Many job-seekers today are interested in joining the healthcare industry due to the promising career opportunities and perks that it offers. However, it can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly to take medical education. Not to mention, there are other requirements like a period of residency and several examinations that add to the difficulty of entering the medical practice.
This is perfectly understandable because medical practitioners deal with lives. It only makes sense that they should be properly trained and perfectly qualified. Still, if you want to be a healthcare provider, don’t be discouraged.
There are actually a number of high-paying medical occupations that don’t necessitate expensive and lengthy schooling. With a bachelor’s or even an associate degree, you can work alongside doctors. Besides, if you can earn as much with other career options, why spend additional time to acquire a doctorate degree?
Here, we’ll discuss five medical job opportunities with significantly fewer requirements:
Dental Hygienist
Indeed, dental practices continue to welcome innovative solutions and methods that can only be conducted by experts in the field. However, oral care starts with simpler processes: cleaning and inspecting.
As a dental hygienist, you’ll be tasked with preventing and treating oral diseases by providing services like mouth inspection, teeth cleaning, and fluoride application. You may work alongside dentists or independently. All you have to do is earn an associate’s degree and pass the state-required licensure examination. The median pay amounts to $74,820, but can go as high as $101,820.
Dietician or Nutritionist
The world of fitness is booming with profitable opportunities as more people are becoming interested in starting a healthy lifestyle and becoming physically fit. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dieticians and nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition who advise people on following a suitable eating plan either to improve health or attain particular goals. If you decide to pursue this career, expect an annual median salary of $60,370.
Medical Laboratory Technician
A medical laboratory technician provides assistance to doctors in diagnosing and treating diseases by performing specific tests on tissue and body fluids like blood and urine. Most commonly, they work in a clinic or hospital setting.
A certificate or associate’s degree is required, and because of the knowledge and expertise you can gain, it can be a ladder for acquiring advanced medical positions. Moreover, with the salary that you’ll earn — a range of $52,330 to $80,330 — it can be easier to save enough money to finance medical school expenses if you ever decide to be a doctor later on.
Cardiovascular Technologist
A cardiovascular technologist diagnoses cardiovascular problems by utilising medical imaging methods to inspect conditions of the heart and its parts. If you’re planning to pursue this, you’ll be restricted to a diagnostic role and will not provide medical intervention. However, you can interpret reports and give assistance to a doctor or surgeon. Expect a median salary of $56,850, and for more advanced positions, the top pay can amount to $93,100.
Respiratory Therapist
A respiratory therapist (RT) is a certified professional with advanced knowledge of specialised equipment for lung care. If you decide to be an RT, you can practice in various medical facilities or even open a clinic in your own home. You’ll also enjoy an annual salary ranging from $60,280 to $83,520, with a high career growth of 23%.
The healthcare industry is an elaborate and intricate field that is not limited to medical doctors. Conduct extensive research and look for an occupation that matches your skills set and interests.
