You don’t need to spend a lifetime in school to get an excellent career in the medical field. You can choose a career suitable for your goals and be ready for it in a shorter time span. For instance, you can train for just about 6 weeks for local CMA training!
Professions such as medical assistant and phlebotomy technician only require a certificate of completion. Registered nurses, x-ray technicians, and sonographers need associate degrees. Additionally, there will be some other positions in medicine requiring bachelor's degrees.
If you see yourself working in the medical field without necessarily going to medical school, then read on to learn about the different options that could be waiting for you.
Read about the different nursing careers here.
Read about healthcare administration careers.
In-Demand Medical Careers Requiring Certifications
With a certificate of completion in one of these many medical positions, you can quickly go from classroom to patient care. Getting a certificate can take anywhere from a few weeks to approximately 6-9 months, depending on your program. Let's explore some of the possibilities open to students who complete certificate programs.
Emergency Medical Technician
Main article: EMT Career
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) play an important role under the broader title of emergency medical services (EMS). EMTs are entry-level patient care workers, followed by advanced emergency medical technicians (AEMTs), and then, paramedics as the highest level of first responders. EMTs happen to be the most common provider of emergency medical care in the entire EMS community, and they are highly skilled at aiding those in life-threatening instances.
What EMTs do
EMTs are qualified to perform life-saving procedures such as CPR, oxygen administration, vital sign documentation, spinal immobilization, and basic airway management. You’ll respond to most emergencies — from car accidents, heart attacks, to childbirth, and more. Usually called in by an emergency dispatch like 911, EMTs arrive on scene, ready to work alongside other emergency responders to administer necessary treatment.
Read: What An EMT Does
How to become an EMT
One of the great things about going into EMS is that the field tends to have a lot of room for upward job growth. After receiving your EMT license, you may take continuing education courses for career advancement.
The most common corporate ladder of EMS careers follow the structure listed below:
- EMT: 1-3 months of training from an accredited school
- AEMT: 400 hours of additional training to be qualified for certification
- Paramedic: 6 months to 2 years of education, often through an associate degree program
- Firefighter: 3-6 months of academy training with several hundred hours of field work involved
When it comes to emergency medical careers, they are often used as a stepping stone to jump into higher-level medical careers. Many EMTs eventually go into the medical field; it’s not uncommon for EMTs to further their education and become registered nurses or even doctors. Becoming an EMT is a great move to make for those looking to live out a career in the medical field.
Steps to becoming an EMT:
- Get your high school diploma or GED
- Complete EMT training
- Pass your state exam for certification
- Consider advanced EMT training or an associate degree as your next step
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for EMTs in 2023 was $43,100, with the top 10 percent making $59,390 or more. The BLS also predicts that demand for EMTs is expected to increase 5 percent by 2032, which is growth as fast as the national average for careers nationwide.
Home Health Aide
A home health aide (HHA) cares for physically, mentally, and emotionally ill individuals within the comfort of the patient's home. Some HHAs work with patients for several months or even years. Others care for multiple patients in a single day’s schedule. Caring for the sick at home can make a noticeable difference in their quality of life.
What home health aides do
Under the supervision of a medical team, you will be taking care of patients who may need short term care as well as those who require full time, long term supervision. Your responsibilities as a home health aide will vary case by case. You may have to administer oral medications, check stats, help patients mobilize, dress, and bathe, and assist them with their braces or artificial limbs. Your work hours may far exceed 40 hours per week, depending on the patient you’re helping. The career path of home health aides can be difficult but rewarding.
Read: What a Home Health Aide Does
How to become a home health aide
To become a home health aide, take these steps.
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- Your educational requirements will depend on your employer. Medicaid and Medicare funded organizations will have you complete formal training. Many private companies will give you training right on the job.
- If your employer wants you to have a certificate, many community colleges and trade schools offer these programs. They last about 1 semester.
- Consider getting your certification from the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC). Seventy-five hours of training along with passing a written exam are the requirements.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for home health aides in 2023 was $33,380, with the top 10 percent making $42,450 or more. The BLS also expects that by 2032, demand for home health aids will increase 22 percent, which is much faster growth than the national average.
Lab Technician
Read the main article: Medical Lab Technician
As a lab technician, you’ll collect, examine, and test a variety of different fluids, cells, and other bodily substances. You’ll work under the supervision of a lab technologist or lab manager to determine and record results of patient tests.
What lab technicians do
Lab technicians have many responsibilities. There will be body fluids to analyze and samples to study. Laboratory equipment will need to be operated; some machines will be highly sophisticated, helping you perform some of the analyzing and studying. Once you’ve completed your research, you’ll log that data into the patient’s medical record. From there, you and the team of physicians in charge of the patient will have a conversation based on your findings.
How to become a lab technician
To become a lab technician, you first must generally complete this series of steps:
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- You’ll need to get a laboratory technician associate degree, which you can complete at a community college. Make sure that whatever program you enroll in is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science. There will be clinical rotations included in your program.
- Meet the health requirements: Pass a physical exam and show proof of immunizations.
- Your state may want you to have a license. Requirements vary by state and specialty. Certification may also be necessary, depending on your state. Keep in mind, even if certification is not required for your state, many employers will prefer technicians to be certified.
- To keep your license and certification current, you need to participate in a program for continuing education credits.
- As you grow and develop in your field, you can take more classes and gain more licenses and certifications that can help you to advance.
Find a lab technology program.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for clinical laboratory technicians in 2023 was $62,870, with the top 10 percent making $93,900 or more. Demand for laboratory technicians by 2032 is expected to increase 5 percent, which is growth slightly faster than the national average.
Medical Assistant
Main article: Medical Assistant Career
Medical assistants perform routine administrative tasks that keep physicians and their offices running. From greeting patients upon arrival to checking blood pressure or drawing blood, medical assistants are responsible for the completion of these standard procedures. Medical assistants work under the direction of a licensed physician.
What medical assistants do
Medical assistants have different responsibilities, both administrative and clinical, based on the office where they are employed. Administrative duties include answering phones, greeting patients, scheduling appointments, and arranging for hospital admission. Medical assistants are also responsible for keeping the waiting room and exam rooms clean and sterile and may be in charge of ordering supplies and tools.
Clinical tasks include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, preparing patients, and assisting the physician with exams. Some clinical duties require more attention and can only be performed by the medical assistant if the state law permits. Medical assistants may also collect and prepare laboratory specimens, perform basic lab tests, administer injections, and remove stitches.
How to become a medical assistant
To become a medical assistant, there are certain steps you must take:
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- You can choose the certificate or associate degree route. Certificates take as few as 9 months to earn. Associate degrees take up to 2 years. Many online training programs are available to students, as well.
- Become certified — while certification is not required, it is recommended.
Find a medical assisting program now.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for medical assistants in 2023 was $43,350, with the top 10 percent making $56,480 or more. Demand for medical assistants is expected to increase 14 percent by 2032.
Medical Imaging
As a medical imaging technologist, you will use different equipment and techniques to image certain areas of a patient’s body to help diagnose, treat, and monitor medical diseases, conditions, and injuries. If you are someone who is great with technology and passionate about patient care, a future in medical imaging may be ideal for you.
What Medical Imaging Specialists do
A medical imaging specialist may use a variety of techniques and equipment on the job daily. You will operate MRIs, CT scanners, X-rays, ultrasound equipment, endoscopy equipment, MR scanners, PET scans, and more. Typically, medical imaging technologists perform medical imaging as instructed by a doctor, and then record the results. You typically will work in a hospital or other medical facility.
Salary and job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that medical imaging specialists in 2023 earned an average of $75,250, with the top 10 percent making $102,380 or more. Demand for medical imaging specialists by 2032 is expected to increase 6 percent.
Find a medical imaging program near you.
Medical Sonography
A medical sonographer works within the medical imaging field to take and interpret medical images, and to help doctors diagnose and treat certain conditions. Medical sonographers play an important role in identifying a patient’s diagnosis and treating it as soon as possible.
If you are someone who is great with technology, enjoys problem solving, and is passionate about patient care, you may enjoy being a medical sonographer.
What Medical Sonographers do
Sonography uses high frequency soundwaves to capture images of a patient’s body. A medical sonographer differs from radiologists by their use of these soundwaves as opposed to radiation.
While many associate ultrasound work with pregnant patients, sonographers are also able to take images of the heart and vascular systems, abdominal region, and musculoskeletal systems as well. Working as a sonographer, you will be able to help doctors and specialists diagnose and treat certain medical conditions, diseases, or injuries.
Salary and job outlook
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical sonographers in 2023 earned an average of $89,020, with the top 10 percent making $116,300 or more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts that by 2032, demand for sonographers will increase 10 percent, which is faster growth than the national average.
Find a medical sonography program near you.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational therapy assistants help in the care and recovery of patients that seek occupational therapy. Not only do they aid occupational therapists, but they help ensure patient care is running smoothly and patient goals are being met. If you are someone who enjoys helping people, physical activity, and fostering solutions, a career as an occupational therapy assistant may be a great fit for you.
What Occupational Therapy Assistants do
As an occupational therapy assistant, you may find yourself working in a variety of clinical settings such as medical offices, hospitals, or nursing care facilities. You can expect to spend the majority of your shift on your feet, whether you are setting up or cleaning equipment, providing therapy to patients, or assisting therapists with daily tasks.
Practicing OTAs may assist people with special needs, people who have recently been involved in an accident, people with a disability, and even youth. You generally will need at least an associate degree, or a certificate in occupational therapy assisting to get started toward your career.
Salary and job outlook
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, OTAs in 2023 earned an average of $68,170, with the top 10 percent making $89,230 or more. The BLS also predicts that by 2032, demand for OTAs will increase 23 percent, which is much faster growth than the national average.
Find an occupational therapy assistant program near you.
Phlebotomy Technician
Main article: Phlebotomy Technician
It is very common that during a visit to the doctor's office, the patient has to have his or her blood drawn. Regardless of the reason for the blood sample, phlebotomy technicians are responsible for collecting and delivering it to the laboratory for testing. You are a crucial member of the clinical team, getting results for both the patient and doctor.
What a phlebotomy technician does
When you start your certified phlebotomy technician (CPT) career, you will collect, label, and transport blood specimens as directed by prescribing physicians or supervising medical professionals. You will work in hospitals, labs, medical offices, or blood donation organizations. You will typically work directly with patients to perform basic phlebotomy procedures, evaluate patients' ability to withstand a venipuncture procedure, explain such procedures, perform basic point of care testing such as blood glucose tests. You may also prepare blood, urine, and other body fluid specimens for testing according to established government standards.
How to become a phlebotomy technician
To become a phlebotomy tech, there are a few steps you must take:
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a phlebotomy training program through a community college or trade school. Both take under one year to finish. You must go through an accredited program to be eligible for any of the following certification exams.
- Get your certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology, American Medical Technologists, or the American Association of Medical Personnel. Each organization has its own set of requirements. Employers prefer candidates who have at least one of these certifications.
- Some states will require you to be licensed.
Find a phlebotomy technician program now.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for phlebotomy technicians in 2023 was $43,130, with the top 10 percent making $55,330 or more. The BLS also reported that the demand for phlebotomy technicians is expected to increase 8 percent by 2032.
Medical Careers Requiring Associate Degrees
If you attend school full time, you can complete an associate degree in 2 years. Let's examine possible careers for those with associate degrees.
Anesthesia Technician
As an anesthesia technician, you’ll be administering medications to patients who are in pain or are about to undergo surgery. You’ll be part of the medical team who preps the patient and the instruments needed for the anesthesia procedure.
What anesthesia technicians do
You will clean and sterilize the equipment, as well as order the necessary supplies for your medical team or department. Not only will you prep patients for procedures, you also will be staying with them throughout the duration — as well as afterward. You may have to provide the patient with comfort and support.
How to become an anesthesia technician
To find a job as an anesthesia technician, fulfill these requirements:
- Graduate high school or get your GED.
- Get an associate degree in anesthesia technology.
- Complete your clinical segment. Not all programs will require this, but the experience may help you get a job after you graduate.
- Become a certified anesthesia tech through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians. You need either two years of experience through an internship or the completion of an associate degree.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for anesthesia technicians in 2023 was $130,490, with the top 10 percent making $170,790 or more. The BLS expects demand for anesthesia technicians to increase 27 percent by 2032.
Exercise Science
Exercise science is a field of study involving the understanding of cardiovascular, muscular, and neurological systems, and how they benefit from and relate to exercise. There are multiple careers that fall under the exercise science umbrella, including but not limited to: dietitians, occupational therapy assistants, athletic directors, sports psychology, and athletic directors.
If you are someone who has always been athletically inclined, and would like to translate your talents into a career, a future in exercise science may be a great fit for you.
What Exercise Science professionals do
Exercise science fields specifically focus on studying the way exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help to manage and treat acute and chronic injuries and health conditions. Exercise science specialists may focus on biology, chemistry, and any other applied sciences to help their patients. A variety of industries employ those in the exercise science field, including, athletic centers, specific clinics, and even hospitals.
Education
A degree in exercise science can open you up to an array of different career options, and receiving specific certifications in your chosen field can increase your hiring potential. You can get into the field with a certificate or an associate degree, however, certain exercise science careers may require a bachelor's degree.
Find an exercise science program near you.
Health Science
A career in health science can include clinical and nonclinical concentrations that merge science and healthcare. The umbrella term of health science can apply to a variety of careers.
Specific occupations in the health science field include medical assistants, phlebotomists, dental hygienists, health education specialists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, and more. Some of these occupations may require certification and clinical training to work in the field.
What Health Science professionals do
Health science careers involve many different occupations in healthcare settings. A health science professional may work in clinical laboratories, administration, engineering science, nursing, dentistry, rehabilitation therapies, pharmacy, public health, sports medicine, and many other fields involving health care.
You may find yourself working in clinical laboratories conducting research, or in a more hands-on setting working with patients. Your responsibilities will depend on your specific job title, experience, and level of education.
Find a health science program near you.
Radiation Therapist
As a radiation therapist, you will treat patients with cancer and other diseases that require radiation as part of their treatments.
What radiation therapists do
As a radiation therapist, you will know how to operate the machines used to administer radiation. You’ll be part of the patient’s oncology team trying to eradicate the cancer. You will be explaining the treatment and answering the patient’s questions while monitoring their progress and keeping records. You’ll also be in charge of maintaining the equipment to make sure it’s working properly.
How to become a radiation therapist
Before you can get hired as a radiation therapist, you must first follow these steps:
- You need a high school diploma or GED. You must have two years of math and science.
- Get a CPR certification.
- You can get a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. Employers prefer an associate or a bachelor’s, but you still may be able to get hired with a certificate. Certificates take about 12 months, associate degrees take 2 years, and bachelor’s degrees take 4 years if you attend full time.
- Most states will require you to have a license. You will have to pass the certification exam given through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certifications may be required for you to get a job.
- Pass a background test, and have up to date immunizations.
- Continuing education is necessary in order to renew your license and certifications.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for radiation therapists in 2023 was $104,420, with the top 10 percent making $136,910 or more. It is expected that by 2032, demand for radiation therapists will increase slightly at 2 percent.
Radiologic Technology (X-Ray Tech)
A career in radiography involves taking photos. These aren’t the kind of pictures that you hang on the wall or ones you flip through in a coffee table photo album (unless, of course, you want to). A radiography technician (RT) is responsible for taking radiologic images, such as X-rays, which assist physicians in diagnosing patients.
What radiologic technicians do
As a radiologic technician, you will work directly under a radiologist. You will use a variety of different imaging methods depending on what the attending physician requests. The imaging techniques you’ll learn in school and use on a daily basis include basic x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography.
Your responsibilities will be instructing and positioning patients for accurate imagery, keeping radiographic equipment in good working order, obtaining images for areas requested by the physician or radiologist, using radiation on the patient when necessary, managing work schedules, keeping patient records organized, assisting physicians and radiologists when needed, and preventing radiation exposure from particular areas of the patient's body.
Steps to becoming a radiologic technician
Most students who decide to become a radiologic technician complete an associate degree, which typically takes up to 2 years to complete. Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree, which is a four-year program if you attend full time. A certification program can take between 6 months to a few years to complete. Programs usually consist of online, classroom, and clinical training.
- Enroll in a certificate or associate degree program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
- Once you’ve completed the program, become certified through ARRT. This is an optional step, yet one preferred by most employers.
- Most states will require you to get your license, so you will need to do this before you can get a job working as a radiography (x-ray) technician.
- Get a job as an x-ray technician.
- Consider getting more certifications, which will increase your employment opportunities.
- Keep up with your continuing education requirements and renew your certification or license. Validity ranges 1-4 years depending on the state.
Find a radiologic technology program now.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for x-ray technicians in 2023 was $75,250, with the top 10 percent making $102,380 or more. The BLS also expects that demand for radiologic technicians will increase 6 percent by 2032, which is slightly faster growth than that of the national average.
Respiratory Therapist
Breathing functions can be restricted through conditions like respiratory disease, heart attacks, drowning, shock, and other issues constricting airflow to and from the lungs. A radiation therapist uses his or her training to help patients regain their breathing functions.
What respiratory therapists do
Using tests, you evaluate a patient’s breathing ability. Through ventilation devices, you will help patients—from premature babies to geriatric—expand their respiratory function. There is a lot of standing and lifting involved in the career, so a certain amount of physical stamina and strength is recommended. Head to work every day at a hospital, nursing home, or medical office, and stay sometimes longer than 8 hours. Plus, you may have to work weekends, especially if you are employed in a hospital.
Steps to becoming a respiratory therapist
Before you can start working as a respiratory therapist, there are some steps you need to take:
- Get an associate degree in respiratory therapy or choose a bachelor degree program in the same field. Keep in mind that these days most employers prefer their hires to have a bachelor’s degree. Choose a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
- Every state (except Alaska) requires licensing for respiratory therapists, so you’ll need to fulfill this requirement to be state certified.
- Take and pass the voluntary National Board for Respiratory Care exam to earn a certification employers like to see.
- There are additional certifications you can think about getting to advance your career. Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Basic Life Support, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support are just a few to seriously consider.
- Continuing education and maintaining your license are two things you’ll need to remember to do.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for respiratory therapist in 2023 was $80,340, with the top 10 percent making $104,480 or more. The BLS also reports that demand for respiratory therapists will increase 13 percent by 2032, which is faster than the national average.
Certified Cardiographic Technician
As a certified cardiographic technician (CCT), you will work under the supervision of a medical team on patients with heart problems. You work with the machinery that monitors, measures, or explores the patient’s heart. Certificates and associate degrees are both education options.
What CCTs do
As a certified cardiographic technician, you’ll be a part of a medical team that works directly with cardiac patients. You can specialize in non-invasive procedures such as sonography or EKGs. Opposingly, you can choose invasive procedures as your specialty: Assist with cardiac catheters and be present during open heart surgeries.
There are three routes you can go: cardiovascular invasive specialist, cardiographic or electrocardiogram, or pulmonary function technologist.
- Cardiovascular invasive specialist: You’ll also be known as cardiac catheterization technologist or cardiovascular technologist. To help physicians to diagnose and treat heart problems, you aid in monitoring the patient’s heart rate. You may assist with cardiac catheterizations, but your main duty is to prepare patients for heart surgery.
- Cardiographic or electrocardiogram: This career has you specializing in EKG testing. You will attach electrodes to a patient and check his or her heart’s performance.
- Pulmonary function technologist: You will help the medical team diagnose and treat pulmonary problems. Also, you will monitor the patient’s lungs and breathing through spirometry, which measures the amount of air inhaled and exhaled.
How to become a certified cardiographic technician
Before you can begin your dream career as a cardiographic technician, there are a few necessary steps you must take.
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- Enroll in an associate degree program at a college, or you can get a 1 year certificate though some colleges and hospitals. Make sure whatever program you choose is accredited.
- As an imaging worker, most employers want to make sure you have a professional credential. Certifications are available through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Cardiovascular Credentialing International, and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
- Most states do not have a licensing requirement. Contact your state medical boards to get the specific information.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for CCTs in 2023 was $70,270, with the top 10 percent making $105,140. The BLS also predicts that demand for CCTs by 2032 will increase 6 percent, which is faster growth than average.
Surgical Technician
Read full article: surgical technician
Surgical technicians (ST) are also called surgical technologists or operating room (OR) technicians. As a surgical technician, you will work alongside surgeons, surgical assistants, nurses, and anesthesiologists during surgical procedures. Certificate programs take a year to complete, while an associate degree will take 2 years if you attend full time.
What surgical technicians do
Before surgery, surgical techs ensure that all equipment needed is present, properly disinfected, and assembled so that surgeons and other surgical staff have easy access to it. STs also prepare patients for surgery, often cleaning, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites.
Other job duties will include transferring patients to and from the operating and recovery rooms. You’ll make sure patients are comfortable and calm, because their nerves are probably off the charts prior to their procedures. You will also tend to the needs of the doctors and surgical team, handing them their sterile instruments, gowns, and gloves, as well as maneuvering the machines and diagnostic equipment.
Steps to become a surgical tech
If you’re thinking you want to become a surgical technologist, it’s important to enroll in a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
- First, you need to earn your high school diploma or GED so you can enroll into a surgical tech program.
- Get your certificate or associate degree. An associate degree is the more common path.
- Take a certification exam. The Certified Surgical Technologist credential is completely voluntary. However, getting certified will improve your chances of being hired.
- Other certifications are available to you, as well. Operating Room Surgical Technician Certification and the Tech In Surgery Certified credentials are both voluntary, but they will greatly increase your ability to be hired.
- Get a job.
Find a surgical technology program.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for surgical technicians in 2023 was $62,250, with the top 10 percent making $83,150 or more. The BLS also reports that demand for surgical technicians is expected to increase 5 percent by 2032, which is slightly faster growth than average.
Ultrasound Technician
The excitement is contagious when it’s time to bring new life into the world. An ultrasound technician (UT) is part of this excitement, as he or she monitors the progress of a baby’s growth throughout the pregnancy. But did you know that ultrasound technicians work to diagnose a variety of other issues as well? Ultrasound technologists can perform ultrasounds to look for illnesses, a painless procedure that may potentially save the life of their patients.
What ultrasound technicians do
Also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, ultrasound technicians (UT) operate sonographic scanners that create images of internal organs. The sonography machine produces images of parts of the body using sound waves and is used to diagnose a patient’s medical condition. UTs specialize in certain areas, including obstetric, vascular, and breast sonography.
Working in a variety of settings including physicians’ offices, clinics or hospitals, ultrasound technicians can pick up day, night, or weekend shifts. Depending on the position, certain shifts may be required. Your responsibilities will also include maintaining and sterilizing ultrasound equipment, communicating ultrasound procedures, distributing ultrasound gel onto the surface of the body where the sonogram will be capturing the image, performing the actual ultrasound, ensuring that the transducer captures the images in a way that they can be assessed by a physician, and evaluating the images for clarity and quality.
Steps to becoming an ultrasound technologist
Before you can start your ultrasound technology career, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take:
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- You can get a one-year certificate though some colleges and hospitals. There are associate and bachelor degree programs available through community colleges and universities. Make sure whatever program you choose is accredited.
- As an imaging worker, most employer want to make sure you have a professional certification. Certifications are available through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Cardiovascular Credentialing International, and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
- Most states do not have a licensing requirement. Contact your state medical boards to get the proper information.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for ultrasound technologist in 2023 was $89,020, with the top 10 percent making $116,300 or more. The BLS also reported that demand for ultrasound technicians is expected to increase 10 percent by 2032, which is faster growth than the national average.
Medical Careers Requiring Bachelor's Degrees
Most bachelor’s degrees take four years to complete if you attend school on a full time basis. Let's look at some medical careers you can begin with a bachelor's degree.
Pre-Med
This is a undergraduate type of program that takes 4 years to complete if you attend full time.
How to prep for a pre-med program
It’s never too early to start mapping out your path to med school, and it’s probably a good idea to take the first few steps while you’re still in high school. Definitely plan to take all those AP science classes that are offered, and since med school is heavily focused on science, it will lay a pretty solid foundation for when that time comes. Also, math—you’ll have a lot of math, so look at it the same way you will for science, and focus!
When your school day is complete, instead of going home to take a nap, you should maybe think about spending some of those precious after-school hours working or volunteering. Because medical school is so competitive and can be difficult to get into, you’ll be glad you obtained some of this experience to put on that application. Schools will be looking! This will help with applying for undergrad, too. There is a section for volunteer work on the application.
Because you’ll need to attend a great college, you'll need really high ACT or SAT scores. Your junior year of high school is when you’ll take these exams. The good news: If you don’t do well the first time, you can always retake them to bring up your score.
Going into pre-med
Since you already have your career goal, your college courses can be focused on pre-med. There isn’t really a program called “pre-med” in most colleges, so expect your course load to be science heavy. If you choose chemistry or biology as a major, this will help you in the long run. However, what you major in will not hold as heavy an influence as your MCAT score and med school interview.
Lastly, you’ll have to take the MCAT. This is the exam necessary to get into med school. It lasts approximately 7.5 hours, so expect to put in a couple of hundred hours worth of studying—yes, seriously. You’ll need to get over a 500 if you want to get into a good med school. Once your score is recorded, it is automatically released to the American Medical College Application Service and is accessible to all the medical schools.
The average student will apply to over 13 medical schools in hopes of getting into at least one. It’s that difficult to get in. Don’t knock the Caribbean medical schools; they have produced some excellent doctors. It’s an alternative if you can’t get into any of the med schools you applied to.
Medical Careers Requiring Advanced Degrees
For the following careers, you will need to go to graduate or medical school. These degrees take up to 8 years to complete.
Acupuncture
Read the main acupuncture article here to find out about what it takes to become an acupuncturist.
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been around for centuries. It's practices extend beyond simply pricking needles into a patient's skin. Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that can help with many patient conditions. Acupuncture is also the most commonly practiced form of Chinese medicine in existence.
What acupuncturists do
The core purpose of acupuncture is to promote blood flow to the “Qi” (pronounced chee) by using tiny needles placed in strategic positions on the patient’s body. Acupuncture can be used on its own or in conjunction with more traditional medicine to help alleviate symptoms stemming from pregnancy, chemotherapy, chronic pain, or other ailments.
You will be trained to use the four pillars for diagnosing your patients.
- Listening to your patients
- Looking at their faces and how they move
- Feeling their pulse
- Inspecting their tongues
All four pillars will help you to determine needle placement and whether other forms of therapy, such as herbal remedies, will be needed in tandem.
How to become an acupuncturist
Before becoming an acupuncturist, take these necessary steps:
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a bachelor’s degree program with a focus on a science such as biology, psychology, or neurobiology.
- Get a master’s degree in acupuncture. There are a few programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine located throughout the U.S.
- Partake in a clinical internship.
- Get licensed by your state board. Each state has its own requirements.
Find an acupuncture degree program.
There are a few different acupuncture master’s degrees available: Masters of Acupuncture, Master’s of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Master’s of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Master of Science in Herbal Medicine, and Master of Traditional Herbal Medicine. Acupuncture training takes three years, and education for Herbal medicine lasts four years, which includes acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for acupuncturists in 2023 was $84,260, with the top 10 percent making $140,660 or more.
Audiologist
When patients suffer from any type of hearing troubles such as hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or balance disorders, they are usually referred to an audiologist. These highly respected specialists focus on any type of hearing problems diagnosed in patients of all ages. A startling statistic is that one in every five people over the age of 12 suffers from some type of hearing loss. Audiologists have busy offices!
What they do
Audiologists are trained to diagnose and treat auditory ailments. To make a proper diagnosis, audiologists will perform a variety of tests on the patient to identify the issue. Sometimes they will need to refer out to an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) to determine if surgery is necessary. Otherwise, the audiologist will do hearing rehabilitation, and/or judge whether a hearing aid is a right move.
How to become an audiologist
To become an audiologist, there is a specific path you have to take:
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. Any field is fine.
- Earn your doctorate in audiology (Au.D.). It will take four years to complete
- Every state requires licensing, but the requirements are all different. Check with your state boards to find out the specifics.
- Certification is required in some states, but it’s also recommended for all since it’s a hiring preference.
Make sure the program you chose to attend is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation.
Find an audiology program.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for audiologists in 2023 was $92,620, with the top 10 percent making $124,800 or more. The BLS also predicts that demand for audiologists will increase 11 percent by 2032, which is faster than the national average.
Allied Health
The term allied health umbrellas professionals who work in the healthcare industry separately from doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. Allied health encompasses many medical careers, including but not limited to, dental hygienists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, radiographers, and medical technicians. If you are someone who is passionate about patient care, pursuing an allied health career can be a great fit for you.
What Allied Health professionals do
Those classified in the broad array of allied health operate with evidence-based practices for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of chronic and acute diseases. Some may even operate in an office administration based setting, using bookkeeping and/or management skills to help the clinic run smoothly. You may find yourself working in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and even in various clinics.
Allied Health Education
An allied health associate degree program takes 2 years to complete and can prepare you for a variety of higher degrees and health-focused careers.
Find a school near you offering allied health programs.
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. Working in environments like offices, hospitals, and clinics, physician assistants diagnose patients, treat illnesses, and prescribe medication to patients. Working alongside licensed physicians, PAs assist with some medical procedures and face a variety of clinical decisions.
What physician assistants do
Physician assistants are licensed medical professionals who collaborate with licensed physicians regarding medical diagnosis and treatment. PAs can be found in a variety of areas of medicine and provide care for those that are ill or injured, using many of the same clinical services as physicians. Physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and prescribing medications will be part of your daily routine. Depending on the type of medical facility you work in, you may also have responsibilities such as ordering medical supplies and equipment, and supervising techs and assistants. You can also make house calls, visit nursing homes or hospitals, and you’ll check in with the physician on the state of the patient.
Many PAs that work in primary care specialties, such as internal medicine, pediatrics and family medicine. Other PAs work in areas such as general surgery, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and geriatrics. With each area of the physician assistant field, varying hours apply.
How to become a physician assistant
To become a physician assistant, you must follow these steps:
- Graduate high school or get your GED.
- Complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree program, with 2-4 years focused on sciences.
- Enroll in an accredited physician assistant program, which can generally be completed in 2 years if you attend full time.
- Serve in your clinical rotations.
- You should have some work-related experience, such as an EMT, registered nurse, or nursing assistant. This helps with the admission process into these competitive programs.
- All states require PAs to be licensed. You must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam.
- To remain certified, there is a 100-hour continuing education requirement that needs to be fulfilled every two years.
- You must have a collaboration agreement with a physician in order to practice.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for physician assistants in 2023 was $130,490, with the top 10 percent making $170,790 or more. The BLS also reports that demand for physicians assistants is expected to increase 27 percent by 2032, which is much faster growth than the national average.
Sports Medicine
From diagnosing to preventing sports-related injuries, sports medicine doctors help keep athletes from injuring themselves, both on and off the field. You will be responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing athletes from receiving sports-related injuries. You encourage an active way of life and help athletes stay healthy while doing so.
What sports medicine doctors do
Sports medicine doctors typically work in rehabilitation facilities, for an athletic organization, through private practice, or as a personal sports doctor for professional athletes.
Sports medicine professionals must perform various tasks on a daily basis, some of which occur as urgent and immediate. As a sports medicine doctor, your duties include handling on-field injuries, coordinating an athlete’s rehabilitation efforts, and counseling athletes post-injury. It is your responsibility to accurately diagnose injuries such as a concussion, hip displacement, broken arm or leg, rolled ankle, torn ACL, and many other injuries.
You’ll be working with a team of other professionals, such as coaches and athletic trainers, to address specific conditions and ways to improve them. You will be licensed to prescribe medication when necessary, as well.
How to get into sports medicine
To work as a sports medicine physician, you must first complete the following steps. They take about 8 years to complete.
- Focus on many science classes in high school and graduate.
- Get your bachelor’s degree following the pre-med curriculum. It should take four years attending full time.
- Take the MCAT, which is a requirement for getting into medical school.
- Choose whether you want to go into osteopathic or allopathic medicine (M.D. or D.O.)
- Go through medical school and clinical rotations. This takes about 4 years.
- Get your medical license.
- Complete your medical residency program (another 3-4 years).
- Complete a fellowship specializing in surgical sports medicine, which takes 1-2 years.
Each state requires physicians to earn a license before they can practice medicine. After all education requirements have been completed, sports medicine professionals must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). Each of which will provide you with the satisfaction of being a certified sports medicine professional.
The medical field offers so many different career options for each type of degree. No matter what kind of education best suits you, you’ll find a satisfying career in the medical industry.
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