Let's face it: With insane student loans and long study hours, a medical degree just isn't for everyone.
From short certificates that pay well, reliably strong job markets to lots of career advancement opportunities, there are countless reasons to look for a jobRelated health professions.
The allied health sector is growing rapidly. To help you get started, we've rounded up 12 hospital jobs that don't require a degree.
What is Allied Healthcare?
Allied health careersthey include everything from medical billers to phlebotomists to surgical technologists, and there are careers in every single healthcare industry. These professionals are responsible for supporting healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentists and pharmacists.
While some healthcare jobs (e.g., occupational therapist or MRI technicians) require advanced training, most require certifications that quickly lead people into healthcare careers.
Why Allied Healthcare is more popular than ever
Large student loansthey just don't appeal to most people, so it's no wonder more and more students without degrees are choosing healthcare careers.
This is reported by the Institute for Labor Statistics.growth rate in the health sectorbetween 2018 and 2028 it is expected to be 14%. This makes it the fastest growing sector in the US. In addition, dependence on these care providers will only increase as young people reach retirement age.
Let's take a look at some of the most popular healthcare jobs that don't require a degree.
1. Cardiovascular technologists
Cardiovascular technologists work with ultrasound, testing, and surgical procedures that affect the heart and circulatory system. Technologists usually work in hospitals or clinics, where they work closely with surgeons and doctors. They can also help with catheterization and other treatments for patients with heart problems.
Training as a cardiovascular technologistit includes classroom learning and hands-on learning. Graduates who meet the requirements for additional certification and registration exams may obtain additional qualifications.
Since the median salary for a cardiovascular technician is just under $57,000, this isA well-paying career in Allied health care.
2. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists assist dentists by brushing teeth, taking x-rays, and checking for signs of oral disease. They play a key role in preventive dental care and work closely with patients to educate them about dental health.
Most dental hygienists work in dental offices, and the median salary in 2018 was more than $74,000. Dental hygienists often start out as dental assistants and later earn an associate's degree (which can take two to three years).
3. Echotechnicus
science lectures /Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND
You may know ultrasound technicians asDiagnostic Medical Sonographers (DMS). These specialists prepare patients for appointments, use ultrasound equipment, and discuss test results with doctors.
Training as an ultrasound technicianUsually a certificate and/or associate degree program is required (takes approximately 2-3 years). After passing the professional exam, on averageSalary sonographerdrops by $72,500. This is a hospital job that pays well without a degree (one of the highest paying, in fact).
4. Paramedic en paramedic
If you consider yourself an adrenaline junkie and love medical TV shows, a career as a paramedic or paramedic could be for you.
As the first people at the scene of an accident, first responders and paramedics provide emergency care before patients are admitted to hospital. Paramedics can complete three-month certificate programs and are licensed by their state. U.S. paramedics earned an average of $34,320 in 2018.
Becoming a paramedic requires a two-year long apprenticeship, but annual earnings are just under $59,000.
5. Massagetherapeut
They may give the impression that all they care about is relaxation, butreport therapyhelps heal injuries and relieve chronic pain. Registered massage therapists (RMTs) receive hands-on training as well as instruction in anatomy and kinesiology.
The training can take anywhere from a few weeks to two years, depending on the certification program and government requirements.
The average salary for a registered massage therapist is about $41,000 and they can work in clinics, doctor's offices, spas and other places.
6. Medical Assistants
Medical assistants are an integral part of the Allied Health Team and are trained to work in clinical and administrative areas. YOUTraining as a medical assistantStudents learn laboratory techniques, first aid, clinical and diagnostic procedures, billing, and other skills.
For those who enjoy variety, this is a flexible role that will give you access to many areas of healthcare. MostMedical assistants complete a certification programCompletion takes about a year.
In 2018, the median salary of a medical assistant was $33,600.
7. Medical experts for billing and coding
If you are interested in the administrative side of healthcare,Medical billing specialiststhey form an important bridge between healthcare providers, patients and insurance companies.
This is a good way to find hospital jobs that don't require a degree or certificate (although some form of degree is required).medical coding trainingStrongly recommended).
You can work in a hospital, clinic, billing company or even from home. Work in this sector can also be a stepping stone to management positions.
Billing and coding expertsearn an average salary of about $40,000.
8. Neurodiagnostic technologists
Neurodiagnostics focuses on electrical activity in the brain and nervous system of the body. These technologists record the body's electrical patterns and interpret the results to make the best diagnosis for the patient. People with sleep problems or epileptic seizures can regularly visit neurodiagnostics.
A medical degree is not required to become a neurodiagnostician. Employees may provide support to patients of all ages in hospitals, sleep clinics, research facilities and other locations. Neurodiagnoses often use electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to detect brain damage and the presence of neurological disorders such as epilepsy.
Training program for neurodiagnostic technologistsit can usually be completed in about 17 months.average wageNeurodiagnostic training costs $58,447, making the track a great option for career changers.
9. Flebotomists
A phlebotomy takes place every time blood is drawn. Phlebotomists collect blood samples for testing and transfusion, care for patients, and handle samples.
This is one of themthe fastest way to healthcareCareers (certification can take several weeks to several months) and allow you to work in hospitals, laboratories, private practice and mobile health services.
The average phlebotomist earned $34,000 in 2018.
10. Employees of occupational therapy and physiotherapy
If you're interested in rehabilitation medicine, occupational therapy and physical therapy are exciting areas to start.
Occupational therapy helps patients acquire the skills necessary for work and everyday life. With special equipment you can work with people who are recovering from injuries, have a disability and are ill for a long time.
Physical therapist assistants work with patients recovering from exercise-related injuries and illnesses. They help patients with exercises and stretches and observe patients for referral to a physical therapist.
You can begin a career as an occupational therapy assistant or physical therapist assistant with a two-year associate's degree (though you may need to return to school for a four-year degree before competition).
In 2018, occupational therapy assistants earned an average of $60,000, while physical therapy assistants earned an average of $58,000.
11. pharmaceutical technician
US Pacific Fleet /Flickr/CC BY-NC
SStudent debt for pharmacistsWith a pharmacy technician training costing upwards of $120,000, this is a much cheaper and faster route into the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmacy technicians prepare and dispense prescription medications, process insurance information, and work closely with pharmacists and patients.
It is possible to learn through on-the-job training, but many employers look for candidates with formal training. Take yoursCertification of a pharmaceutical technicianis a smart move and only takes a few months.
Pharmacy technicians earn an average salary of $32,700.
12. Endoscopic Technician
The main purpose of an endoscopic technician is to help doctors perform endoscopic surgeries. The endoscopy technician is usually the person responsible for disinfecting and setting up the instruments used during the endoscopy procedure. In some healthcare facilities, endoscopy technicians take samples from patients before surgery begins. The primary focus of the endoscopy technician is infection control.
These healthcare professionals can be found in endoscopy or gastroenterology departments in hospitals or emergency departments. This position is a fast-paced career that requires expertise in managing multiple patients. Patients residing in a medical facility can turn to endoscopy technicians for help. A large part of the work therefore consists of reassuring patients before the procedure and answering their questions.
As an endoscopy technician you are an integral part of the surgical team. You may be placed on the facility's waiting list if your department performs 24-hour endoscopies.
Most people think that to become an endoscopy technician you have to study medicine for years. However, this career can save you from accumulating a student loan. In most cases you can fill this intraining program for endoscopic techniciansin less than a year (about 10 months). The vast majority of endoscopic techniciansearn an average salary of $44,391 per year.
13. patient technician
A patient care technician focuses on providing individuals with the support they need to stay healthy and comfortable. These professionals communicate with the patient's doctors and nurses to keep them informed about the person's well-being. The responsibilities of the patient care technician include:basic care proceduressuch as CPR and vital signs assessment.
Patient care technicians work in all types of environments. Employees can support patients in nursing homes, hospitals and other places where people live 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every working day is different for a patient care worker, even if you work with the same group of people. Those in this role may need to help patients exercise, move patients between rooms, and collect blood samples.
If you want to become a patient care technician, a high school or GED diploma is usually required to enroll in a one-year internship. To get a certificate, it is necessary to pass an exam. Patient care technicianEarn about $30,830per year.
14. patient technician
Ideally, the doctor gives his undivided attention to the patient. However, this focus is difficult to maintain when there is a constant need for electronic health records (EHR) and other patient records.
The company doctor supervises the administrative work that takes place during and after the patient visit. You can almost think of medical writers as personal assistants to doctors. Individuals working in this position must be able to type quickly because they work with electronic medical record software on a daily basis. While all hospitals have medical records, the intent behind these entries is to increase efficiency so that doctors can spend more time with their patients instead of looking at screens.
Anyone who graduates from high school can become a medical scribe. It also helps to have experience as an office assistant or receptionist as you will be expected to maintain a steady pace. Medical writers make moneymedian salary of $35,270in America.
Are you ready to start a healthcare career with Allied?
While there are non-certified healthcare jobs, completing an accredited certification course will set you apart from the competition and result in better salary offers. If you are in the New Jersey area,Please contact an AIMS Education representativeto launch your future career!
FAQs
14 Hospital Jobs That Don't Require A Degree? ›
Which medical field is the easiest? Phlebotomy is the easiest medical field to get into and to practice. Part of your training can come online, and with an accelerated program, you can be ready for your state licensure exam in under a year. Phlebotomists draw blood and transport it for lab testing.
How can I make money in healthcare without a degree? ›- Hearing Aid Specialists.
- Surgical Technologists.
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPN or LVN)
- Massage Therapists.
- Dental Assistants.
- Medical Equipment Preparers.
- Opticians.
- EMTs and Paramedics.
Which medical field is the easiest? Phlebotomy is the easiest medical field to get into and to practice. Part of your training can come online, and with an accelerated program, you can be ready for your state licensure exam in under a year. Phlebotomists draw blood and transport it for lab testing.
What is the highest paying medical job with little schooling? ›A radiation therapist is one of the best-paying medical jobs with little schooling. Entry-level radiation therapists earn an average of $60,080 each year.
What medical job takes the least amount of schooling? ›Medical Assisting
You can start your career as a medical assistant in as little as 10 months by earning your diploma in medical assisting, or earn your associate degree in as little as 16-20 months to pursue roles with greater responsibility.
Some of the highest-paying jobs without a degree include technology sales manager, computer and information systems manager, and advertising and promotions manager. Construction manager, elevator and escalator installer, police detective, and web developer are also jobs that can pay $100,000 or more without a degree.
How to make $100 000 without a degree? ›- Information systems manager. National average salary: $103,861 per year. ...
- Fire chief. National average salary: $105,287 per year. ...
- Product manager. ...
- Senior engagement manager. ...
- Radiation therapist. ...
- Computer network architect. ...
- Senior real estate manager. ...
- Technical program manager.
- Caregiver. ...
- Medical Assistant. ...
- Medical Biller. ...
- Medical Secretary. ...
- Nursing Assistant. ...
- Occupational Therapy Aide. ...
- Patient Sitter. ...
- Psychiatric Aide.
- Medical Secretary.
- Caregiver.
- Medical assistant.
- Medical biller.
- Pharmacy technician.
- Phlebotomist.
- Phlebotomy technician.
- Medical transcriptionist.
- Diagnostic Sonographer. ...
- Medical Billing and Coding. ...
- Medical Assistant. ...
- Phlebotomy Technician. ...
- Occupational Therapist. ...
- Medical Administrative Assistant. ...
- Dental Assistant. ...
- Physical Therapy Assistant. Job Outlook 2020-2030: 32% (Much faster than average)14
What medical field does not require math? ›
- Allied Health.
- Medical Assisting.
- Medical Billing & Coding.
- Occupational Therapy.
- Phlebotomy.
- Physical Therapy Assisting.
- Radiologic Technology.
- Surgical Technology.
- Admitting Clerks. Admitting clerks are the front lines of hospitals. ...
- Activity Aide. An activity aide is kind of like the master of ceremonies at a nursing home. ...
- Dietary Aides. ...
- Pharmacy Technician. ...
- Nursing Aides.
Surgical specialities tend to yield the highest pay, while pediatricians typically take home the least, according to a recent report from Doximity. The networking service for medical professionals has released its 2023 Physician Compensation Report, tracking trends in physician pay nationwide.
What is the hardest healthcare job? ›- Pulmonologist. Nearly 66% of all job openings for pulmonologists were still unfilled after 60 days according to Indeed.com. ...
- Rheumatologist. ...
- Nurse Practitioner. ...
- Agency Nurse. ...
- Cardiologist. ...
- Radiologist. ...
- Emergency Medicine Physician. ...
- Psychiatrist.
What Is the Easiest Associate Degree to Get? The easiest associate degree to get is an online Associate Degree in General Studies, Liberal Studies, or Education. Although these online associate degree programs have flexible curricula, how easy you find your coursework will depend on your learning abilities and style.
What medical career has the shortest residency? ›What Is The Shortest Residency? Family medicine is the specialty that provides the shortest residency program in the U.S. as it only takes 3 years and possibly another year more if the resident opts to continue with the subspecialty fellowship.
How to make $1,000 a week without a degree? ›- Server. National average salary : $38,031 per year. ...
- Bartender. National average salary: $40,614 per year. ...
- Electrician. National average salary: $55,974 per year. ...
- Insurance agent. ...
- Dispatcher. ...
- Computer programmer. ...
- Food service manager. ...
- Machinist.
- Real estate associate. National average salary: $68,366 per year. ...
- Voice-over artist. National average salary: $77,630 per year. ...
- Business owner. National average salary: $93,295 + $9,500 in profit sharing per year. ...
- Inspector. ...
- Makeup artist. ...
- Sales representative. ...
- Web developer. ...
- Truck driver.
- Registered nurse. National average salary: $78,905 per year. ...
- Senior consultant. National average salary: $91,805 per year. ...
- Risk manager. National average salary: $88,879 per year. ...
- 4. Development director. ...
- IT manager. ...
- Professional athlete. ...
- Detective. ...
- Sales director.
- Physical therapy assistant.
- Route driver.
- Truck driver.
- Hotel manager.
- Maintenance mechanic.
- Solar installer.
- Medical coder.
- Carpenter.
What blue collar jobs pay 100K? ›
- Construction and building inspector. ...
- Structural iron and steel worker. ...
- Locomotive engineer. ...
- Radio and telecommunications equipment installer. ...
- Gas plant operator. ...
- Electrical line installer and repairer. ...
- Boilermaker. ...
- Powerhouse, substation and relay repairer.
- Property manager.
- Executive recruiter.
- Social media manager.
- Construction superintendent.
- Senior project manager.
- Human resources (HR) manager.
- Data engineer.
- Digital marketing manager.
- Nurse practitioner.
- Physician assistant.
- Physical therapist.
- Dentist.
- Veterinarian.
- Physician.
- Orthodontist.
- Registered nurse.
These improvements, alongside the high salary and fulfilling nature of healthcare, make being a nurse practitioner one of the happiest jobs in the medical field. Required education: Nurse practitioners must have both a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, as well as a graduate degree in the same discipline.
What is the hardest job in the hospital? ›- Dental Lab Tech. Last on the list of most stressful jobs are the Dental Lab Techs. ...
- Home Health Aide. ...
- Nurse's Aide. ...
- Respiratory Therapist. ...
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) ...
- Registered Nurse (RN) ...
- Physician Assistant. ...
- Physician (General Practice)
- Phlebotomy Technician. ...
- EKG Technician. ...
- Certified Nursing Assistant. ...
- Pharmacy Technician. ...
- Medical Assistant.
- Sociology. The heart of a sociology major's studies is about human behavior in its many forms, such as individually, culturally, and in organized groups. ...
- Journalism. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Education. ...
- Hospitality management. ...
- Business administration. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Finance.
Medical Transcriptionists
Medical transcription is one of the medical jobs with the least math involved. Medical transcription is an interesting, yet challenging career path that requires skills such as being able to concentrate intently and having solid healthcare knowledge.
Phlebotomist education requirements typically do not include advanced mathematics. However, some certification programs might prefer students with a 9th- or 10th-grade understanding of algebra or math.
What medical career is the least stressful? ›- Chiropractor.
- Audiologist.
- Surgical technician.
- Occupational therapist.
- Physical therapist.
- Biomedical engineer.
- Dental hygienist.
- Radiation therapist.
Who gets paid the least in a hospital? ›
Some lower paid workers in health facilities include nursing assistants, patient aides, medical technicians and janitorial workers.
What healthcare job has the best hours? ›- Medical Assistant. Medical Assistants can have a much more flexible schedule than many people might believe. ...
- Registered Nurse. ...
- Home Health Aide. ...
- Physical Therapist Aide. ...
- Medical Coder.
Dermatologists have an average annual salary of $394,000 per year and work an average of 45 hours per week, averaging $175 per hour. Dermatology is currently ranked #1 on the MSI competitiveness index as it is known to have a great lifestyle, and is the only specialty in the top 5 that is non-surgical.
Which medical specialty has the highest job satisfaction? ›Dermatologists have the highest job satisfaction among 29 medical specialties, while internal medicine physicians have the lowest, according to a 2022 speciality report from Medscape.
What is the most profitable medical specialty? ›Neurosurgeons are the highest paid physician specialists, earning an average of $788,313 annually, according to Doximity's "2023 Physician Compensation Report." The results were drawn from survey responses from 190,000 physicians over the last six years, including 31,000 in 2022.
Which hospital jobs are the most stressful? ›- 8 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses. ...
- 7 | Patient Representatives. ...
- 6 | Nurse Midwife. ...
- 5 | Nurse Anesthetists. ...
- 4 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ...
- 3 | Acute Care Nurses. ...
- 2 | Anesthesiologist Assistants. ...
- 1 | Urologists.
- Military. Coming first on our list of the hardest jobs in the world is the military.
- Healthcare Worker. There is just no rest for a health worker once the shift begins. ...
- Alaskan Crab Fisherman. ...
- Iron and Steel Worker. ...
- Roofer. ...
- Cell Tower Climber. ...
- Firefighter. ...
- Oil Rig Worker. ...
- Home health aide.
- Medical assistant.
- Nursing assistant.
- Physical therapy assistant.
- Licensed practical nurse.
- Registered nurse.
- Occupational therapist.
- Physical therapist.
Associate degrees are one of the fastest degrees that pay well, requiring only 60 credit hours—half the time required for bachelor's degrees—and professional certifications can take only anywhere between three and six months depending on the program you choose.
What degree makes the least money? ›- Hospitality and tourism. Average salary: $24,470 per year. ...
- Theology and religion. Average salary: $31,630 per year. ...
- Design and applied arts. Average salary: $49,290 per year. ...
- Visual and performing arts. ...
- Social work. ...
- Elementary education. ...
- Health and physical education. ...
- Psychology.
What is the quickest and easiest degree to get? ›
- Humanities.
- Liberal Arts.
- Linguistics.
- Music.
- Psychology.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
The lowest-paid residencies are in family medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine, ophthalmology, and public health.
Which residency is the least stressful? ›- Psychiatry. The psychiatry field often pays well, and the hours are not as abundant as in other medical specialties. ...
- Dermatology. ...
- Plastic Surgery. ...
- Ophthalmology. ...
- Orthopedics. ...
- Emergency Medicine. ...
- Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) ...
- Neurology.
Orthopedic surgery is one of the hardest medical residencies to match. It offers highly advanced career opportunities and salary prospects. It takes five years to complete the orthopedic neurosurgery residency training program.
How do you make money in the healthcare field? ›- Working Hard to Make Ends Meet.
- Perform Claim Reviews.
- Work as an Expert Witness.
- Perform Independent Medical Exams.
- Invent a New Medical Device.
- See Nursing Home Patients.
- Partner With Pharmaceutical or Device Companies.
- Provide Care to Prisoners.
- Invest in the stock market. ...
- Start your own business. ...
- Sell stuff online. ...
- Rent out your property. ...
- Start a consulting service. ...
- Take stock photography. ...
- Start a blog. ...
- Deliver food.
If you're looking for the most straightforward path, biological sciences, including majors like molecular biology, cell biology, and neuroscience, feature several courses that overlap with your medical school prerequisites. That's why nearly 60% of all applicants choose this major.
What is the least stressful medical field? ›- Psychiatry. The psychiatry field often pays well, and the hours are not as abundant as in other medical specialties. ...
- Dermatology. ...
- Plastic Surgery. ...
- Ophthalmology. ...
- Orthopedics. ...
- Emergency Medicine. ...
- Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) ...
- Neurology.
- Choose a Healthcare Path. So patient care? ...
- Get Healthcare Training. For most any healthcare career, you'll need training. ...
- Gain Experience in Healthcare. ...
- Find Opportunities to Network with Healthcare Professionals. ...
- Keep Up with Changes in Healthcare.
What are the highest-paying doctor jobs? Neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, and general surgeons are the highest-paid doctors. According to Payscale, neurosurgeons earned an average annual salary of $421,000 as of March 2023. Anesthesiologists made an average of $322,980, while general surgeons earned $296,000.
What health career makes the most money? ›
- Physician and Surgeon. The median pay for physicians and surgeons is $208,000 per year. ...
- Dentist. The median pay for dentists is $156,240 per year. ...
- Podiatrist. The median pay for podiatrists is $129,550 per year. ...
- Pharmacist. ...
- Nurse Practitioner. ...
- Optometrist. ...
- Physician Assistant. ...
- Veterinarian.