Top Health Professions That Don’t Require Medical School

Physicians sacrifice time, money, and immerse themselves in years of study to save patients’ lives, but the profession isn’t for everyone, and there are many other roles in health care. If you desire to impact patient care, yet seek to avoid blood, needles, and years of medical school study

To Put This in Context:

Physicians sacrifice time, money, and immerse themselves in years of study to save patients’ lives, but the profession isn’t for everyone, and there are many other roles in health care. If you desire to impact patient care, yet seek to avoid blood, needles, and years of medical school study, here are the degrees that can prepare you for the industry without the sacrifices. And the best part? Most are available 100% online.

Table of Contents

Two medical and health services management students discuss laboratory readings in a crowded lobby.

Heal the World Without Medical School.

Sacrifices for medical school, both monetary and personal, are not for the faint of heart. However, there are many bachelor’s and master’s degrees that allow you to work in health care in other capacities. Whether you hope to manage health care facilities or direct patient care, these educational opportunities can help you pursue a variety of careers.

Manage the Health Care System.

While a patient’s health care experience should appear seamless, the behind-the-scenes work to process a patient from waiting room to checkout is critical.

Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the health care environment. [1] Those with a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree often have the opportunity to work in a variety of health care facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, or group medical practices.

Depending on the position, a health care administrator might manage an entire facility, department, or medical practice. As health care legislation and technology evolves, health care administrators are responsible for ensuring their practice meets new standards.

Did you know?

As of 2015, the median salary for health care administrators was $94,500, with employment projected to grow 17% from 2014 to 2024, much faster than average. [2]

Leading Health Administration Online Programs:

Ohio University online MHA

Enhance your leadership skills through a cutting edge curriculum while enjoying a 100% online MHA program with no GRE requirements.
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University of Southern California Executive Master of Health Administration Online

Graduate in as few as 2 years from an online program designed specifically for experienced healthcare leadership professionals.
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University of Cincinnati Online MHA

This program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the health care delivery system. Earn your degree online in less than 2 years. Learn more.
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Make a Difference Through Public Health.

Those who graduate with a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree can pursue a number of careers, including health education, health policy, and epidemiology.

Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury, contributing to a reduction in infectious diseases in developed and undeveloped countries. [3] Through their studies, epidemiologists can help reduce the occurrence and impact of diseases and other health conditions. Their work often influences community education and health policy.

Epidemiologists work in a variety of organizations, such as:

  • Laboratories
  • Health departments for state and local governments
  • Hospitals
  • Academics

Some epidemiologists also complete fieldwork where they conduct interviews and collect samples for analysis.

As of 2015, the median wage for epidemiologists was $69,450, although this depends on the industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment opportunities for epidemiologists are expected to stay strong, on average with all other occupations, and have risen considerably during the past decade.

If you’re ready to help combat some of the most deadly diseases in the world as an epidemiologist, an MPH degree is for you.

Leading Master of Public Health Online Programs:

University of Southern California Master of Public Health Online

The only online MPH from a top-ranked medical school. Healthy Communities start with you. Earn your MPH from USC.
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The University of Arizona Master of Public Health Online

At UA, your opportunities are boundless. This top-ranked MPH offers three concentrations to help you broaden your impact and advance your career. Learn More.
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Find Success Through a Health Technology Profession.

Ever wonder what happens to the notes your health care provider takes on medical visits? Those who have skills in health information management (HIM) collect and analyze data from patient medical histories, lab results, X-rays, and more to improve medical interventions and draw insight for future care. As health care information continues to go digital, the need for health information management expertise has grown. HIM skills can help health care practitioners study the impact of care and improve patient results. [4]

Health Informatics (HI) defines how health information is captured, transmitted, and utilized. With a background in information systems, informatics principles, and information technology, HI professionals can offer insight to improve a wide range of health care delivery. [4]

Did you know?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical records and health information technicians are among the 20 fastest growing occupations in the U.S.

Graduates who pursue a career as a clinical data analyst report a median salary of $59,506, according to PayScale.com. HIM and HI programs incorporate an array of studies, including medicine, management, finance, information technology, and law. Such a diverse curriculum allows students to pursue careers in a variety of work settings and health care environments. [4]

Leading Health Informatics Online Program:

University of Illinois at Chicago Online MSHI

UIC’s Health Informatics online programs prepare graduates with technical knowledge, work experience and leadership skills to help improve patient care.
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Emerging Entry-Level Careers for Health Graduates.

Health care professionals can pursue a number of Bachelor of Science degrees. Bachelor of Science degrees can provide skills to help patients and health care organizations with hands-on patient care. Two in-demand degrees include a Bachelor of Science Degree in Respiratory Science and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS).

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Science can pursue a career as a respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing for various reasons, including asthma, emphysema, or other chronic respiratory diseases. Therapists often have direct contact with patients of all ages, and can also assist with emergency services.

A medical laboratory technician analyzes an X-ray of a patient’s lungs to diagnose any respiratory issues.

As of 2015, the median wage for respiratory therapists was more than $57,000, with those treating and diagnosing patients earning a median salary of $76,760. And with a projected occupational growth rate of 12% from 2014 to 2024, graduates with respiratory science bachelor’s degrees are predicted to have strong employment opportunities, with their occupation growing faster than the national average. [5]

A Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) can lead to a career as a medical laboratory scientists or technician. Medical laboratory scientists test and analyze patient samples, such as body fluids and tissues, to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions.

As of 2015, the median wage for medical laboratory technologists was more than $50,500, with a projected growth rate of 16% from 2014 to 2024, one of the fastest growing careers in the nation. [6]

Leading Bachelor of Science programs:

University of Cincinnati Online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Become a laboratory scientist by getting your degree from top-ranked University of Cincinnati. This bachelor’s program is NAACLS accredited and fully online.
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University of Cincinnati Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy

Graduate in as few as 20 months from the prestigious University of Cincinnati. The 100% online BSRT program is top ranked and led by doctoral prepared faculty.
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Choose How You Can Impact the Future of Health Care.

Want to learn more about how you can make a difference in the future of health care? Read our additional blogs, infographics, and resources to help you select your path to the degree and career that you want.

Sources:

[1] Physicians and Surgeons (2016-17) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (Website)
[2] Medical and Health Services Managers (2016-17) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (Website)
[3] Epidemiologist (2016-17) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (Website)
[4] Health Information 101 (2017) by AHIMA (Website)
[5] Respiratory Therapists (2016-17) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (Website)
[6] Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians (2016-17) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (Website)

Context

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