What Medical Jobs Can I Get Without a Degree?
So you have a keen interest in the medical field, but are not as interested in investing countless hours and dollars toward the pursuit of a medical school degree.
By assuming any one of these numerous positions, you will have the opportunity to take care of people; to make a real difference in their lives when they need it most. And you will have a fulfilling career that could last you a lifetime; earning you money, praise, and the knowledge that you've done something good.
In many of these jobs, you'll be working as an aide or assistant to a trained medical professional. As a Nursing Aide, a Veterinary Assistant, a Physical Therapist Aide, an Occupational Therapist Aide, or a Dental Assistant, you will work alongside the doctors, nurses, and other seasoned medical experts in administering care to their patients. You will learn vital skills in caregiving, get valuable experience, and perhaps even be inspired to pursue a medical degree, establishing an advanced career in the healthcare field.
Or you may choose to remain an aide or assistant, making at least $20,000 a year and bringing comfort and reassurance to countless patients. This career can bring you a lifetime of fulfillment, as well as a unique perspective on the healthcare field and the people it serves.
Other medical positions will bring you into the hub of daily operations at a hospital or nursing home, without having to spend years in medical school or hours as an intern. As an orderly or attendant, you will play an integral role in the care of patients, doing everything from taking blood samples and checking vital signs to serving meal trays, and providing a listening ear during tough, uncertain times. The patients will count on you to make their stay at the medical facility as comfortable and stress-free as possible. And, by taking care of basic, everyday tasks that are nonetheless necessary, you will ease the burden of doctors and nurses who deal with unbelievable schedules and massive responsibilities. By becoming an orderly or an attendant, you will be an irreplaceable part of a trusted healthcare team.
Other medical careers will allow you to establish an even deeper level of contact with patients. As a Home Health Aide, for example, you may make it possible for an older and/or infirmed person to stay in his/her home; as opposed to living out their days in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility. You will be the caregiver who prepares nutritious meals and performs housework and personal grooming duties for the patient, ensuring their quality of life. You might also help with administering medicines and treatments to the patient, or to divert him/her by reading a story or just lending a listening ear.
Or if you're an animal lover, you may prefer a job as a Laboratory Animal Caretaker; someone who feeds and maintains animals in a lab setting.
It's evident that you don't need a medical degree to have a fulfilling career in the healthcare field. All you need is a desire to serve; to bring caring and nurturing to the lives of patients, just when they need it the most.
