Radiation therapist, nuclear medicine technician, and diagnostic medical sonographer are among the high-paying medical professions that require less education. These jobs have a great potential for financial growth and come with a number of desirable features. Additionally, establishing a medical career with little formal education enables people to enter the profession fast and make a respectable salary.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that between 2020 and 2030, employment in healthcare support will increase by 16%. The demand for competent workers in a variety of roles is very high as the healthcare sector continues to expand quickly. Additionally, there will always be a need for medical support personnel, making these occupations a safe and dependable choice.
Medical Jobs that Pay Well but Require Little Education
Are you looking for a lucrative healthcare career without going to school for a long time? Excellent pay and prospects for promotion are available in many occupations.
Here are 10 medical positions with less education that pay well:
1. Radiologic Technologist
$80,570 is the average annual salary.
High-energy radiation is used by radiation therapists to treat cancer and other disorders. They collaborate closely with radiologists and oncologists to create treatment programs and guarantee correct radiation delivery.
A radiation therapist needs to pay attention to detail and be knowledgeable about the tools and techniques used in radiation therapy. Additionally, they require great interpersonal skills to collaborate with the healthcare team and communication to assist and educate patients.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification is a requirement for many employers of radiation therapists. However, some require a degree in radiation treatment, either an associate’s or a bachelor’s.
For radiation therapists, the employment prospects is favorable. Radiation therapist employment is predicted by the BLS to increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031. Between 2021 and 2031, the BLS predicts that there will be roughly 800 additional positions for radiation therapists.
2. Nuclear Medicine Technician (NMT):
$75,660 Average Annual Salary
A nuclear medicine technician uses radioactive materials to carry out diagnostic imaging techniques that aid in the detection and treatment of various ailments. They inject radioactive chemicals to patients while using specialized equipment to take pictures of organs and tissues.
Nuclear medicine technologists need to be able to use imaging equipment, have a working understanding of radiopharmaceuticals, and be aware of radiation safety procedures.
The majority of NMTs complete a nuclear medicine technology associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Some firms take on people who have graduated from technical and community colleges.
For NMTs, the employment prognosis is favorable. Nuclear medicine technologists’ employment is expected to increase by 2% between 2021 and 2031, according to the BLS. However, for the following ten years, this position will generate 1,000 new jobs per year.
3. Sonographer in diagnostic medicine
$62,000 is the average annual salary.
Imaging studies are carried out by a diagnostic medical sonographer to ascertain what is occurring in certain body sections. Additionally, they record the patient’s medical history and respond to any inquiries you might have prior to the test.
Sonographers who perform diagnostic procedures need to be knowledgeable about anatomy, how ultrasound machines work, and how to pay attention to detail. Additionally, it helps to have skills in problem-solving, communication, manual dexterity, and continual learning.
Because diagnostic medical sonography requires little formal education and offers high income, it is a great employment option. To pursue this career, you will need to complete extra education, such as postsecondary coursework or an associate’s degree.
For phlebotomists, the employment prospects is favorable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 10% increase in phlebotomist employment between 2021 and 2031. Between 2021 and 2031, the BLS predicts that around 34,700 new employment will be available for phlebotomists.
4. The typical annual wage for medical equipment repairers is $58,820.
To ensure optimal operation in healthcare settings, a medical equipment repairer maintains, fixes, and calibrates medical equipment. They use surgical instruments, patient monitors, and diagnostic imaging equipment.
Repairers of medical equipment are familiar with mechanical systems and have the skills to locate and fix problems. Additionally, they are adept at using specialized equipment and diagnostic software.
Some medical equipment repair professionals receive their training on the job or in vocational schools. Others opt to study biomedical equipment technology or a related subject for an associate’s degree.
Repairers of medical equipment have a promising employment future. From 2021 through 2031, the BLS projects a 17% growth rate for this position. Additionally, during the following ten years, it will generate an average of 7,700 additional jobs annually.
5. Technicians in Histology
$54,180 in average annual salary
Pathologists will use tissue samples that histology technicians have processed and prepared for microscopic examination. To ensure high-quality histology slides, they carry out activities like specimen collection, tissue staining, and operating specialist equipment.
For accurate specimen processing, histology technicians need to be knowledgeable about histological techniques, processes, and attention to detail.
An associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate in histotechnology or a similar discipline is required for employment as a histology technician. Some employers provide high school graduates or their equivalents with on-the-job training opportunities.
Histology technicians have a promising employment future. Between 2021 and 2031, this position will grow at a 7% clip. Over the next ten years, the BLS predicts that there will be around 1,700 new positions for histology technologists annually.
6. Medical Assistant: $36,542 Average Annual Salary
To hep medical offices and clinics run smoothly, medical assistants carry out clinical and administrative duties. Additionally, they manage medical records, plan appointments, take patient histories, check vital signs, help with exams, and schedule vital signs.
To connect with patients, a medical assistant needs to have great communication and interpersonal skills. They also need to be skilled in fundamental medical operations like measuring blood pressure and giving injections as well as possess good organizational skills to manage administrative responsibilities.
Employers demand a medical assistant with a postsecondary degree or certification from a recognized program. Medical assistants may be subject to additional rules or laws in some states.
The future of the medical assistant profession is promising. The BLS anticipates a 19% increase in medical assistant employment between 2021 and 2031. Over the next ten years, the BLS projects that there will be 227,100 new positions for medical assistants annually.
7. The typical annual wage for dental assistants is $36,542.
Dental assistants assist dentists in the chair and carry out a variety of office duties. Additionally, they take dental X-rays, clean instruments, get patients ready for procedures, and instruct them on proper oral hygiene.
A dental assistant needs to be knowledgeable about dental techniques and tools as well as sterilization and infection control methods. To communicate with patients and dental professionals, they must also possess excellent communication skills.
While some dental assistants finish postsecondary programs or obtain a diploma or certificate in dental assisting, others acquire on-the-job training. In some states, dental assistants must further receive certification or licensure.
For dental assistants, the career prospects is good. The BLS anticipates a 19% increase in dental assistant employment between 2021 and 2031. For the following ten years, this position will also generate roughly 131,700 new job opportunities annually.
8. The typical yearly wage for pharmacy technicians is $34,000.
A pharmacy technician helps the pharmacist with daily tasks including giving patients prescriptions. Pharmacy technicians must be able to follow instructions and interact with people properly because they handle a variety of powerful, federally restricted medications.
The only traditional degree needed to become a pharmacy technician is a high school diploma. However, you must first become certified as a pharmacy technician, which might take between four months and two years.
For pharmacy technicians, the employment prospects is favorable. According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians will increase by 5% between 2021 and 2031. Over the following ten years, it will also generate an average of 43,500 openings per year.
9. Average Annual Salary for Phlebotomists: $34,750
A medical technician who draws blood from patients is known as a phlebotomist. Phlebotomy involves using the proper sample storage procedures and maintaining sterile tools and work areas.
Phlebotomists are skilled in venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques as well as proper blood collection methods. For appropriate labeling and documentation of samples, they also need good communication skills and attention to detail.
By state and employer, phlebotomist educational requirements vary. The successful completion of a formal phlebotomy training program or certification is required by several states and employers.
Phlebotomists have a promising employment future, with a 10% growth rate from 2021 to 2031. For the next ten years, the BLS predicts that this position will add around 34,700 new employment per year.
10. Medical Assistant
$32,653 is the average annual salary.
The responsibilities of a medical secretary are similar to those of other administrative positions. However, a deeper comprehension of healthcare systems is necessary. Medical secretaries are in charge of making medical reports, scheduling appointments, and taking phone calls.
To manage administrative chores efficiently and communicate with patients and healthcare professionals, medical secretaries need to be well organized and have outstanding communication skills. They must be skilled in using computers, paying attention to detail, and medical terminology.
Medical secretaries are not required to have a formal degree. However, if you wish to rise to the position of executive medical secretary, you must have a bachelor’s degree. Many qualifications, such the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), are not mandatory but will aid in job placement.
Medical secretaries have a promising employment future, with an 8% growth rate from 2020 to 2030. Between 2020 and 2030, it will also result in the creation of roughly 53,600 new employment for medical secretaries.
What medical specialty is the simplest to enter?
The simplest medical careers to enter are phlebotomy and medical aid. Both offer brief training periods and generally modest educational requirements.
What is the shortest degree program for a career in medicine?
A certificate program in medical assisting, which can be completed in roughly a year, is the shortest educational path to a profession in medicine.
Medical Careers with Short Education
The medical industry offers a variety of worthwhile and important occupations that are fundamental to the healthcare industry. These professions offer a wide range of expertise and opportunities for those who are driven to improve the lives of others.
Here are seven quick-start medical careers:
1. Administrative Clinical
A position in clinical administration requires a valid medical degree. The job comprises giving medical staff members expert direction and ensuring that all medical standards are met.
You need to be registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) in addition to having a medical degree. You will have an advantage if you have clinical health organization management experience and credentials.
It may also be required to have knowledge of clinical governance and risk management. For director-level positions, the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators fellowship and postgraduate research may be necessary.
2. Hospital Management
The proper provision of medical and other services to patients is one of the general responsibilities of hospital administrators. Opportunities for employment include both positions at a higher level and ones suited for individuals just starting their careers.
Having an appropriate Vocational Education and Training qualification should provide you an advantage in the job market, even though some people only enter this field through employment experience or traineeships.
Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are required for administrative positions in hospitals. Both courteousness and attention to detail are required. Information gathering and filing are necessary for many jobs.
3. A manager of medical records
Medical records administrators frequently work in hospital settings where they manage patient records, answer questions, bill clients, and input data.
The majority of professions require familiarity with medical language and National Coding Standards. Clinical coding experience and recognized degrees in the relevant field are prerequisites for employment as a health information manager.
You need to be organized and detail-oriented to succeed in this career. Additionally, you need to be good at collaborating and communicating.
4. Medical Assistant
The subtopic: high-paying jobs with little education has received substantial discussion regarding the responsibilities of a medical secretary.
If you are very organized and have outstanding communication and time management skills, a career as a medical secretary may be ideal for you.
You’ll have to learn the paperwork, procedures, and vocabulary used in medicine. Answering phones and incoming mail, maintaining patient records and file systems, and setting up appointments are examples of typical duties.
5. Program Director
In order to guarantee that services are provided as effectively as possible, program managers keep an eye on healthcare initiatives such community allied health programs.
For the majority of posts, substantial hospital-specific knowledge and managerial experience are required. You must have prior expertise in the program’s chosen specialty of healthcare. Program managers earn very high median yearly salaries.
6. Audiologist
As an audiologist, you examine and assess hearing. Understanding, spotting, and treating hearing issues are all part of the job. By monitoring non-medical rehabilitation and the treatment of hearing loss and associated communication problems, you assist patients.
You must first obtain an undergraduate degree in audiology and then a postgraduate diploma in order to enter this field. Your undergraduate studies should be in a discipline linked to biomedicine, biological science, or health science.
7. Optical surgeons
Exams are used by optometrists to identify visual problems. They also advise using medicine to deal with these issues. Some available treatments include vision therapy, medicated eye drops, prescription eyeglasses, a variety of optical aids, and prescription eyewear.
When necessary, optometrists can direct patients to specialists. You might hold a sales-related job in a retail environment. Given that part of your job involves keeping track of medications and treatments, it would be best if you were detail-oriented. You need a degree in optometry to work in this sector.
How Much Do Jobs in Healthcare Pay?
In the United States, the average annual income for healthcare positions is $75,920. But wages vary depending on the particular job title, degree of education, and experience. For instance, with an average yearly income of $208,000, doctors and surgeons often have the highest salaries in the healthcare industry.
What position in healthcare has the highest pay?
The highest earning profession is radiation treatment, with an average yearly compensation of $80,570.
Medical Entry-Level Positions
The healthcare industry is replete with entry-level medical opportunities. Once you have your foot in the door, a lot of them provide fantastic opportunities for growth.
Here are the top 10 medical entry-level positions:
- $118,000 for a healthcare administrator
- $101,000 Medical Scientist
- $80,000 for a registered nurse
- Assistant in Occupational Therapy: $63,000
- Assistant Physical Therapist: $59,000
- $55,000 Medical Laboratory Technician
- $51,000 for a surgical technologist
- $50,000 for a licensed practical nurse
- Specialist in Billing and Coding – $48,000
- $44,000 for a health information technician
Conclusion: Medical Jobs with Little Education but High Paying
People looking for rich employment in the healthcare sector have a potential road forward with the high-paying medical occupations that require little education. These jobs have tremendous earning potential without requiring a lot of education or experience. Individuals can start earning a good income sooner and enter the workforce with a shorter school need. Additionally, as the need for healthcare professionals increases, the employment prognosis for these positions is generally favorable. The advantages of financial security, career fulfillment, and the chance to improve other people’s lives are all available to people.