High-paying healthcare jobs that don't require medical school?

I'm interested in the healthcare field but not sure about committing to medical school. What are some high-paying healthcare jobs that don't require going that route? I'd appreciate any advice on alternative career paths within healthcare.

Sure, there are certainly a handful of high-paying healthcare careers that do not necessarily require you to attend medical school. Here are a few to consider:

1. Physician Assistant (PA): PAs practice medicine under the supervision of doctors and surgeons. They can examine patients, prescribe medication, and provide treatment, much like physicians do. Most programs take around 2 years to complete, but require a Bachelor's degree and some healthcare-related work experience for admission.

2. Pharmacist: Pharmacists deal with therapeutic drugs and their use, including aspects of drug properties and reactions, as well as patient counseling. While you do need to attend a Doctor of Pharmacy program after undergrad, it's not the same commitment as medical school.

3. Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs can prescribe medication, examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and provide treatment, much like physicians do. They must have at least a master’s degree, and many choose to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Ph.D. The specific responsibilities NPs have can depend on the state they work in.

4. Physical Therapist: Physical therapists help injured or sick individuals manage their pain and improve their movement, using a range of techniques and therapeutic exercises. You will need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, but this isn't equivalent to attending regular medical school.

5. Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists help patients perform everyday activities necessary for work, home, and school. They need a master's degree in occupational therapy.

6. Radiation Therapist: These professionals are involved in administering radiation treatments to patients with cancer and other illnesses. They don’t necessarily need a degree beyond a bachelor’s, but they do need certification from an accredited radiation therapy program.

Remember, "high-paying" can mean different things in different areas, regions, and fields, so you should also take into consideration factors such as location, specialization within the field, and years of experience when reviewing salary prospects.