One thing that happens to almost every student after high school is looking for jobs, and this might be to save up for College.
But the challenge they normally encounter is which field of work should I choose that will pay me high. If this is your case, we are now letting you know that there are high-paying medical jobs available with little schooling.
This means that you do not need to have a bachelor’s degree to work in the medical field. So if you want to have a career in the medical field, you might not require so much training to practice. While you wait to go to medical school, you can start up with some of these highest-paying jobs in the medical field.
Think about how wonderful it would be to find health care jobs that pay well and offer great opportunities, job security, personal growth, and low-stress work environments. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Well, what is even more incredible is that many of these jobs require less than four years of education.
You just need to take your time and read through these available, high-paying medical job offers that require little or no schooling and prepare for the future job.
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What Are the High-Paying Medical Jobs With Little Schooling?
If you want to start a medical career, this is for you. There are other options if you do not have enough money to attend medical school. Healthcare is a field that is growing and in high demand.
Therefore, you can find many high-paying medical and healthcare jobs with little or no schooling. We wouldn’t say it is the highest-paying healthcare job, but the pay is high enough for someone who does not have enough qualifications.
Here is a list of high-paying medical jobs with little or no schooling in 2024
1. Radiation Therapist
Average Annual Salary: $80,570
Radiation therapy is a job in medicine that pays well. As a radiation therapist, you will work with cancer patients, surgeons, oncologists, and more. Your main task will be administering radiation to patients using a high-energy X-ray machine.
In general, these patients will fight cancer. However, some diseases also require the use of radiation.
Job Description
You will need to explain the procedure to patients before you begin to administer radiation. You should also answer any questions that patients may have. You must follow several procedures to protect yourself and the patient from radiation.
They will also perform real x-rays on the patient to find the correct location of the disease before administering radiation. You will check patient records to determine if they have any allergies that may cause treatment problems.
You will also need formal training after high school for this career. You can choose to attend a vocational university or earn an associate’s degree.
However, it is one of the highest paying jobs in the medical field with little or no schooling. The job prospects for this career are excellent! It is expected to increase rapidly in the next ten years.
See our list of 15 Best Radiation Therapist Schools in 2023
#1. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Average Annual Salary: $75,660
Nuclear medicine technology is one of the jobs in the medical field that pays well. This career’s most important personal traits are a desire to help people and a love of science. It will help patients discover their medical problems and help doctors correctly diagnose patients.
You will need education beyond a high school diploma for this position. However, you can take an accredited nuclear medicine course or choose to pursue a university degree. Most of the jobs are in hospitals and clinics. However, some medical offices also have openings.
Job Description
As a nuclear medicine technician, you will prepare radioactive medications and give them to patients before the test. You can also take the tests. You will also answer all of your patients’ questions.
In addition, you will need to explain personal care to these patients after completing the test. In addition, you will also need to explain the best procedures for removing the radioactive dye from your bodies.
#2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Average Annual Salary: $62 000
Becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer is a great option, as it is one of the highest paying medical jobs requiring little schooling or training. But you will need additional education for this career.
However, it can be job training, a postsecondary scholarship without a diploma, or an associate’s degree. The job landscape is excellent for diagnostic ultrasound technologists, as it is expected to grow much faster soon.
Job Description
As a diagnostic medical sonographer, you will perform imaging tests showing what is happening in certain body areas. You may be the person who announces to your patients the exciting news that they are pregnant, or you may take pictures of muscles, joints, and other organs.
Also, as a diagnostic medical sonographer, you will take the patient’s medical history before the exam and answer any questions you may have. In this position, you can work in a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office.
#3. Medical Equipment Repairer
Average Annual Salary: $58,820
A medical equipment repairer installs and maintains patient equipment. This ranges from straightforward walkers to complex machines, such as MRI machines.
Most of these jobs are in hospitals. However, you can also find work in doctor’s offices, doctor’s offices, and some clinics.
Although most of these jobs are day shifts, throughout the week, there may be times when needed during off-peak hours or on weekends.
A Medical Equipment Repairer is one of the high-paying medical jobs that does not require a degree but a little schooling. The career prospects for medical device repair technicians are good as they are expected to grow in the next ten years.
Job Description
As a Medical Equipment Repairer, you can be the person responsible for troubleshooting problems, as well as the person responsible for solving the problem. The tools you will use as a medical equipment repair technician will vary.
You may only need a simple screwdriver to tighten a few screws. Or you may need complex computer software, especially when working on larger diagnostic machines, such as MRI scanners and CT scanners.
You can also choose to specialize in a team area. You will work with other technicians, nurses, and doctors in this career. You may meet patients while you are working.
#4. Surgical Technologist
Average Annual Salary: $56,310
As a surgical technologist, you will be responsible for assisting doctors and nurses during medical procedures. Many job opportunities will offer on-the-job training as it is a hospital job that does not require a degree.
However, if you are motivated to return to school, you can earn an associate’s degree to become a surgical technologist. Employment forecasts for surgical technicians are expected to increase by 12% in the next ten years.
Job Description
You may be responsible for preparing the operating room, ensuring the doctor has all the necessary tools, and preparing the patient for surgery once in the operating room.
In this healthcare career, you may also be responsible for handing out tools to surgeons, cutting sutures, moving lights, and tracking surgical items.
Once the surgery is complete, it may be the person who takes the patient to the recovery room or their room. Also, it can be the person who cleans the operating room after the surgery.
Surgical technologists are one of the high-paying medical jobs that do not require a degree but little schooling.
#5. Registered Nurse
Average Annual Salary: $55,030
As a registered nurse, you may check a patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure and oxygen levels. To work in this career, you must have a state-specific license, a high school and secondary education diploma, preferably a bachelor’s degree.
Job prospects for nurses are excellent! It is expected to grow faster than average in the next ten years and it is one of the jobs in the medical field that pays well.
Job Description
Apart from being responsible for checking a patient’s vital signs, other tasks may include inserting and starting intravenous therapy and keeping doctors up-to-date on the patient’s condition. You can also do simple tasks like cleaning wounds and changing bandages. You can talk to your patients or caregivers about proper home care.
Your specific duties may vary depending on the company you choose to work for. Features will also vary considerably, depending on the needs of your patients.
Registered Nurse is one of the high-paying medical jobs that does not require a degree but little schooling.
#6. Medical Transcriptionist
Average Annual Salary: $48,320
There are professional colleges that teach medical transcription techniques, but it is a medical job that does not require a degree. Many transcription jobs are available in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and more.
You may also choose to work for yourself in this position. Keep in mind that this job can be competitive because job forecasts are falling.
Medical Transcriptionist is one of the high-paying medical jobs that does not require a degree but little schooling.
Job Description
As a medical transcriptionist, also known as a medical documentation specialist, your main task is to listen to voice recordings created by doctors or medical personnel and create a written report.
These reports can contain a patient’s medical history, current body statistics, documents that happened during an appointment, and other essential items.
You may not be doing the transcription in this area, as some doctors use voice recognition programs. However, your main task may be to review these notes to ensure they are correct.
See our article on Medical Transcriptionist Job Description: Careers, Salary, Cost, Schools
#7. Phlebotomist
Average Annual Salary: $46,670
Obtaining an education for this career is a must! Because it will work with blood, cross-contamination and other medical problems can easily occur. Although this is a hospital job that does not require a degree.
Attending a vocational school will provide you with the training you need to land a job and receive a post-secondary diploma certificate without a diploma.
However, a phlebotomist is one of the high-paying medical jobs that does not require a degree but little schooling.
A phlebotomist’s career prospects are excellent! It is expected to grow by 25% in the next ten years.
Job Description
As a phlebotomist, your primary duty will be to draw blood from another person’s body. You can do this for blood tests or blood transfusions.
However, you may also need to insert intravenous catheters into patients. You will be the person who will explain the procedure to your patient. Many people hate the idea of being pricked by needles, so a reasonable explanation may be the key to the proper procedure.
You also need to pay close attention to details as you can see multiple patients in a short time, and it is imperative to add the correct label and perform the appropriate tests.
You must also have excellent dexterity skills because you will be placing a needle in someone’s arm or hand. Also, you must have the excellent concentration to ensure you touch the patient’s vein or artery the first time.
#8. Medical Secretary
Average Annual Salary: $44 000
If you are organized and want to work in an official environment, a medical secretary is a perfect career for you.
You may think that secretaries don’t have many roles, but the truth is, medical secretaries, have a wide variety of responsibilities, such as:
- Schedule appointments
- Manage doctor hours
- Management of medical records.
- Work as a line of communication between patients and doctors.
To become a medical secretary, you must earn an associate degree or undergo a special training program.
The last option is much faster than attending classes.
Job Description
Since you must be a vital part of the health care industry, you must be able to work quickly and use technology.
Additionally, medical secretaries must be familiar with medical terminology, coding, and billing. In fact, a medical secretary is a primary link between patients and a medical centre, especially if it is a small clinic or a private practice.
If you like working as a secretary and communicating with people, this is a perfect option for you.
#9. Occupational Therapist Aide
Average Annual Salary: $38 000
Many occupational therapists have private offices instead of working in hospitals and clinics.
If you work for an occupational therapist who has a private office, you’re lucky because it’s less stressful than working in a hospital.
To become an OTA, you need a high school diploma and on-the-job training. To become an official “assistant,” you must have an associate’s degree.
The amount of training determines your responsibilities.
An average salary you can earn is $28,000.
Job Description
An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the guidance of occupational therapists and is intended to help patients overcome many physical, mental, or emotional difficulties.
In addition, as an assistant to an occupational therapist, the OTA must perform tasks such as making appointments, managing supplies, and insuring them. In other words, you should be able to do any job that can help an occupational therapist you work with.
This is an opportunity to learn how to balance office problems and work with patients.
See our article on How can I become an Occupational Therapist? Schools, Cost Programs & Salary
#10. Home Health Aide
Average Annual Salary: $32 000
If you want to start your career in medicine but don’t like hospital work days, you should look for the opportunity to become a home health aide.
These people work with patients at home, and the work rate is much slower. If you want to become a home health aide, there are certain certifications available. But you can start your career with just a high school diploma or GED.
It is a great opportunity to gain experience and learn to communicate with people. Also, you don’t need specific medical knowledge.
Job Description
Typically, home health aides work with elderly patients or people with disabilities. Home health aides do a variety of tasks, including things like washing, preparing meals, and other household chores.
In addition, they help their patients with nutritional problems and provide personal care. This job will be a perfect choice for those who want to communicate with patients and like to help people.
A home caregiver has only one or two patients so they can pay enough attention to each person.
Typically, a homemaker’s salary is around $22,000 a year.
Of course, it is not the highest salary, but the fact is that this job is the least stressful and that you can manage your work hours yourself.
What are the Highest Paying Medical Jobs you can get with a Bachelor’s Degree?
There is an opportunity now for you to have a career with just a bachelor’s degree. We will be listing out these careers for you.
Here is a list of the Highest Paying Medical Jobs you can get with a Bachelor’s Degree:
#1. Nurse Anesthetists
Average Annual Salary: $167,950
To become one of these advanced practice registered nurses, workers must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in an approved medical program. To qualify, they must have a registered nursing license before continuing with such education.
Prospective nurse anesthetists must also have one year of clinical experience as a prerequisite for admission to a registered nurse anesthetist program. Applicants generally have experience as registered nurses in intensive care or intensive care settings.
Job Description
These nurses provide anesthesia and related care during surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetric procedures. Before a procedure begins, it is your responsibility to review the patient’s current medication and any allergies or illnesses they may have to ensure that anesthesia can be administered safely.
They then give anesthesia to the patient or apply local anesthesia to numb a certain body area. They will remain with patients during a procedure to verify their health and adjust anesthesia if necessary.
See our list of 13 Best Anesthesiologist Assistant Programs in the World 2023
#2. Physician Assistants
Average Annual Salary: $108,610
To become a PA, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. It usually takes two years of full-time study to complete. All states require medical assistants to be licensed, which means they must pass the national medical assistant certification exam.
Additionally, state licensing laws require that a medical assistant must come to an agreement with a supervising physician since collaboration between physicians and physician assistants is necessary for practice.
Job Description
These workers, commonly known as PAs, help doctors and surgeons examine, diagnose, and treat patients.
They may be asked to review a patient’s medical history, examine a patient, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose an injury or illness, provide treatment, prescribe medication, and advise patients about their health.
The extent to which physicians or surgeons must supervise a PA differs from state to state. Still, in rural and underserved communities, PAs generally function as primary care providers in clinics only one or two days a week.
Don’t have Money for School? Check out these Physician Assistant Scholarships
#3. Nurse Practitioners
Average Annual Salary: $107,030
To become one of these advanced practice registered nurses, workers must obtain at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited medical program. They must also have a registered nurse license before pursuing studies in these advanced practice roles as a nurse practitioner.
Job Description
These nurses serve as primary and specialty care providers. They often work independently or in collaboration with doctors. They evaluate patients to determine the best way to treat or manage a person’s health problem.
Many nurses specialize in managing certain needs, such as geriatric health, pediatric health, or psychiatric and mental health.
#4. Nurse-Midwives
Average Annual Salary: $103,770
To become one of these advanced practice registered nurses, workers must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in an approved medical program. They must also have a registered nurse license before continuing their education to become a nurse-midwife.
Job Description
These nurses specialize in caring for women. They perform gynecological exams and provide family planning services and prenatal care.
They also give birth to babies, manage emergencies on the job, such as bleeding, repair lacerations, and can provide surgical assistance to physicians during cesarean deliveries. Nurse-midwives can act as primary care providers for women and newborns.
#5. Occupational Therapists
Average Annual Salary: $84,270
These workers help people find or develop the skills necessary for daily life. They work with patients to perform therapeutic exercises and stretches, involve children with developmental disabilities in play activities to help with coordination or socialization, and teach patients how to use special equipment to facilitate their tasks, such as eating. They work with occupational therapists to create and implement the treatment plan for each patient.
Most occupational therapists enter the profession with a master’s degree.
Highest Paying Healthcare Jobs that Don’t Require a Graduate Degree
Healthcare is one of the noblest but most difficult careers you can pursue. With jobs in the medical field ranging from entry-level positions to careers in healthcare that require more than a decade of training, healthcare has something for everyone motivated, passionate, and resilient.
From associate degrees to medical doctorates, there is an educational path that can offer a profitable and sustainable career. If you have what it takes to finish school, you will be rewarded with a rewarding and impactful working life.
However, there is an opportunity now for you to have a career without having a graduate degree. We will be listing out these careers for you.
So here is a list of Highest Paying Healthcare Jobs that might not require a Graduate Degree:
#1. Cytotechnologist
Average Annual Salary: $61,000
If you are at the forefront of medicine, cytotechnology may be for you. These laboratory professionals study cells and cellular abnormalities with a bachelor’s degree and graduate from an accredited cytotechnology program.
Cytotechnologists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating diseases and illnesses in the early stages. The demand for experienced cytotechnologists is increasing and will continue to grow for the next twenty years as genetic research continues to uncover clues to the early detection of cancer, and inherited and infectious diseases.
#2. Dietician and Nutritionist
Average Annual Salary: $55,000
Dietitians and nutritionists need a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition followed by supervised training. Collaborating with doctors, dietitians, and nutritionists, develop meal plans and schedules to help patients maintain healthier lifestyles.
Nutritionists and dietitians can work in hospitals, long-term care centers, or cancer centers where dietary needs are individualized for optimal patient care and recovery.
The national trend toward healthier eating habits and lifestyles means that the job market for dietitians and nutritionists is increasing.
#3. Respiratory Therapist
Average Annual Salary: $54 000
Respiratory therapists focus on helping patients who have difficulty breathing due to asthma, emphysema, or other chronic lung conditions.
Therapists can work with premature babies with underdeveloped lungs and the elderly with lung diseases such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, or other lung disorders.
Generally, an associate’s degree is required to become a respiratory therapist, and most states also require a license.
#4. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
Average Annual Salary: $49 000
To work as a clinical and medical laboratory technician, an associate or bachelor’s degree, preferably in medical laboratory science or a health-related field, or a postsecondary certificate. Followed by a program of study is required. Includes chemistry, biology, mathematics, and microbiology.
In addition, courses in clinical laboratory skills and management may be required. Technicians take samples and perform laboratory tests on body fluids, tissues, and other substances using sophisticated equipment and computers.
Hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, doctor’s offices, and clinics employ clinical and medical laboratory technicians.
A fast-growing field it is estimated that employment in this field could grow 30% in the next ten years.
Average Annual Salary: $48 000
Unless you’re lucky enough to have health insurance with your employer, choosing a health insurance plan can be more than confusing. Health Navigators are specially trained individuals who work with communities, individuals, and businesses to help navigate the complexities of the new Affordable Care Act.
Grants from state funds fund health and training navigators. Check with local organizations like United Way, community health centers, universities, and foundations to learn about Navigator opportunities in your area.
Ways To Start A Medical Career Fast In 2023
We have put together a guide for you on how to start a medical career and choose an easy job. Some options are listed based on the duration of the training. You should know that most of the careers offered are entry-level positions.
In other words, there is always an opportunity to improve and promote your career. In fact, it is an ideal opportunity to start your medical career and save time and money.
If you decide to advance your career, you can still continue your education and earn a higher position.
Startup your medical career by going to any of these schools in our 2024 World Best Medical School Rankings | UPDATED
What medical position requires the least amount of education?
A Diploma in Practical Nursing is the shortest degree required for a profession in medicine (DPN). You can become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and start the process of becoming a registered nurse in as little as one year (RN). Runners-up for the medical career with the least amount of education: 16+ months as a dental assistant.
Highest Paying Medical Jobs FAQs
Can one get high paying medical jobs with little or no schooling in 2024?
Here is a list of high paying medical jobs with little or no schooling in 2024:
1. Radiation Therapist
2. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
4. Medical Equipment Repairer
5. Surgical Technologist
6. Registered Nurse
7. Medical Transcriptionist
8. Phlebotomist
9. Medical Secretary
10. Occupational Therapist Aide
11. Home Health Aide
Can I get high paying Medical Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree?
Here is a list of the Highest Paying Medical Jobs you can get with a Bachelor’s Degree:
1. Nurse Anesthetists
2. Physician Assistants
3. Nurse Practitioners
4. Nurse-Midwives
5. Occupational Therapists
Here is a list of Highest Paying Healthcare Jobs that might not require a Graduate Degree:
1. Cytotechnologist
2. Dietician and Nutritionist
3. Respiratory Therapist
4. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
5. Healthcare Navigator
In Conclusion
If you’re interested in a medical career, you might consider going to medical school to become a doctor. But if you don’t have money for medical school, that doesn’t mean you can’t work in the medical field.
Above are 21 high-paying healthcare jobs you should consider if you’re interested in helping people, but aren’t keen on the idea of becoming a doctor. Or you are not financially buoyant.
References
- edsmart.org – Highest Paying Medical Jobs With Little Schooling
- bestmedicaldegrees.com – TOP 30 U.S. HEALTHCARE CAREERS THAT DON’T REQUIRE A GRADUATE DEGREE
- cnbc.com – 14 high-paying in-demand health-care jobs you can get without an MD or PhD
- vocationaltraininghq.com – High Paying Medical Jobs (with Little Schooling!)