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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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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
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
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
Hari’s Answer
Hi Athena,
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.
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.
Updated
Heidi’s Answer
Hi Athena! Thanks for asking your question. A career in Medical Device manufacturing could be a great way to leverage your interests in the medical field. Your career path could take you to an Engineering (design or product development), Manufacturing (Engineering, Supervisor, Quality Assurance to name a small sampling) or Sales/Marketing position. Many roles in medical device organizations will allow you to participate in supporting products that directly impact the patients by providing services and solutions to positively benefit the healthcare industry.
Updated
Jiejing’s Answer
Hi, becoming a doctor or nurse is a great opportunity to help and interact with others. However, there are many other positions in medical field that don't require going to a medical school. For example, a Biostatistician. I received trainings in statistics, and start first job at Tufts Medical School as a Biostatistician. It is very rewarding to work with doctors/nurses on medical research, and to add knowledge to a broad library.
Thanks for your response!
Athena
Updated
Camellia’s Answer
You don't have to be a doctor or nurse to work in the medical field. There are many other facets. I am a service engineer - this involves installation, repair & testing of medical equipment in the hospitals.
You either study an engineering course at university, or technician course at college.
You either study an engineering course at university, or technician course at college.
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Have faith in yourself - you may have what it takes to go to medical school! There are tons of jobs in the medical field - medical equipment technicians, laboratory technicians, physician assistants. Also, you could consider hospital administation - most hospitals are a business so they need people to help support the day to day activities of running and managine a hosptial - finance, logistics, staffing.
Thank you for your response. Thanks for the encouragement as well!
Athena
Updated
Stacie’s Answer
There are a number of areas you can go into within the medical industry without going to medical school. By obtaining a general business degree you could work for a medical device company in various areas (Sales, Quality, Marketing, and Research). Working in any of these areas is a wonderful way to contribute to the medical industry while not having to obtain a Medical degree.
Hi Athena,
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!
Mike McGuire
Thank you for your response! I think that is a great idea.
Athena
Updated
Shericka’s Answer
Hello,
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.
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.
Thank you for your response. I never thought about going into the business path in the medical field. I will look into it.
Athena
Updated
Myra’s Answer
Hi Athena! I've seen a lot of great advice given to you and as you can tell you have a broad range of options. I work at Medtronic (medical device company) in clinical research. In the clinical research department we are responsible for setting up, monitoring and ensuring the clinical trials are conducted in compliance to the local, national and federal regulations to ensure our products are safe and effective. It is multi-faceted where you need to work with a lot of stakeholders and functions/departments within the company (i.e., Research and Development, Regulatory, Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, etc.) as well as build strong relationships with the hospitals and staff conducting the clinical studies. Working in the medical device industry is an option as well as working in a hospital setting as a Clinical Research Coordinator. Great Clinical Research Coordinators are vital to clinical research as they interact with the patients, doctors and clinical study sponsors. Like you, I am also motivated to help and interact with others and have found clinical research to be a great fit for that. Good luck!