Are there high-paying health jobs that skip medical school?

I love working in health but don't want to commit to medical school. What are some high-paying health-related jobs that don't require medical school? Trying to figure out what my options are after high school.

Absolutely – you have quite a few healthcare careers that don't require medical school but still offer strong financial income potential.

Nurse Practitioners (NP), for instance, can prescribe medication, examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and provide treatment, much as physicians do. They need a master's or doctoral degree in nursing. In many states in the U.S., they can work independently of physicians.

Another route is becoming a Physician Assistant (PA). They work under MDs and DOs but have a broad scope of practice. With master's degrees, they can examine patients, diagnose illnesses and injuries, and provide treatment.

Registered Nurses (RNs) are also in high demand and are critical in providing patient care. While RNs require an associate's or bachelor's degree in Nursing, there are quite a few accelerated programs out there if you're keen on entering the workforce quickly.

Pharmacists, who stand as an integral part of the healthcare system, must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD), which typically requires 4 years after undergraduate studies. They're responsible for accurately dispensing prescription medication, counseling patients on usage and side effects, and sometimes conducting health and wellness screenings.

Physical Therapists (PTs) work with patients to manage their pain and improve or restore mobility. They need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and professional licensure.

Occupational Therapists (OTs), with master's or doctoral degrees in OT, help patients regain skills they've lost, often due to illness or injury.

If management appeals to you, consider a career as a healthcare administrator. They're in charge of managing healthcare facilities, and a master's degree is common in this field, though some positions may only require a bachelor's degree.

Whichever path you choose, remember that while these roles don't require medical school, they still require specialized education and licensure.