It’s not necessary to have a degree to work in healthcare for some roles. There are many ways that you can get into the field without a degree and still be successful.
In this guide, we explore in depth some of the high-paying medical jobs that require only little schooling to get into, in 2023.
Highest Paying Medical Jobs with little schooling
One way would be to work as an assistant or medical technician in a hospital setting. These jobs don’t require degrees but they do require some kind of certification, which can be obtained through on-the-job training.
1. Radiation therapist
Radiation therapists are medical professionals who specialize in the treatment of cancer patients.
Radiation therapists are highly trained and educated medical professionals, with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, physics, or other related fields. They have to complete an accredited radiation therapist training program and pass a national certification exam.
Radiation therapy is used to treat cancer by exposing the tumor to high doses of radiation while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation therapy can be delivered through various methods such as X-rays, proton beams, or electron beams.
Average National Salary $7,860 – $94,300
2. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear medicine technologists are medical professionals that use radioactive substances to diagnose and treat various diseases. They can work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, or they can work in nuclear medicine departments of pharmaceutical companies.
Nuclear medicine technologists are responsible for the safe handling of radioactive materials. They also use these materials to produce images of the body’s organs and tissues. Nuclear medicine technologists also administer radioactive drugs to patients who need them for their treatments.
Average National Salary: $57,830 – $109,070
3. Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists are professionals who work in the dental field. They work closely with dentists and other dental professionals to ensure that the teeth are clean and healthy. They provide a range of services, such as teeth cleaning, polishing, scaling, root planing and educating patients on oral hygiene.
Dental hygienists generally have an associate degree or a certificate from an accredited dental hygiene program. However, some states allow hygienists to perform basic tasks under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Average National Salary: $54,200 – $104,420
4. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers use ultrasound to create images of the body’s organs, tissues and vessels. They are able to identify problems such as tumors, cysts, or clots.
Sonographers typically need a high school diploma or GED equivalent and some on-the-job training. However, many employers prefer sonographers who have an associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from a community college or technical school.
Average National Salary: $57,830 – $109,070
5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists are responsible for the operation and maintenance of MRI scanners. They are responsible for scanning patients and producing images from the scans.
The demand for MRI technologists is growing rapidly as these machines have become a mainstay in modern medicine. This is because MRI scans can provide physicians with information about the patient that other diagnostic methods cannot provide.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists are responsible for the operation and maintenance of MRI scanners. They are responsible for scanning patients and producing images from the scans. The demand for MRI technologists is growing rapidly as these machines have become a mainstay in modern medicine. This is because MRI scans can provide physicians with information about the patient that other diagnostic methods cannot provide.
Average National Salary: $57,830 – $109,070
6. Respiratory Therapist
A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of breathing problems. Respiratory therapists are often required to take courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology and ethics. They may also need to complete a bachelor’s degree program in respiratory therapy before they can be certified.
Respiratory therapists work with patients who have conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and sleep apnea. They use equipment such as nebulizers to administer medication or oxygen to patients with breathing difficulties. Respiratory therapists may also offer advice on how people can better manage their conditions at home.
Average National Salary: $57,830 – $109,070
7. Radiologic Technologist and Technician
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians are professionals who specialize in imaging and radiation. They use x-rays, ultrasounds, MRI, CAT scans, PET scans and other advanced medical imaging technologies to diagnose disease or injury. They work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, research centers and other healthcare facilities.
They typically work full time with an average of 40 hours per week. Radiologic Technologists and Technicians often work shifts that vary in length depending on their employer’s needs but must be flexible to meet the needs of patients at any hour of the day or night.
Average National Salary: $42,180 – $92,660
8. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistants are a type of healthcare professional that helps individuals suffering from physical or mental disabilities to improve their quality of life.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant is responsible for providing therapy services to patients by doing tasks such as designing and implementing treatment plans, instructing patients on how to use equipment, and evaluating the patient’s progress. They also provide emotional support for the patient and their family.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant is usually supervised by a licensed therapist but may work independently at times. The Occupational Therapy Assistant must be able to work with people from all walks of life and have a good understanding of human behavior.
Average National Salary: $43,180 – $84,090
9. Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians work in the fields of cardiology, emergency medicine, and other specialties. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks such as performing diagnostic tests, assisting physicians during surgery, and preparing patients for surgery.
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians perform a variety of tasks that may include taking blood samples; monitoring the heart; performing diagnostic tests; assisting physicians during surgery; preparing patients for surgery; and interpreting test results. The median annual wage in 2016 was $56,790.
Average National Salary: 30,140 – $96,790
DS Admin
Wellborn
