’s very rewarding to help people communicate better and improve their quality of life. The job can be stressful sometimes, but seeing your patients progress is very fulfilling.
3. Nurse Anesthetist
Median Salary: $174,790
Education Required: Master’s degree
Nurse anesthetists are among the best medical jobs available that don’t require medical school. They work with anesthesiologists to help patients during surgery and other procedures by administering anesthesia. This is a critical job and a good career choice for those who want to help people but don’t want to go to medical school. Nurse anesthetists make a good salary and have many job opportunities.
2. Occupational Therapist
Median Salary: $84,950
Education Required: Master’s degree
Occupational therapists enjoy one of the best medical jobs available without attending medical school. Occupational therapists help people of all ages improve their ability to do everyday activities, such as dressing, bathing, and cooking. In addition, they may work with people who have been injured or are ill or with those with developmental disabilities or mental health problems.
To become an occupational therapist, you need a master’s degree from an accredited program. After completing an accredited program, you must pass a national certification exam.
1. Nurse Midwife
Median Salary: $105,030
Education Required: Master’s degree
Many great medical jobs don’t require you to go to medical school. A nurse-midwife is one of them. As a nurse-midwife, you would work with pregnant women and their families, providing care during labour and delivery and post-delivery care. You would also provide prenatal care and education to the mothers-to-be. This is an excellent career for those who want to work in the medical field but don’t want to attend medical school.
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