10 answers
Mia
Student
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
836 views
Out of these careers, what is the best?
If you are a PA, MA, NICU Nurse, Sonographer/Ultrasound Tech, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Dental Hygienist, or Dental Assistant, please help me decide which of these I should pursue. I dont want to spend a lot on education but also make a good amount of money. So please let me know how much money and time I would spend on school for each, and how much will I make. Thanks.
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9 answers
Paul Treuhaft, MD, MA
Retired surgeon who replaced hips and knees
46
Answers
Santa Rosa, California
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There is no best. All of these careers require education, study, and practice. The best thing for you to do is to collect information about each career that interests you, and then try to meet someone who does that work and ask them all the questions you have. If you can’t meet such a person, go to your library and ask the librarian to help you find the information you need to evaluate each career. Another option would be to go to either your family doctor or the nearest hospital and ask them if they can connect you with a person who works in the field you are interested in. It will take some time and some effort, but it will reward you with the best information you can get to help you make your decision. As a last step, after you have decided on the career that seems most appealing, get someone to help you meet a person who does this work and arrange the to meet that person with a list of questions you want answered.
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Thank you!
Mia
Melissa Heard, CPhT
National and State Certified Pharmacy Technician
4
Answers
Simpsonville, South Carolina
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
I have worked in retail pharmacy for 22 years and one thing I have noticed is Pharmacist getting burned out. They all say that it is not what it use to be. There are so many things that companies put on them. Now, not only are they checking prescriptions, but they are doing flu/covid clinics, giving all other shots as well that are needed, checking patients prescription profiles for drug interactions, counseling, control inventory, regulatory files, reports, and so much more. While they are completing all of these task, companies are cutting hours for technicians and overlap pharmacist. Do a lot of research before making a decision.
Thank you so much for letting me know this. I really wanted advice from someone working in pharmacy.
Mia
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
202
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Mia, it’s like you’re trying to pick from a buffet of awesome careers, but you want the one that’s both delicious (pays well) and doesn’t take forever to cook (minimal schooling). Let’s break it down like a menu, complete with costs, schooling time, and paycheck potential.
1. Physician Assistant (PA)
Time in School: ~6 years total (4 years undergrad + 2-3 years PA program).
Cost: $70k–$120k for PA school (plus undergrad costs).
Salary: $120k/year (on average).
Worth it? If you’re ready to invest some time and $$ for a rewarding career with flexibility, it’s golden. Plus, “assistant” is misleading—PAs are practically mini-doctors!
2. Medical Assistant (MA)
Time in School: ~9 months to 2 years (certificate or associate degree).
Cost: $3k–$10k.
Salary: $38k–$45k/year.
Worth it? It is a quicker, cheaper option, but the pay reflects the shorter path. Good if you want to get working ASAP.
3. NICU Nurse (Neonatal Nurse)
Time in School: ~4-6 years (RN + NICU training).
Cost: $40k–$100k.
Salary: $75k–$120k/year.
Worth it? Do you love tiny humans? This is a high-pressure but deeply rewarding field, with good pay and lots of cuddly (and crying) babies.
4. Sonographer/Ultrasound Tech
Time in School: ~2 years (associate degree).
Cost: $5k–$40k.
Salary: $70k–$90k/year.
Worth it? If you’re into tech and love seeing what’s going on under the hood (literally), this is a solid pick. Plus, it’s relatively quick and well-paid.
5. Optometrist
Time in School: ~8 years (4 years undergrad + 4 years optometry school).
Cost: $150k–$250k.
Salary: $125k–$150k/year.
Worth it? Big bucks, but big school debt. You’ll also say “Better one or two?” a lot—I hope that doesn’t drive you nuts.
6. Pharmacist
Time in School: ~6-8 years (pre-pharmacy + pharmacy school).
Cost: $150k–$200k.
Salary: $120k–$150k/year.
Worth it? Stable and lucrative, but it’s a heavy investment in time and money. And yes, you’ll be explaining why patients can’t eat grapefruit with certain meds.
7. Dental Hygienist
Time in School: ~2-3 years (associate or bachelor’s degree).
Cost: $10k–$40k.
Salary: $75k–$100k/year.
Worth it? Short schooling, great pay, and you’ll become the master of small talk while people have their mouths wide open. Win-win.
8. Dental Assistant
Time in School: ~9 months to 1 year (certificate program).
Cost: $2k–$10k.
Salary: $35k–$45k/year.
Worth it? Fast and affordable, but it’s more of a stepping stone than a career destination.
My “Career Buffet” Advice:
If you want a balance of short schooling and good pay, a sonographer or dental hygienist might be your best bet. If you’re okay with spending more time in school for a bigger paycheck, a PA or pharmacist is worth considering.
BUT—pick what you’re passionate about! Even the best-paying job isn’t worth it if you dread every workday. Think about what makes you excited to get out of bed (besides coffee). Good luck, Mia—you’re going to crush it, no matter what!
1. Physician Assistant (PA)
Time in School: ~6 years total (4 years undergrad + 2-3 years PA program).
Cost: $70k–$120k for PA school (plus undergrad costs).
Salary: $120k/year (on average).
Worth it? If you’re ready to invest some time and $$ for a rewarding career with flexibility, it’s golden. Plus, “assistant” is misleading—PAs are practically mini-doctors!
2. Medical Assistant (MA)
Time in School: ~9 months to 2 years (certificate or associate degree).
Cost: $3k–$10k.
Salary: $38k–$45k/year.
Worth it? It is a quicker, cheaper option, but the pay reflects the shorter path. Good if you want to get working ASAP.
3. NICU Nurse (Neonatal Nurse)
Time in School: ~4-6 years (RN + NICU training).
Cost: $40k–$100k.
Salary: $75k–$120k/year.
Worth it? Do you love tiny humans? This is a high-pressure but deeply rewarding field, with good pay and lots of cuddly (and crying) babies.
4. Sonographer/Ultrasound Tech
Time in School: ~2 years (associate degree).
Cost: $5k–$40k.
Salary: $70k–$90k/year.
Worth it? If you’re into tech and love seeing what’s going on under the hood (literally), this is a solid pick. Plus, it’s relatively quick and well-paid.
5. Optometrist
Time in School: ~8 years (4 years undergrad + 4 years optometry school).
Cost: $150k–$250k.
Salary: $125k–$150k/year.
Worth it? Big bucks, but big school debt. You’ll also say “Better one or two?” a lot—I hope that doesn’t drive you nuts.
6. Pharmacist
Time in School: ~6-8 years (pre-pharmacy + pharmacy school).
Cost: $150k–$200k.
Salary: $120k–$150k/year.
Worth it? Stable and lucrative, but it’s a heavy investment in time and money. And yes, you’ll be explaining why patients can’t eat grapefruit with certain meds.
7. Dental Hygienist
Time in School: ~2-3 years (associate or bachelor’s degree).
Cost: $10k–$40k.
Salary: $75k–$100k/year.
Worth it? Short schooling, great pay, and you’ll become the master of small talk while people have their mouths wide open. Win-win.
8. Dental Assistant
Time in School: ~9 months to 1 year (certificate program).
Cost: $2k–$10k.
Salary: $35k–$45k/year.
Worth it? Fast and affordable, but it’s more of a stepping stone than a career destination.
My “Career Buffet” Advice:
If you want a balance of short schooling and good pay, a sonographer or dental hygienist might be your best bet. If you’re okay with spending more time in school for a bigger paycheck, a PA or pharmacist is worth considering.
BUT—pick what you’re passionate about! Even the best-paying job isn’t worth it if you dread every workday. Think about what makes you excited to get out of bed (besides coffee). Good luck, Mia—you’re going to crush it, no matter what!
Dianna Soto
Non Sterile Pharmacy Technician
18
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Dianna’s Answer
You choose yourself based on what your values and what your interests are. On top of that it’s a lot of studying. Your best option would be to go to the local offices if they are open and ask if someone is available to ask a few questions. What are the values of the studies, what are the interests of individual, why did they choose their career paths and does it align with you? Sometimes even taking a professional personality test helps to better understand yourself, your weaknesses and strengths. Hope this helps.
Thank you, Dianna for the advice.
Mia
Azin Javadi
dentist, researcher
2
Answers
Beverly Hills, California
Updated
Azin’s Answer
First of all, it really depends on what you like because you’ll spend at least eight hours a day doing your job, so it should be something you enjoy. As a general rule, the more time and effort you put into education, the more earning potential you’ll have.
The jobs you mentioned are very different, so the first step is to figure out what part of the healthcare field interests you most. Once you have a clear idea, you can do detailed research on the specific roles.
If you’re looking for a quicker, less expensive option, roles like medical assistant, dental assistant, or sonographer could work. However, if you’re aiming for a higher salary, investing in becoming a PA, pharmacist, or optometrist could be worth it.
That said, since you mentioned you’re considering a lot of options, dental assistant might not be a rational choice if you’re aiming for higher pay or advanced responsibilities. Take time to explore your interests in healthcare and align them with your financial and career goals.
The jobs you mentioned are very different, so the first step is to figure out what part of the healthcare field interests you most. Once you have a clear idea, you can do detailed research on the specific roles.
If you’re looking for a quicker, less expensive option, roles like medical assistant, dental assistant, or sonographer could work. However, if you’re aiming for a higher salary, investing in becoming a PA, pharmacist, or optometrist could be worth it.
That said, since you mentioned you’re considering a lot of options, dental assistant might not be a rational choice if you’re aiming for higher pay or advanced responsibilities. Take time to explore your interests in healthcare and align them with your financial and career goals.
Amber Fraga, CAMT, LMT
Therapeutic Massage
1
Answer
Manchester, New Hampshire
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi,
What are your interests? In reviewing your list, it seems you want to be in the healthcare field. Many of the careers listed require multiple years and financial investment. I am a massage therapist and have been in practice since 2004. I own my own business, but have worked for and in Spas, Franchise, and with athletes.
Why I became a massage therapist - to work with people, not be behind a desk, aiding those in pain to be able to live pain free. It is a flexible job in high demand nation wide. What do I do? Massage therapists treat clients by applying pressure to manipulate the body's soft tissues and joints. I had an interest in the body, love anatomy and physiology, and fascinated with how the body moves (kinesiology). I did not want to go into a load of debt seeking a career in Medical School or some of the other professions that you mentioned. I did get my bachelors degree and work in corporate for many years, but was not fulfilled in what I was doing. So I made a change while working in corporate and attended massage school nights and weekends. The investment in school can be a short as 9 months or as long as 2 years. School cost is in the range of $11,000 to $20.000 depending on where you go and length. My school was 1 year from start to passing the national exam.
According to the Department of Labor - Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. WHY? Increasing awareness: More people are becoming aware of the health benefits of massage therapy; Increased use in hospitals and with Veterans Administration; Being hired on sports team to aid in recovery of sports injuries; Healthcare providers are recommending massage more as a way to manage injuries and pain; and the increase of franchises have made massage more affordable.
Massage therapists work in an array of settings, such as spas and offices of other health practitioners. Some also travel to local events, clients’ homes, or other sites. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary. Many massage therapists are self-employed. The median annual wage for massage therapists was $55,310 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,240, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $95,700. This is a physical job, so your hours are usually maxed at about 25-30 a week. Part-time work is common for massage therapists. Because therapists usually work by appointment, their schedules and the number of hours worked each week vary considerably. Moreover, because of the strength and endurance needed to give a massage, many therapists cannot and do not provide massage services 8 hours per day, 5 days a week - this leads to injury and burn out. The average hourly wage is $36/hr.
Go for a tour at your local massage school. Many require that by the time you graduate from Massage School that you are 18 and many states require certification and licensing that needs to be maintained annually or bi-annually.
Please feel free to reach out and ask questions.
What are your interests? In reviewing your list, it seems you want to be in the healthcare field. Many of the careers listed require multiple years and financial investment. I am a massage therapist and have been in practice since 2004. I own my own business, but have worked for and in Spas, Franchise, and with athletes.
Why I became a massage therapist - to work with people, not be behind a desk, aiding those in pain to be able to live pain free. It is a flexible job in high demand nation wide. What do I do? Massage therapists treat clients by applying pressure to manipulate the body's soft tissues and joints. I had an interest in the body, love anatomy and physiology, and fascinated with how the body moves (kinesiology). I did not want to go into a load of debt seeking a career in Medical School or some of the other professions that you mentioned. I did get my bachelors degree and work in corporate for many years, but was not fulfilled in what I was doing. So I made a change while working in corporate and attended massage school nights and weekends. The investment in school can be a short as 9 months or as long as 2 years. School cost is in the range of $11,000 to $20.000 depending on where you go and length. My school was 1 year from start to passing the national exam.
According to the Department of Labor - Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. WHY? Increasing awareness: More people are becoming aware of the health benefits of massage therapy; Increased use in hospitals and with Veterans Administration; Being hired on sports team to aid in recovery of sports injuries; Healthcare providers are recommending massage more as a way to manage injuries and pain; and the increase of franchises have made massage more affordable.
Massage therapists work in an array of settings, such as spas and offices of other health practitioners. Some also travel to local events, clients’ homes, or other sites. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary. Many massage therapists are self-employed. The median annual wage for massage therapists was $55,310 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,240, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $95,700. This is a physical job, so your hours are usually maxed at about 25-30 a week. Part-time work is common for massage therapists. Because therapists usually work by appointment, their schedules and the number of hours worked each week vary considerably. Moreover, because of the strength and endurance needed to give a massage, many therapists cannot and do not provide massage services 8 hours per day, 5 days a week - this leads to injury and burn out. The average hourly wage is $36/hr.
Go for a tour at your local massage school. Many require that by the time you graduate from Massage School that you are 18 and many states require certification and licensing that needs to be maintained annually or bi-annually.
Please feel free to reach out and ask questions.
Victoria Bracken
Registered Nurse
7
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
I am not painting nursing with a rosy paintbrush, BUT once you become a registered nurse, you have options FOR LIFE! A nurse is rarely denied entry to a specific field. They need us (and we need them to pay the bills). It will be difficult, but if you play your cards right, you will call the shots.
Rita Bhakta
Optometrist
17
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Rita’s Answer
You have a lot of different careers listed. They all require really different levels of education. The more education that is needed, the more the cost and time you will have to commit, as well as the more potential income you will make over your lifetime in that career. Your education is as an investment in yourself.
Medical Assistant (MA) and Dental Assistant will need a high school diploma and on the job training or a vocational or community college program.
Sonographer/Ultrasound Tech and Dental Hygienist will require a community college or college training program.
NICU Nurse requires a bachelor's degree in nursing from a college or university.
Physician Assistant (PA), Optometrist, and Pharmacist all require schooling beyond a bachelor's degree. Physician Assistant training is two years after obtaining a bachelor's degree. Optometrist and Pharmacist training is four years after bachelor's to obtain a doctorate degree.
Medical Assistant (MA) and Dental Assistant will need a high school diploma and on the job training or a vocational or community college program.
Sonographer/Ultrasound Tech and Dental Hygienist will require a community college or college training program.
NICU Nurse requires a bachelor's degree in nursing from a college or university.
Physician Assistant (PA), Optometrist, and Pharmacist all require schooling beyond a bachelor's degree. Physician Assistant training is two years after obtaining a bachelor's degree. Optometrist and Pharmacist training is four years after bachelor's to obtain a doctorate degree.
THANK YOU SO MUCH RITA!!! This is exactly what I wanted to know. Is it ok if I can ask you about more careers?
Mia
You are welcome. Happy to answer any more questions you have. I'll do my best to answer them.
Rita Bhakta
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1957
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mia !
Someone who doesn't know you will never be able to tell you what career is best for you. You seem to be interested in the medical/health field so I would encourage you to explore this first hand, actively reading. watching videos about the careers and doing volunteer work. Most people that are successful in the medical field went into it because it was a calling. Their passion to help injured and sick individuals was strong and they maintain that strength. You should never consider choosing any career, much less a medical career, based on the pay because you will never know how much you'd make until you obtain your first career job. Plus, that personal and intellectual drive must be there within you.
Fortunately, all of the careers you've mentioned take quite a bit of time in college. Working directly on people's bodies is serious and there's no sensible rushing through or cutting corners for this or any career. If you do not like being a student, doing classwork and assignments, meeting deadlines, keeping up with the pace of learning a lot of information and putting it into practice, then maybe you should consider other careers that are offered at a Vocational School. Some vocational programs can last as long as two years, though.
I think that before you choose something now, you should take it slow and explore more. Ask yourself how you want to spend your life in the future. If you have a drive for monetary gain, try reading about some of the business and finance careers. You're going to have to like and love your work in the future because it will be a large part of your life. It's fine to not know what career to pursue. It will come to you when the time is right for you and you alone. Do not compare yourself to other people - inspiration for careers comes at all different times in life. Right now, discover things that you like to do, subjects that you do well in school with and realize that a career is not an eeny meeny miny moe situation. You'll figure it out in your own time, when you're ready.
Someone who doesn't know you will never be able to tell you what career is best for you. You seem to be interested in the medical/health field so I would encourage you to explore this first hand, actively reading. watching videos about the careers and doing volunteer work. Most people that are successful in the medical field went into it because it was a calling. Their passion to help injured and sick individuals was strong and they maintain that strength. You should never consider choosing any career, much less a medical career, based on the pay because you will never know how much you'd make until you obtain your first career job. Plus, that personal and intellectual drive must be there within you.
Fortunately, all of the careers you've mentioned take quite a bit of time in college. Working directly on people's bodies is serious and there's no sensible rushing through or cutting corners for this or any career. If you do not like being a student, doing classwork and assignments, meeting deadlines, keeping up with the pace of learning a lot of information and putting it into practice, then maybe you should consider other careers that are offered at a Vocational School. Some vocational programs can last as long as two years, though.
I think that before you choose something now, you should take it slow and explore more. Ask yourself how you want to spend your life in the future. If you have a drive for monetary gain, try reading about some of the business and finance careers. You're going to have to like and love your work in the future because it will be a large part of your life. It's fine to not know what career to pursue. It will come to you when the time is right for you and you alone. Do not compare yourself to other people - inspiration for careers comes at all different times in life. Right now, discover things that you like to do, subjects that you do well in school with and realize that a career is not an eeny meeny miny moe situation. You'll figure it out in your own time, when you're ready.