Many people dream of a job in the healthcare industry but shrink back at the thought of four grueling years in medical school. However, the reality is that there are plenty of high-paying healthcare careers that don’t require medical school enrollment.
Some of these careers require more schooling than others, but none require a degree from medical school. Below are six high-paying healthcare careers that don’t require medical school enrollment.
Registered nurse
The demand for qualified nurses has never been higher, and it’s only expected to keep growing. Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare industry, and they often make around $70,000 per year.
There are three main paths for becoming a registered nurse, none of which involve medical school.
You can become a nurse with a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or a diploma from a registered nurses’ course. You’ll also have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become certified.
Aspiring nurses should partner with staffing agencies like Fusion Marketplace to jumpstart their careers in the growing healthcare industry.
Genetic counselors
Genetic counselors advise individual patients and families on their risk of inherited genetic illness. This field is charted to grow by 29% by 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing career paths in the healthcare industry.
Genetic counselors commonly hold a Master’s degree in genetic counseling and an American Board of Genetic Counseling certification. The median income for genetic counseling sits at around $80,000.
Radiation therapists
Radiation therapists help doctors administer and monitor radiation treatment for cancer patients. You can expect to make around $80,000 a year as a radiation therapist, with projected growth in the field floating at approximately 13%.
This position typically requires an Associate’s degree in radiation therapy. However, some companies only require a certificate of completion in a registered radiation therapy course, so do your research to find the education path that best suits your goals.
Occupational therapist
Occupational therapists help people gain or relearn the skills and abilities they need to survive. That can include teaching them to use new tools after an accident, engaging in therapeutic exercise, and enhancing social skills in children and people on the autism spectrum.
Most occupational therapists hold a Master’s degree in occupational therapy or a closely related field. The median income for this position is around $84,000.
Orthotists and prosthetists
Orthotists and prosthetists help create medical devices for patients, such as prosthetic limbs or braces. They’re involved in the design and fabrication process and help measure and fit the patients for their devices.
To qualify for this job, you have to earn a Master’s degree from a two-year orthotists and prosthetists program. Occupational therapists can earn around $69,000 after completion of an accredited residency. Some states also require occupational therapists to hold a license to practice.
Dental hygienists
Dental hygienists help clean and maintain dental patients’ teeth and oral health. This often-overlooked profession boasts a very high earning potential with a median income of $74,000.
You need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. You will also need to hold the relevant license for the state where you plan to work.
Skip the student debt
There is a whole world of opportunity in the healthcare field that doesn’t require costly med school tuition to access. Whether you want to become a registered nurse or an occupational therapist, you can earn a lot of money and help patients without winding up in a ton of student debt.
