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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
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30 answers
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
Hi Athena,
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
Look up STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) jobs.
Research college curriculum for potential major to see if the course work interests you.
Talk to friends and family about your interests - chances are they know someone in the field and can put you in touch with them to learn more.
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:
I am a Biomed Engineer and I love my job!
Juan Vazquez
I was also looking into physical therapy, but I have never thought about biomedical engineering. It sounds very interesting! Thanks for your input. I will definitely look into biomedical engineering. You were very helpful :)
Athena
Excellent! Glad I could help. The most important thing is to find something you are passionate about - the rest will take care of itself!
Catherine Andrus
Updated
Doc’s Answer
If you want to enter the healthcare industry but you don’t have an interest in getting your medical degree, you’re in luck Athena, because there are a number of healthcare jobs that don’t require med school.
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
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
This was very helpful! Thank you for your detailed response.
Athena
Your Welcome Athena, It was my Pleasure. Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.
Doc Frick
Thank You Robert. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
Doc Frick
Thank You Hari. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Doc Frick
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hello, great question and there have been lots of great answers as well. There are so many options for you. One thing you will want to focus on is do you want to be involved with clients face to face or would you rather be behind the scenes? Medical device, research, field sales reps in medical device are options if you don't want to be as much client facing. Otherwise, there are options in the health and wellness field; corporate wellness, PT/PTA, OT, etc. I went to school for Exercise Science and work in corporate wellness for a medical device company. It's a great combination between clients facing and behind the scenes work helping employees stay engaged with their wellbeing.
Thanks for the insight! This will definitely help me chose a career path.
Athena
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi Athena,
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
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
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Hi Athena,
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
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
Updated
Susie’s Answer
I wanted to add that if you like solving puzzles, you might be interested in Medical Billing and Coding. In this profession, you need to figure out which codes apply to a person's medical visit or diagnosis.
Thanks for your response!
Athena
Updated
Mary’s Answer
I went to Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) school (can be 1 or 2 semesters) right after high school in order to get some entry level experience into the medical field to see if healthcare was the right tract for me. Going to EMT school gave me the ability to work on an ambulance and respond to 911 calls. It was a very fulfilling job and reassured me that the medical field is the right fit for me. I am now pursuing becoming a physician assistant and have a couple of interviews lined up for programs!
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
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
Thank for your response! I was also looking into becoming a physician assistant. I hope your interviews go well.
Athena
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Have you thought about healthcare management?
Hi Maria, can you please provide a little more information on what healthcare management is?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Of course …that is a career path you can choose and go to school for ….it will allow you to work in the hospital setting but on the admin side. This involves dealing with back office work...paperwork, account receivables, staff etc.
If you wish to have interaction with patients, you can also focus on becoming a patient advocate/ social worker.
Best of luck
Maria Selagea
Thank you for your response and clarification!
Athena
Updated
Eunice’s Answer
Hi Athena, if you like interacting with others, you may consider the pharmaceutic aspects at which you can consider being a pharmacist or pharmacy technician. Instead of focusing which degree that doesn't require entry to medical school, try to think about what's your aspiration and which area of the healthcare sector that interest you most. From that, I think it will be easier for you to go forward in choosing the right degree at uni. I know it may sound obscured but it's really important that you will enjoy what you've chosen and that can be something you are doing in your upcoming 10 years +. Cheers :)
Thank you for your time and insightful thinking!
Athena
Updated
Kruti’s Answer
You can start as a medical assistant in some states no certification is required. Also a receptionist or billing assistant is a way to get your foot in the door and then climb to a potential manager.
Updated
Kristine’s Answer
Some of these may be repeats from other answers but there are several options.
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
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
Updated
Hailey’s Answer
Hello!
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!
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!
Thank you for your response! You were very helpful. Although medical school does sound very intimidating, maybe I will decide to go for it in the future.
Athena
Updated
Maxine’s Answer
I think an important question to ask yourself is how many years you want to spend in school after college graduation. Medical school requires many years of study, working as a resident, and if you want to become a specialist you'll need to dedicate additional years on top of that. Several of the other professions (nursing, physician assistant, etc.) also have requirements on the number of years of study. All of these also have an associated cost, so you'll want to weigh those factors as well. Lastly, you should think about what kind of lifestyle you would like to have, for example, a physical therapist works normal hours 9-5 while a nurse in the Emergency Department could work 12-14 hour shifts, sometimes overnight, and have other days off.
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.
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.
Thanks for your response! It was very helpful. I haven't really been taking external factors into consideration when trying to find a career path. This will help narrow down quite a few options.
Athena
Updated
Savanna (Savi)’s Answer
Hi Athena,
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!
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!
Updated