What are jobs in the medical field that don't require going to medical school?
Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a doctor. Now that I have become a high school student, I've done research about what it takes to go to medical school. Helping and interacting with others is what I want to do. Although, I don't think I have what it takes to go into medical school. #medicine #doctor #medical #medical-school #healthcare #nurse
31 answers
Doc’s Answer
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
JOB DESCRIPTION – As a Physician Assistant (PA) you will work closely with a team of physicians and surgeons after becoming nationally certified and state licensed. PAs have responsibilities similar to a doctor; PAs take medical history, conduct physical exams, order tests and read the results, prescribe medication, assist in surgery, draw up treatment plans, diagnose patients, treat patients, and more. It’s a role that involves much of what a doctor does, without the extra years of education or financial burden that medical school can bring. Lengthy educational preparation is required, but is still shorter than going to medical school followed by a residency program. This is a growing field with plenty of opportunities and high salaries. Ongoing education is required for periodic recertification.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS – Training to become a physician assistant is extensive and involves both a bachelor's degree and a further two-year master's program. You will also be required to complete 100 hours of continuing education every two years that you are a practicing PA. Once you become nationally certified and licensed in the state you will be practicing in, you can start working as a PA. While it doesn’t require medical school, physician assistants must be committed to continuing education throughout their career. You will have to take courses to keep up to date on the latest medical information and state licenses often have specific continuing education requirements in order to remain licensed.
SALARY OUTLOOK – The average salary for a Physician Assistant is around $96,500 per year with a bachelor’s degree and $124,000 with a master’s degree.. 24% of Physician Assistant work in doctors' offices, while 51% are employed in hospitals. Job growth for physician assistants is projected to be 31% between 2020 and 2028.
HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
JOB DESCRIPTION – Health services administration is another healthcare job that doesn’t require a medical degree but will allow you to work in a hospital or healthcare setting. It’s an emerging field that is quickly growing as more hospitals adapt electronic health records. Implementing new software and managing it requires more staff and people who can keep track of changing policies. Health services administration refers to the process of directing, supervising and planning the delivery of medical treatment to patients. Individuals working in health services administration must be comfortable with a range of professional duties that include government regulations, healthcare management and business administration. At least a bachelor's degree is required to become a health service administrator, a major in health administration is recommended.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS – With a bachelor's or master's degree in health services administration, there are many career options to consider. Health service administrators work as hospital or clinical managers, or may oversee operations in a doctor's office or nursing home. Certification is voluntary for most job opportunities, although it is required for those who choose to work in nursing home administration. Employers tend to seek health services managers with graduate education in areas related to medicine, such as public health and health sciences. In addition to knowledge of science and health, desirable candidates for health services administration jobs will also have formal education in management and finance.
SALARY OUTLOOK – The average salary for a health services administrator is around $88,500 per year with a bachelor’s degree. Earnings for medical and health services managers can also vary between geographic locations. Total employment in medical and health services management is expected to increase 18% from 2018-2028.
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST
JOB DESCRIPTION – Radiologic technologist are responsible for taking x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs of patients. Radiological technologists, or radiographers, produce images of internal organs and bones in the human body. Coursework in this field includes training in the equipment used for radiology, and students are also introduced to issues regarding patient care, anatomy, medical terminology and regulations relevant to radiological technologists. Students learn which diseases and injuries are commonly detected through radiographic imaging. The ability to identify diseases and injuries helps radiological technologists evaluate images and communicate findings to a doctor. Vocabulary related to disease is introduced in this course.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS – To become a radiologic technologist you will need at least a 2-year associate’s degree, which is the most common degree that radiologists hold. Students intending to earn certification or licensing in this field should seek out programs that are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). These courses will include both classroom instruction and clinical practice. Students review principles of physics and become familiar with radiation dosages before learning how to use imaging equipment. Different types of equipment used by radiological technologists, including X-ray, mammography and ultrasound technology, are introduced. Laws and regulations related to imaging equipment use are also reviewed.
SALARY OUTLOOK – The average salary for a radiologic technologist is around $55,000 per year with an associate’s degree, compared to $62,900 with a bachelor’s degree and $74,500 with a master’s degree. Total employment in medical and health services management is expected to increase 22% from 2020-2028.
Hope this was Helpful Athena
Catherine’s Answer
I also put a desire to help people at the center of my career choice. The two careers I was considering were physical therapy and biomedical engineering.
Physical therapy is a great choice if you enjoy interacting with people. You are working with patients an hour at a time and work them through any aches and pains they are feeling. You help them perform exercises and rehab them to health. You could also become more than just their medical advisor and even turn into a mentor or friend for your patients. Occupational therapy is a similar in career path as well.
Biomedical engineering allows you to design new solutions to healthcare problems that healthcare professionals need. This has a broad range of areas - from biomechanics (ex.: hip implants, exoskeletons, surgical tools), biomaterials (ex.: tissue and cell research) and bioinstrumentation (ex.: ventilators, x-ray/MRI machines, brain research), you can specialize in any area that interests you and pursue a career in research or industry. While you are not working directly with patients, you need to have a perspective on what patients need and work with your team to deliver a product or therapy that addresses it in a safe and effective way.
I ultimately chose biomedical engineering because I really enjoyed the problem solving aspect that the job requires but I feel like I would have enjoyed a career in physical therapy as well. The medical field has multiple avenues for you to make a difference so I encourage you to explore and find one that fascinates you! Don't let a curriculum intimidate you - if you're interested in what you are learning you will rise to the occasion and do well because you will ENJOY it!
Best of luck,
Catherine
Catherine recommends the following next steps:
Sarah’s Answer
Bioengineering could be a great fit for you! I went to collage (University of Toledo) wanting to get my degree in pre-med and go off to Medical School. I was lucky that my collage offered a degree that was both bioengineering and pre-med combined. I am very grateful that I made the decision to choose this major. The more Engineering classes I took the more I loved it, and the less I enjoyed organic Chemistry. At the end of the five year program I was ready to leave school and find a job as an engineer as 4 more years of schooling in pre-med no longer seemed like a route I wanted to take.
As a bioengineer I work at a medical device company helping to design and manufacture spinal implants. It is a very rewarding job knowing that the work I do every day helps people. I am still involved in health care and spend time talking to surgeons, and going to cadaver labs to learn more about how to create a better product to be used in surgeries.
Good luck!
Sarah
Amanda’s Answer
Susie’s Answer
Tom’s Answer
I work as an Engineer in Research and Development in the Medical Device Industry and think this could be a good option for you that's a little bit different, as it means that you can design new ways and tools to help doctors and patients without working in a hospital.
We interact with doctors and medical staff a lot so that we can design products that really help to make their jobs a little bit easier and try to come up with new ways to help people with illnesses to live their best lives.
You don't need to know a huge amount about Biology (the more the better) but if you like technical things, coming up with new ideas and problem solving while mainly keeping away from blood then this area could be a good idea.
I just saw that Sarah also said a similar thing so there's more than one of us that think it could be a good choice :o)
Best of luck, Tom
Mary’s Answer
There are many opportunities in medicine and medical school is not the only route, but if it what your mind is set on I would go for it!
Best of luck!
Mary
Christopher’s Answer
Other opportunities for you to consider would be:
Nursing
Physical Therapy
Speech Therapy
Respiratory Therapy
Radiation Therapy
Ultrasound
Maxine’s Answer
Ultimately I decided to choose to pursue an engineering degree and then work in the medical device company because I didn't want to spend so much money and additional years on schooling, and it was really important for me to be able to have normal hours so I could also have a family. It ended up being a really great choice, but if you really want to work with people directly as a healthcare professional you may want to look at options directly in the healthcare field such as nursing, physician assistant, etc.
Kruti’s Answer
Hari’s Answer
It is wonderful that you want to help and interact with people.
There are many great professions in the healthcare area that can still help improve and sustain human health. There are great answers already listed. Here is some more info.
Medical Devices:
a) R&D (with degree in Engineering - Biomedical, Electrical, Mechanical, Software)
b) Manufacturing (with degree in Engineering - Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Industrial)
c) Field Clinical/Support Engineer (with degree in Biomedical Engineering)
Pharmaceuticals:
a) R&D (with degree in Engineering - Biomedical, Electrical, Mechanical, Software)
b) Manufacturing (with degree in Engineering - Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Chemical, Industrial)
Hospitals/Clinics: Nursing – LPN, RN, NP (with degree in Nursing, or advanced degree for RN/NP)
Good Luck with your education and pursuit of what you want to do.
Camellia’s Answer
You either study an engineering course at university, or technician course at college.
Kristine’s Answer
Public Health Administration
Rehab careers such as: Orthotics/Prosthetics, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech/Language Pathology, Art Therapy, Mustic Therapy, etc.
Hospital Administration if you prefer more of a business focus
Research - ex.: biochemistry, pharmacology, clinical research
Bio Tech- medical device manugacturer
Miranda’s Answer
A great avenue to be in the medical field without going to medical school, as many have mentioned, is engineering.
Specifically with biomedical engineering or a life science degree it gives you the opportunity to explore alternatives while discovering what you like! You could go onto a graduate degree as a physical therapist, physician assistant, occupational therapist (and many others).
You also could consider jobs like medical device representative where you could be in an operating room or out patient facility helping health care providers use a companies product.
There are so many options available to you even without an engineering degree, but knowing you'd like to help people will give you a lot of options :)
Good Luck!
Hailey’s Answer
First, I would say if you really want to be a doctor, you still have so much time to figure out how to do that. Not everyone goes to medical school right after college; many take gap years, get more degrees, or decide they want to go to medical school after they've had a career in something else. There are also DO schools, which are essentially like MD schools with a slightly different perspective. These are typically easier to get into than MD schools in the United States. So, I know how daunting the whole process seems, but if this is really your goal you should go for it! College could give you a different perspective as well. I would recommend volunteering in hospitals or shadowing physicians to see where your interests lie.
Other things to look into could be Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, or Occupational Therapy. All of these jobs have fewer years of schooling (I am unsure of the requirements to get in though) and have the opportunity to work with patients in hospitals, as well as outpatient settings.
Best of luck!
Rachel’s Answer
Jiejing’s Answer
Eunice’s Answer
Richard’s Answer
Nurse, Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, CRNA
Imaging technologist including xray, CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, inverventional/cath lab
Lab technologist or phlebotomist
OR technologist
PA
Geoffrey’s Answer
Liz’s Answer
Maria’s Answer
Myra’s Answer
Savanna (Savi)’s Answer
I was in a similar position as you. I decided in college to switch my interest in healthcare. One thing that really helped me open my eyes to all the different opportunities was to volunteer or work at a health center. There you can get exposed to clinical work, administrative work, etc, which might help you identify areas of interest. For me, it made me aware of some things I also wasn't interested in, which was just as vital to knock things off my list. Another thing that helps is reaching out to people LinkedIn or family friends to learn more about what they do and who they could refer you to to continue to learn more. This helps build your network and learn more about your interests. The healthcare field is broad, so don't feel like you have to identify the perfect opportunity right away.
Hope that helps!
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Jobs in the Medical Field That Don’t Require Going to Medical School
The medical field offers a wide range of career opportunities that do not require attending medical school. Many of these professions allow individuals to work closely with patients and contribute significantly to healthcare without the extensive training required for physicians. Below is a detailed exploration of various roles within the medical field that can be pursued without a medical degree.
1. Nursing
Nursing is one of the most prominent careers in healthcare that does not require a medical degree. There are several pathways to becoming a nurse:
Registered Nurse (RN): To become an RN, one typically needs to complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After completing the educational requirements, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): This role requires completing a diploma or certificate program, which usually takes about one year. LPNs/LVNs also need to pass a licensing exam.
Nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, and educate patients about health management.
2. Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician Assistants are healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of physicians. To become a PA, candidates typically need:
A bachelor’s degree followed by completion of an accredited PA program, which usually lasts around two years.
Passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) for licensure.
PAs perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, interpret diagnostic tests, and develop treatment plans.
3. Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants support healthcare providers by performing administrative and clinical tasks. The requirements include:
Completing a postsecondary education program in medical assisting, which can take about one year.
Certification is optional but can enhance job prospects.
Medical Assistants may handle patient records, schedule appointments, assist with examinations, and manage billing processes.
4. Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic Technologists perform imaging examinations such as X-rays and MRIs. To enter this field:
Candidates typically need an associate degree in radiologic technology from an accredited program.
They must also pass a certification exam from organizations like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
This role involves working directly with patients to obtain diagnostic images while ensuring safety protocols are followed.
5. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
PTAs work under licensed physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility. Requirements include:
Completing an associate degree from an accredited PTA program.
Obtaining state licensure after passing the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs.
PTAs assist in implementing treatment plans and educating patients on exercises and rehabilitation techniques.
6. Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
Similar to PTAs, OTAs assist occupational therapists in helping patients develop skills needed for daily living and working. The pathway includes:
Earning an associate degree from an accredited OTA program.
Passing a national certification exam for licensure.
OTAs work closely with clients to facilitate therapeutic activities aimed at improving their quality of life.
7. Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technicians support pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations. Requirements generally include:
A high school diploma or equivalent; some states may require formal training or certification.
Pharmacy technicians prepare medications for dispensing, manage inventory, and assist customers with medication-related inquiries.
8. Health Information Technician
Health Information Technicians manage patient data and health information systems within healthcare facilities. To enter this field:
An associate degree in health information technology is often required.
Certification through organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) can enhance job prospects.
These professionals play crucial roles in maintaining accurate health records while ensuring compliance with regulations regarding patient privacy.
Conclusion
There are numerous fulfilling careers available within the medical field that do not necessitate attending medical school. Each role has its own educational requirements and responsibilities but allows individuals passionate about healthcare to make meaningful contributions without pursuing traditional medical training.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on various occupations within healthcare including job descriptions, educational requirements, salary statistics, and employment outlooks for different roles such as nurses, physician assistants, and more.
2. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
The AACN offers resources related to nursing education programs including pathways for becoming registered nurses or advanced practice nurses along with insights into nursing careers’ impact on healthcare delivery.
3. National Center for O*NET Development
O*NET provides detailed descriptions of various occupations including skills required, tasks performed, knowledge areas needed for jobs like medical assistants and pharmacy technicians which helps prospective students understand career options better.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Stacie’s Answer
Mike’s Answer
Great question! I also think all of then answers here are great opportunities. I was also in the same boat, and Medschool just was not feasible at that point in time in my career. I went a different route and went to school for business. I have always had a passion for the medical world, and also using my interpersonal skills.
With these skills I entered into the Medical Device Sales world. The training was right up my alley, and quite challenging. The job itself is personally rewarding helping to shape and help lives. You get to see procedures daily and make an actual impact. These careers can often have great financial reward as well! Good Luck!
Heidi’s Answer
Shericka’s Answer
There are several careers in healthcare that do not require you to go to medical school. I agree with several of the answers previously listed. To add, take a look at the business side of healthcare. A healthcare Sales Representative is a rewarding career to look into. They are responsible for selling medical products/services to hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, and healthcare professionals. The medical sales industry is steadily growing and always looking for new talent. You can choose to sell for pharmaceutical companies or equipment manufacturers. A healthcare Sales Representative can promote products, answer questions, provide consultation and much more.
Casey’s Answer
I am currently working at Medtronic where we make Medical Devices that are used to help improve or save people's lives. My degree in actually in Chemical Engineering, but I work more on the biomed/mechanical engineering side. A lot of what you use in your job you will learn on the job. Medical Device is a very rewarding field that will provide you with plenty of opportunities to still interact with patients, doctors, physicians, and more. You can get plenty of experience in the hospital and still help people without going to medical school.
Lauren’s Answer
My specific role is being the expert on Medtronic's cardiac medical devices, i.e. pacemakers and defibrillators, working alongside hospital staff and doctors to implant these devices in patients that need them. So I am in implants with the doctor making sure that the devices are working properly and then also get to work with patients on follow-up checks to make sure the device is truly helping the patient.
It is a really great industry because I am within healthcare, helping so many patients, but there is also a little bit of a business aspect to it too. I absolutely love Medtronic's simple, yet profound mission statement as I think it embodies what we strive to do every day: "Alleviate Pain, Restore Health, and Extend Life".
Hope this helps!