The healthcare industry is one of the largest in the United States, employing over 18 million people, and the most obvious path to a career in medicine is a medical degree. Still, you don’t need to go to medical school to work in medicine. No matter what your level of education, you can find a career in medicine. There are plenty of jobs that you don’t require more than a high school diploma. Whether you want to work in a clinic as a medical assistant or become a doctor, there are opportunities for you in medicine. Dentistry is one of the fastest-growing fields in the medical industry and obtaining the education you need to move forward is more accessible than ever. Working in a dental office offers a lot of potential for career advancement. Rutgers University has one of the top programs for dental care in New Brunswick, NJ and there are other high-quality schools all over the country, not just in New Jersey. You can find a phone number for any program you like online to inquire about their various programs. Dental services, assistant work, emergency medicine, nursing, and specialized jobs like being a phlebotomist can all be accessible and rewarding.
Certified Medical Assistant
This often involves caring for and being up to date on relevant medical technology. Learning how to clean and maintain things like high performance engineered plastics often used for medical tubing (where high-performance plastic is essential) and other small details like that are important. Becoming a certified medical assistant (which requires a CMA) can be done within a year in some programs. Job growth is incredibly strong, so finding an open position shouldn’t be difficult. Whether you’re working in a dental office, medical office, a clinic, or a hospital, being a CMA is a great way to help patients and it doesn’t require an expensive degree.
Dentist
Becoming a dentist and providing dental services can be both satisfying intellectually and financially lucrative. Providing comprehensive dental care is intellectually stimulating and fascinating work for those who prefer hands-on professions. A traditional medical school grants an M.D., a requirement for physicians. Dental school is four years long and grants a future dentist either a D.D.S. or a D.M.D, which are equivalent degrees that simply vary by program. There are specialists within the dental industry, including becoming a pediatric dentist. You can also focus on oral health or dental emergencies or have an orthodontics office. Dental treatment can vary widely in terms of what your patient’s needs are.
Paramedic
Emergency medicine is demanding work, but it’s an incredibly in-demand field with high hourly pay. You can become a paramedic through obtaining an Associate’s Degree or through an on-the-job training program. Being a paramedic can be stressful, so the highest quality candidates will be able to keep their bearings working under pressure. Paramedics are called upon in dire emergencies, so you know your work will be meaningful and involve saving lives.
These are just a few available careers in medicine that don’t require a medical degree. If you’re interested in helping people in the medical field, there are a variety of avenues for you to pursue. Becoming a CMA just requires a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a short certification program, which is accessible for almost anyone. If you’re open to pursuing a graduate degree outside of a traditional M.D., becoming a dentist is a great choice for a career. The average salary is high and providing the best quality care to patients is often a positive experience for the medical professional as well. Emergency medicine is also an option, paramedics make a high hourly wage and are constantly in demand. Whether you want to work at a clinic, private practice,e hospital, or dentist’s office, you have plenty of options. An Associate’s Degree or completion of an on-the-job training program is required to work as a paramedic. Don’t feel discouraged if you choose not to go to medical school, these are just a few of the myriad opportunities in healthcare that you can pursue without an M.D.