Which high paying medical jobs don't require med school?

I'm interested in the medical field but not sure I want to go through med school. Are there high paying medical jobs I could consider that don't require a medical degree?

Absolutely, there are numerous medical careers with considerable salaries that do not necessitate a medical degree. One prominent option is becoming a Physician Assistant. A Physician Assistant is a medical professional who works under the supervision of a doctor. They can diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, often serving as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. The median annual wage for physician assistants was $112,260 in May 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Another potential career path is as a Nurse Practitioner (NP). Like Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and provide treatment to patients. They are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and are trained to autonomously perform many of the tasks doctors do. The median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $111,680 in May 2020.

Lastly, consider a career as a pharmacist. While a pharmaceutical degree isn't as long or strenuous as medical school, it's still rigorous. However, pharmacists make a significant income and play an essential role in patient healthcare. Their median annual wage was $128,710 in May 2020.

Remember, each of these roles has its own prerequisites. For instance, both the Physician Assistant and the Nurse Practitioner roles often require a master's degree in their respective fields, and licensure is necessary. As for the pharmacist, a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree is a must.

There are also other roles beyond these, like Radiation Therapists or Dental Hygienists, which require a shorter educational pathway and still provide a good income. As you explore options, make sure to align your career choice with both your long-term income goals and your interests within healthcare. Each of these roles has unique day-to-day tasks and levels of patient interaction.