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Have a passion for medicine, but not for school? You can have
the medical career you’ve always wanted without committing
to eight or more years of college.
The health care industry is one of the fastest growing fields
in the United States. With the next president promising to
revamp our healthcare system, job prospects for people interested
in medicine are only getting better and better. Here are seven
different career possibilities in the medical field that you
can do with an associate’s degree or certificate from
an accredited career school.
X-ray Technician
X-ray technicians take x-rays of patients for doctors. They
are responsible for positioning the patient, developing the
film, maintaining equipment, and being knowledgeable about
safe levels of radiation exposure. X-ray technicians can expect
to make an average of $24.59 per hour, making this one of
the most lucrative medical careers you can have without a
doctorate. While most x-ray technicians hold associate’s
degrees, certificate and bachelor’s degree programs
in radiography are also available. View
a complete list of X-Ray Technology Schools
Dental Assistant
This is one of the hottest jobs around, with an expected
growth rate of twenty-nine percent through 2016. Dental assistants
work closely with dentists setting up equipment, taking patient
x-rays, performing routine cleanings, and assisting with more
complicated procedures. Dental assistants make an average
of $15.52 per hour, and most dental assistant programs take
a year or less to complete. View
a complete list of Dental Assistant Schools
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies under the supervision
of a pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians handle medication, often
counting out pills, measuring dosages, and labeling prescription
bottles. They also interact with customers by taking prescriptions
and ringing them up. About the only thing a pharmacy technician
can’t do is give medical advice.
Employment in this field is expected to rise a whopping thirty-two
percent through 2016, and pharmacy technicians make an average
of $13.25 per hour. To get adequate training, pharmacy technicians
usually complete either a certificate or associate’s
degree program. View
a complete list of Pharmacy Technician Schools
Physical Therapist Assistant
To become a licensed physical therapist, you need a master’s
degree or a doctorate. To assist a physical therapist in her
work, you only need an associate’s degree. A physical
therapist assistant helps patients recover from injuries,
surgery, or medical conditions through various techniques.
A physical therapist assistant should be well-versed in exercise
and massage, as well as pain relief techniques. Physical therapist
assistants earn an average of $21.32 per hour. View
a complete list of Physical Therapy Schools
Surgical Technician
Surgical technicians work in operating rooms and are supervised
by surgeons, doctors, and anesthesiologists. They prepare
operating rooms and equipment for surgery by sterilizing the
environment and preparing surgical tools. They also work with
patients by washing and shaving areas that will be operated
upon. During surgery, a technician will hand instruments to
the surgeon and monitor the patients’ vital signs. Most
employers prefer to hire surgical technicians who have received
a certificate or associate’s degree in surgical technology.
On average, surgical technicians earn $18.66 per hour. View
a complete list of Surgical Technology Schools
Medical Assistant
With a projected 35% growth rate through 2016, this will
be one of the most in-demand jobs of the next decade. Medical
assistants work in doctors’ offices and perform administrative
functions such as appointment scheduling and record keeping.
Depending on state laws, some medical assistants work directly
with patients by taking vital signs, explaining treatments,
and preparing patients for their exams. On average, medical
assistants earn $13.59 per hour and should have either a certificate
or an associate’s degree. View
a complete list of Medical Assistant Schools
Nurse
While many nurses eventually move on to receive bachelor’s
degrees, you can become a registered nurse through a diploma
or an associate’s degree program. Right now there are
about two and a half million nurses in the United States and
counting, with an expected twenty-three percent growth rate
through 2016. Nurses are also extremely well-paid, making
an average of $30.04 per hour. Patients often spend more time
with nurses than with doctors at hospitals and private offices,
because nurses are often the people who record patient histories,
perform tests, and administer treatment. View
a complete list of Nursing Schools
If you have a strong desire to work directly with patients,
a career as a nurse might be the best road to take. Many nurses
eventually specialize, choosing nursing careers in everything
from oncology to geriatrics.
Choosing a School
Now that you know it’s possible to be a medical professional
with two years or less of college, what are you waiting for?
Use the search feature at JustColleges career
channel to find dozens of accredited career schools that
offer the programs you’re looking for. A career school
education will give you the hands-on training you need to
succeed in the medical field and experience to put on your
resume before you even graduate.
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