Are you looking for a career in health care? Working in the medical field allows you to help people, and many positions offer impressive compensation, even if you’re not a doctor.
If you want to earn good money without spending years and years in school, explore our list of high-paying healthcare jobs that don’t require a doctorate.
Physician Assistant (PA)
PAs are responsible for many of the same duties that regular physicians do, such as reviewing a patient’s history, examining the patient, interpreting tests, etc. They’re not physicians, though, and only require a master’s degree for education.
The demand for PAs is rising as shortages in nurses and physicians mean more PAs are needed to fill the gaps left behind. Experts predict the market for PAs will grow by as much as 30 percent in the coming years.
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
CRNAs have an important job in the healthcare industry as they provide anesthesia and related care to patients during surgical procedures. They’re responsible for prepping patients for anesthesia and monitoring their status post-operation.
A person needs a master’s degree and a registered nurse (RN) license before seeking training as a CRNA, but it’s a lucrative and growing position in the industry. On average, CRNAs make double the yearly wage as RNs, and demand for CRNAs is rising, so their salary could go even higher in the coming years.
Nurse Practitioner (APRN)
An APRN is an RN with additional education and training, which allows them to be primary care providers for patients. An APRN performs exams on patients, prescribes medication, orders lab tests, and educates patients on their diagnosis and treatment.
APRNs need a master’s degree and an RN license, but not a doctorate. Industry experts predict a 30 percent growth in APRNs in the industry, so there will be plenty of job opportunities for prospective APRNs.
Speech-Language Pathologist
A speech-language pathologist diagnoses and treats speech, language, sound, fluency, and swallowing disorders. Speech-language pathologists treat patients of all ages, from infant children to the elderly.
The median annual salary for speech-language pathologists is around $75,000, and many predict the occupation will grow nearly 20 percent over the next five years.
Nurse Midwife
One of the most significant moments in any person’s life is the birth of their child, and nurse midwives can help mothers and fathers throughout the process, from the very early stages through to the labor. Midwives can deliver babies, assist with caesarian births, perform gynecological exams, and provide prenatal care.
Midwives must complete a master’s program and obtain a state license, but they, on average, earn $30,000 more than RNs. The healthcare industry predicts that by 2026 there will be 20 percent more midwives than today.
These are a few high-paying healthcare jobs that don’t require a doctorate, but there are plenty more. Whether you want to work with the elderly, adults, children, or babies, you can find a well-paid healthcare job right for you without spending endless time and money in school.