12 High-Paying Medical Jobs With Little Schooling

Many people believe that high-paying medical careers require extensive education or advanced degrees. However, this misconception overlooks numerous lucrative positions in the healthcare sector that only require minimal schooling. In fact, many of these roles can be accessed with a two-year associate degree or even less.

If you’re interested in exploring some of the most rewarding medical careers that offer competitive salaries without lengthy educational commitments, read on for insights into accessible healthcare jobs, brief educational pathways, and lucrative opportunities in the medical field.

Key Takeaways:

• High-paying roles requiring minimal education include radiation therapists, dental hygienists, and ultrasound technologists.

• The quickest medical certifications can be obtained in phlebotomy, physical therapy assisting, and dental hygiene.

• While entry-level salaries in these fields may start lower, they often lead to well-paying career advancement opportunities.

12 Highest-Paying Medical Jobs With Minimal Schooling

1. Radiation Therapist
   Average Annual Salary: $85,000

   Radiation therapists play a critical role in cancer treatment by administering targeted radiation therapy to patients. This position requires both technical skills and emotional intelligence, as therapists work closely with individuals undergoing challenging treatments.

   Job Responsibilities:

   • Operating imaging and treatment equipment
   • Calculating radiation dosages
   • Documenting patient information and treatment plans
   • Communicating with patients regarding their treatment
   • Providing emotional support to patients during therapy

   Schooling Requirements: Most radiation therapists hold an associate degree in a relevant field, alongside certification in radiation therapy.

   Find Radiation Therapist jobs near me

2. Dental Hygienist
   Average Annual Salary: $88,500

   Dental hygienists enjoy a high salary and a relatively low-stress work environment. With an associate degree, they can quickly enter the workforce and start earning a competitive wage.

   Job Responsibilities:

   • Cleaning teeth and performing preventative care
   • Examining patients for oral health issues
   • Educating patients about dental hygiene
   • Managing patient records and appointments

   Schooling Requirements: Dental hygienists require at least an associate degree and must pass a state licensure exam.

   Find Dental Hygienist jobs near me

3. Ultrasound Technologist
   Average Annual Salary: $84,500

   Ultrasound technologists perform sonography procedures, primarily in prenatal care, but also for various medical conditions. This role is known for its relatively low-stress environment.

   Job Responsibilities:

   • Preparing examination rooms and patients
   • Operating ultrasound equipment
   • Interpreting sonography results
   • Documenting findings in patient records
   • Ensuring patient confidentiality is maintained

   Schooling Requirements: Entry into this field typically requires a degree in medical sonography or a certification program lasting about a year.

   Find Ultrasound Technologist jobs near me

4. Registered Nurse
   Average Annual Salary: $73,500

   Registered nurses are vital in healthcare, providing direct patient care and support. They can easily enter the field with minimal schooling, and demand for nurses remains consistently high.

   Job Responsibilities:

   • Administering care and medication per physician’s orders
   • Conducting diagnostic tests and assessments
   • Making critical decisions in patient care
   • Communicating with patients and families about care plans

   Schooling Requirements: A registered nurse typically needs an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution.

   Find Registered Nurse jobs near me

5. Health Care Administrator
   Average Annual Salary: $68,000

   Healthcare administrators manage the business aspects of healthcare facilities, focusing on staff management and operational efficiency. This role is ideal for those interested in the administrative side of healthcare.

   Job Responsibilities:

   • Overseeing facility finances and budgets
   • Managing staff and operational workflows
   • Maintaining medical and administrative records
   • Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations

   Schooling Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field is typically required.

   Find Health Care Administrator jobs near me

6. Surgical Technician
   Average Annual Salary: $52,000

   Surgical technicians assist in operating rooms, ensuring that everything runs smoothly during procedures. This role is exciting for those interested in surgical environments without long educational commitments.

   Job Responsibilities:

   • Preparing and sterilizing surgical instruments
   • Assisting surgeons during operations
   • Maintaining a clean and organized surgical area

   Schooling Requirements: Many surgical technicians have an associate degree or complete a vocational training program.

   Find Surgical Technician jobs near me

7. Physical Therapist Assistant
   Average Annual Salary: $53,000

   Physical therapist assistants support physical therapists in helping patients recover from injuries or surgeries. This role requires hands-on support and patient interaction.

   Job Responsibilities:

   • Assisting patients with prescribed exercises
   • Monitoring patient progress
   • Maintaining treatment equipment

   Schooling Requirements: Most positions require a two-year associate degree and state licensure.

   Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs near me

8. Phlebotomy Technician
   Average Annual Salary: $35,000

   Phlebotomy technicians are responsible for drawing blood for tests and procedures. This role is often considered an entry-level position in healthcare with a straightforward training path.

   Job Responsibilities:

   • Drawing blood samples from patients
   • Explaining procedures to patients
   • Maintaining a sterile work environment

   Schooling Requirements: Completing a phlebotomy certification program typically takes less than a year.

   Find Phlebotomy Technician jobs near me

9. Medical Transcriptionist
   Average Annual Salary: $39,000

   Medical transcriptionists convert voice recordings from healthcare professionals into written documents, requiring strong attention to detail.

   Job Responsibilities:

   • Transcribing voice recordings
   • Editing documents produced by speech recognition technology
   • Maintaining accurate medical records

   Schooling Requirements: While certification is optional, a postsecondary degree is often required.

   Find Medical Transcriptionist jobs near me

10. Phlebotomist
    Average Annual Salary: $34,750

    Phlebotomists specialize in drawing blood and managing samples. This entry-level role offers a pathway into the healthcare field with ample job opportunities.

    Job Responsibilities:

    • Collecting blood samples
    • Maintaining patient records
    • Labeling and transporting samples

    Schooling Requirements: Phlebotomy programs typically take less than a year to complete.

    Find Phlebotomist jobs near me

11. Pharmacy Technician
    Average Annual Salary: $36,000

    Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in distributing medications and managing prescriptions, requiring attention to detail and a strong ability to follow protocols.

    Job Responsibilities:

    • Processing prescriptions and refills
    • Maintaining records and handling billing
    • Communicating with patients about their medications

    Schooling Requirements: A high school diploma and pharmacy technician certification are typically required.

    Find Pharmacy Technician jobs near me

12. Medical Office Secretary
    Average Annual Salary: $32,500

    Although not a medical role in the strictest sense, medical office secretaries play a vital part in healthcare settings, managing administrative tasks and supporting medical staff.

    Job Responsibilities:

    • Scheduling appointments and managing phone calls
    • Preparing medical records and reports
    • Processing billing and insurance documentation

    Schooling Requirements: While formal education isn’t always required, relevant certifications can enhance job prospects.

    Find Medical Office Secretary jobs near me

Benefits of Medical Jobs

Pursuing a career in healthcare not only contributes to the well-being of society but also offers numerous advantages:

1. Job Security: Healthcare professionals are always in demand, providing a stable career path that is less likely to be affected by economic fluctuations.

2. High Earning Potential: Even entry-level positions in the medical field offer competitive salaries, with ample opportunities for career advancement and higher earnings.

3. Diverse Opportunities: The healthcare field offers a variety of specialties and roles to suit different skills and interests.

4. Minimal Educational Requirements: Many medical positions require only short training programs, allowing individuals to enter the workforce quickly.

High-Paying Medical Jobs With Minimal Schooling FAQ

• What is the highest-paying medical job with the least amount of schooling?

  The highest-paying medical job with the least amount of schooling is an ultrasonographer. You can enter this field with either an associate degree or a training certificate, often earning around $55,000 annually, with potential to exceed $70,000 with experience.

• What is the shortest schooling for a medical career?

  The shortest path to a medical career is a Diploma in Practical Nursing (DPN). In as little as 12 months, you can become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and work towards becoming a registered nurse (RN).

  Other roles with brief educational paths include:

  • Dental Assistant: 16+ months
  • Healthcare Administration: 16+ months
  • Physical Therapist Assistant: 20+ months
  • Medical Coding: 20+ months

• Which medical field is the easiest to enter?

  Phlebotomy is considered the easiest medical field to enter. With an accelerated program, you can complete training and be ready for licensure in under a year.

• What is the least stressful job in the medical field?

  Dental hygienist roles are often viewed as the least stressful. These positions offer a pleasant work environment, consistent hours, and a high starting salary, making it a desirable career path.

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.