Medical degrees include both undergraduate degrees and advanced degrees. Whether you plan to pursue two years of post-secondary studies or more, there are several exceptional career options you can consider.
1. Dentistry
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Dentists treat the teeth and mouth. Dental care is important. A lack of proper dental care can cause significant health issues. Whether you plan to establish a small-town practice or become a walk-in dentist in the Bronx after earning your doctoral degree, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects strong job growth for dentists and reports a median pay of over $150,000 per year as of May 2018.
2. Physical Therapy
The demand for physical therapists is high. These professionals must earn a doctoral degree. They focus on the mobility of their patients and pain management. They help patients relearn skills after an accident or a stroke. The BLS reported physical therapists earned median annual incomes of $87,930 as of May 2018.
3. Paramedics
Paramedics respond to emergencies in medical transport vehicles, such as ambulances and helicopters. They provide life-saving treatment to patients at the scene of their injury and en route to the hospital. Paramedics can earn their required CPR certification online and must also obtain an associate’s degree in their field and be certified. Salary.com reported their 2020 median salary was $43,202.
4. Occupational Therapy
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Occupational therapy assistants enjoyed median salaries of over $60,000 per year as of 2018 per the BLS, which also projects exceptionally high job growth for this field through 2028. Occupational therapy assistants need an associate’s degree that can be earned in 2 years. They monitor patients, lead them in therapeutic exercises, help them learn to use assistive devices and complete medical notes detailing their observations.
5. Physician Assistantship
Physicians assistants (PA) earned a median salary of $108,610 as of May 2018 per the BLS, which also projects extremely high job growth for PAs through 2028. To prepare for this field, you must earn a master’s degree after completing your bachelor’s degree and obtain a PA license. PAs perform many of the same tasks medical doctors perform. They examine patients, treat broken bones, prescribe medicine and counsel patients.
6. Cardiovascular Technology
A cardiovascular technologist typically needs an associate’s degree and must be certified to work in their field. The BLS projects strong job growth for cardiovascular technologists through 2028 and reports cardiovascular technologists and technicians enjoyed median incomes of over $56,000 as of May 2018. They assist with diagnostic procedures on a patient’s heart, monitor a patient’s heart rate and perform procedures such as cardiac catheterization.
7. Radiologic and MRI Technology
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With median incomes over $61,000 as of May 2018 (BLS), radiologic and MRI technologists enjoy a strong salary in a profession that requires 2 years of postsecondary study. With an associate’s degree, these technicians are qualified to use operate medical equipment and produce images that are used to diagnose patients. The BLS reports strong job growth is expected for these medical professionals through 2028.
8. Nursing
Registered nurses typically earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to qualify for their careers. They monitor patients, update medical charts, perform medical procedures and assist doctors with medical tests. The BLS reports that demand for nurses is high and their median income exceeded $71,000 as of 2018. Nurses can be employed in hospitals, medical offices, schools, and residential care facilities.
9. Veterinary Technology
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Veterinary technicians are required to earn an associate’s degree to enter their field. They work under the supervision of a veterinarian. They assist the veterinarian during medical procedures and evaluations, provide first aid to animals, take X-rays and complete laboratory tests on blood and fecal samples. With an additional 2 years of study veterinary technicians can advance to become veterinary technologists.
10. Medical Science
Medical scientists use their doctoral degree to create treatments for medical conditions. They may develop devices that can help people live independently or create treatments for illnesses. They also test and refine medications before they are publicly available. This is an ideal medical career for those who want to focus on research rather than direct patient care. The BLS reported a median income of over $84,000 as of 2018 and projects solid job growth in this field.