Working in the medical field doesn’t always have to involve earning a PhD to become a doctor. There are some lesser-known health care careers that still pay excellent salaries and allow you to help others in need. You might want to consider pursing one of these five underrated medical career paths.
Phlebotomist
If you’re not too squeamish around blood, working as a phlebotomist can be an excellent career choice. This job involves drawing blood from patients with the use of needles. You can work as a phlebotomist for the long term and earn a comfortable salary or use the job as a stepping stone toward another medical career. Some training programs can be finished in just three months and issue valid certificates upon completion.
Medical Assistant
As a medical assistant, you’ll be working alongside doctors in hospitals and private offices to help administer patient care. In addition to routine clinical tasks such as taking patients’ blood pressure and monitoring other vital signs, you’ll be performing certain lab and clerical duties to help the medical practice run smoother. You can complete a series of medical assistant certification classes at an accredited school and start working in as little as 10 months.
Dialysis Technician
Patients who’ve suffered kidney failure will need dialysis treatment to filter and purify their blood. If you want to help with this process, you can study to become a dialysis technician. Once you start working in this field, you’ll oversee the operation of a dialysis machine. You’ll also need to inspect the equipment regularly to make sure that it’s still working properly. After approximately one year of schooling to train for this job, you’ll be ready to begin your career.
Medical Office Administrator
If you prefer doing clerical work but still want to have a job in the health care field, you can pursue a career as a medical office administrator. From setting up patient appointments to handling billing issues, you’ll play an important role in the operation of a medical facility. According to Payscale.com, you’ll also be responsible for maintaining compliance and organizational policies within the practice. Even though there are no formal education requirements to enter this field, it will work to your advantage to earn a certificate or an associate degree.
Cytotechnologist
Cytotechnologists look at cells under microscopes to determine if any diseases are present. These professionals study cells closely to look for changes that might indicate the presence of cancer or other health conditions. You’ll generally be required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in cytotechnology to start this career. You can increase your chances of finding employment in this field by becoming certified with the American Society of Clinical Pathology.
There are more opportunities in the medical field than you may have realized. By getting the right training and fulfilling the necessary education requirements, you can take one of these jobs and do something good for yourself and society.
