If you care about helping others and you want to make a difference in the world, you might be considering a career in the medical field. With the healthcare industry projected to grow by 18 percent between 2016 and 2026, a career in the medical field is a stable and lucrative option for many people. But what if you don’t have a Ph.D. or an MBA? Here are several high-paying medical jobs you can land if you don’t have a lot of formal education on your résumé.
Physician Assistant
If you’ve always wanted to be a doctor, but you don’t want to devote time, energy, or money to earning an advanced degree, a physician assistant is a high-paying alternative. Although physician assistants don’t perform surgeries, they perform most of the duties of a traditional doctor. Physician assistants create treatment plans, diagnose patients, and treat illnesses and injuries.
On average, physician assistants earn $100,000 annually. To become a physician assistant, you’ll need an undergraduate degree, as well as on-the-job training. As a physician assistant, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies that might arise on the job. Consequently, many physician assistants receive additional certification, including advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification, to supplement their degree. With eMedCert, physician assistants can renew their ACLS recertification online, allowing you to earn your ACLS at your convenience while earning up to 4.0 CME credits. To find out more about online ACLS recertification, visit https://emedcert.com/products/ACLS-recertification.
Audiologist
Audiologists examine patients with hearing, balance, and ear-related problems, diagnose hearing problems, and administer treatment to patients. According to the audiology experts at the Sound Relief Hearing Center, hearing problems can negatively affect a patient’s work life, social life, and ability to rest and relax. Diagnosing and treating patients with hearing-related problems can make a significant difference in a patient’s quality of life, allowing you to make a difference.
Before determining treatment options, audiologists perform a psychological assessment to measure the extent of a patient’s hearing loss. Treatment options vary depending on the patient’s condition and long-term goals. For example, tinnitus treatment can range from removing ear wax to administering sound therapy. Tinnitus is a constant buzzing or ringing sound in the ears, and its effects can be extremely frustrating. The market for audiologists to help patients such as those with tinnitus is high.
To become an audiologist, a doctoral degree in audiology (Au.D.) is required. If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, becoming an audiologist only requires four additional years of schooling. Audiologists must be licensed in all states and can earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. On average, audiologists earn $75,920 annually, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $117,910.
Dental Hygienist
A career in the dental industry allows individuals to enjoy the security and high earning potential of healthcare without having to work in a hospital. Although the duties of dental hygienists vary, dental hygienists typically educate patients on dental care, take X-rays, and clean and polish teeth. In busier dental offices, dentists rely on hygienists for help during dental procedures.
To become a dental hygienist, you’ll need an associate degree in dental hygiene. If you’re interested in advancing your career in the dental industry, you might consider completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Dental hygienist programs typically focus on teaching students how to use dental equipment and software.
Dental hygienists also need to develop great interpersonal skills, as they’re required to work with patients daily and explain different dental procedures in detail. In addition to a degree, dental hygienists must also earn a license in all states. On average, dental hygienists earn $75,000 annually.
For individuals passionate about helping patients live healthier and happier lives, the healthcare field is a perfect place to start. If you’re not sure which career is right for you, here’s a short quiz to find out how your interests fit with the Allied Health degrees you can earn through Eastern International College.
