High-paying health related careers that don't require medical school

I'm interested in pursuing a career in the health field, but I'd prefer not to attend medical school. What are some options with good job prospects and salaries that don't require that level of education?

Absolutely, there are many health-related careers with solid employment outlooks that don't necessitate going to medical school. Here are a few to consider:

1. Physician Assistant (PA): This role essentially involves performing many of the same tasks as doctors but under their supervision. PAs can examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and even prescribe medications.

2. Registered Nurse (RN): RNs work directly with patients and consult with a medical team to create and implement comprehensive patient care plans. There are various specializations within this field, including pediatrics, geriatrics, and cardiology.

3. Nurse Practitioner (NP): Similar to PAs, NPs can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care. Some states allow NPs to operate independently of doctors, giving them a more autonomous role.

4. Physical Therapist (PT): PTs help people recover from injuries, decrease their pain, and regain mobility.

5. Occupational Therapist (OT): An OT helps people function in all areas of their lives (occupation), despite physical, mental, or developmental issues.

6. Public Health Professional: A career in public health is another direction to consider. You could work in health education, epidemiology, health administration, and more.

7. Biostatistician: If you're good with numbers, a biostatistician uses statistical methods to interpret and analyze biomedical data to improve public health.

8. Genetic Counselor: With genetic testing becoming more popular, so is the field of genetic counseling. These professionals guide individuals and families about genetic disorders and health risks, informed by a patient's family health history.

Each of these professions has different educational requirements post-high school, ranging from associate degrees to master's programs, but none require medical school. Each can also offer solid job prospects with the growing demand for healthcare services.

Be sure to delve into the specifics of each, and if possible, try to shadow professionals in these roles to get a real sense of what these jobs are like day-to-day.