24 Well-Paying Medical Jobs To Pursue With Limited Schooling
What does “limited schooling” mean?
For this article, limited schooling generally refers to a program that can be completed in approximately two years or less. Some positions offer several entry routes, while others require an associate degree, professional examination, state license or certification.
Requirements vary by state and employer. Always confirm that a program is appropriately accredited and qualifies graduates for required examinations or licenses.
Salary information
The salary figures below are May 2024 national median wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics healthcare occupations guide. A median represents the midpoint: half of workers earned more and half earned less.
Actual earnings depend on location, experience, employer, specialization, schedule and credentials. A national median is not a guaranteed starting salary.
1. Radiation therapist
Median annual salary: $101,990
Radiation therapists administer prescribed radiation treatments to patients with cancer and other serious conditions. They position patients, operate treatment equipment and maintain detailed records.
Many enter the occupation with an associate degree, although bachelor’s programs are also available. Licensing and certification requirements vary by state.
2. Nuclear medicine technologist
Median annual salary: $97,020
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs used for imaging or treatment. They operate scanners, monitor patients and follow radiation-safety procedures.
An associate degree is a common entry route. Some states require a license, and employers may prefer professional certification.
3. Dental hygienist
Median annual salary: $94,260
Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral disease, remove deposits from teeth and provide preventive-care education.
An associate degree in dental hygiene is the typical entry credential. Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed, although specific requirements differ.
4. Registered nurse
Median annual salary: $93,600
Registered nurses assess patients, administer treatment, maintain medical records and coordinate care with other healthcare professionals.
The BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education, but associate degree in nursing programs can also lead to RN licensure. Graduates must meet state requirements and pass the relevant licensing examination. Some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree.
5. Diagnostic medical sonographer
Median annual salary: $89,340
Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create images that help physicians evaluate medical conditions.
An associate degree is a common entry route, although some candidates complete postsecondary certificate programs. Certification may improve employment opportunities or be required by an employer.
6. Respiratory therapist
Median annual salary: $80,450
Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat patients who have breathing difficulties. They may perform diagnostic tests, administer treatment and manage respiratory equipment.
An associate degree is typically required. Most states require respiratory therapists to be licensed.
7. Radiologic or MRI technologist
Median annual salary: $78,980
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic X-rays and other imaging examinations. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners.
An associate degree is the typical entry credential. Licensing and certification requirements depend on the state, imaging specialty and employer.
8. Health information technologist or medical registrar
Median annual salary: $67,310
These professionals manage computerized healthcare systems, analyze clinical information and help maintain the accuracy and accessibility of health data.
An associate degree may qualify candidates for entry-level positions. Certifications in health information management or medical registries may improve career prospects.
9. Cardiovascular technologist or technician
Median annual salary: $67,260
Cardiovascular technologists conduct tests and assist with procedures involving the heart, lungs and blood vessels. Duties may include performing electrocardiograms or supporting cardiac catheterization.
Many positions require an associate degree. Education and certification requirements vary by specialty.
10. Occupational therapy assistant
Median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants and aides: $66,050
Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop or recover skills needed for work and everyday activities. They follow treatment plans created by occupational therapists and document patient progress.
Assistants typically need an accredited associate degree and, in most states, a license. Aides usually receive more training on the job and have different responsibilities.
11. Surgical technologist
Median annual salary for surgical assistants and technologists: $62,480
Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment and assist surgical teams before and during procedures.
Candidates commonly complete a certificate or associate degree. Employers may prefer certification from a recognized professional organization.
12. Licensed practical or vocational nurse
Median annual salary: $62,340
Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses provide basic nursing care, monitor patients and report changes to registered nurses or physicians.
State-approved programs commonly take about one year. Graduates must pass the required licensing examination.
13. Clinical laboratory technician
Median annual salary for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians: $61,890
Clinical laboratory technicians test blood, tissue and other samples to support diagnosis and treatment.
The BLS category includes both technologists and technicians and lists a bachelor’s degree as typical overall. However, some technician positions accept an associate degree. Requirements and permitted duties vary by employer and state.
14. Physical therapist assistant
Median annual salary for physical therapist assistants and aides: $60,050
Physical therapist assistants help patients regain movement and manage pain through exercises and other treatments prescribed by physical therapists.
Assistants generally need an accredited associate degree and a state license or certification. Aides typically receive on-the-job training and earn different salaries.
15. Massage therapist
Median annual salary: $57,950
Massage therapists manipulate muscles and soft tissue to support relaxation, mobility or pain management. They may work in clinics, spas, fitness facilities or private practices.
Training programs vary in length. Many states regulate the occupation and require a license or certification.
16. Medical records specialist
Median annual salary: $50,250
Medical records specialists organize, code and maintain patient information. They help ensure that records are accurate, secure and usable for billing or clinical purposes.
A postsecondary certificate is a common entry route. Employers may prefer candidates with medical coding or health information credentials.
17. Dental assistant
Median annual salary: $47,300
Dental assistants prepare treatment areas, support dentists, take records and help patients understand care instructions. Some also perform administrative work.
Educational requirements differ by state. Candidates may complete a certificate or diploma program, while certain states allow supervised on-the-job training.
18. Optician
Median annual salary: $46,560
Opticians help customers select and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses based on prescriptions from eye-care professionals.
Many enter with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Some states require licensing, and certificate or associate programs are available.
19. EMT or paramedic
Median annual salary: $46,350
Emergency medical technicians and paramedics evaluate patients, provide emergency care and transport people to medical facilities.
Candidates complete an approved postsecondary program and must meet state certification or licensing requirements. Paramedic training is more advanced and usually takes longer than EMT training.
20. Medical assistant
Median annual salary: $44,200
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical duties, such as scheduling appointments, recording vital signs and preparing examination rooms.
Many complete a certificate, diploma or associate program. Some employers provide on-the-job training, although professional certification may strengthen an application.
21. Phlebotomist
Median annual salary: $43,660
Phlebotomists draw blood for diagnostic testing, research, transfusions and donations. They identify patients, label samples and follow infection-control procedures.
Training programs may take less than one year. Certification or licensing requirements vary by state and employer.
22. Pharmacy technician
Median annual salary: $43,460
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists prepare prescriptions, manage inventory, process insurance information and assist customers.
Entry requirements range from a high school diploma and supervised training to a formal certificate program. States regulate pharmacy technicians differently.
23. Psychiatric technician
Median annual salary for psychiatric technicians and aides: $42,200
Psychiatric technicians help care for people with mental health conditions or developmental disabilities. They may monitor behavior, lead activities and assist with daily needs.
Technicians commonly need a certificate or associate degree. Psychiatric aides may qualify with a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
24. Nursing assistant
Median annual salary for nursing assistants and orderlies: $39,430
Nursing assistants provide basic care, help patients with daily activities and communicate changes to nursing staff.
Requirements vary, but nursing assistants commonly complete a state-approved training program and competency examination.
How to choose a medical career with limited schooling
Consider more than salary when comparing these roles:
- Program length and total cost
- Accreditation
- Licensing requirements
- Physical demands
- Patient interaction
- Exposure to illness or emergencies
- Shift and weekend requirements
- Advancement opportunities
- Local job availability
- Continuing-education requirements
A higher salary may come with more competitive admission, greater clinical responsibility or difficult working hours.
Ways to verify a training program
Before enrolling:
- Confirm that the program meets state licensing requirements
- Review its accreditation
- Ask about graduation and examination-pass rates
- Compare the complete cost rather than advertised tuition alone
- Determine whether clinical placements are included
- Speak with recent graduates
- Review local job postings
- Confirm whether credits can transfer to a higher degree
Avoid programs that guarantee employment or unusually high starting salaries without verifiable evidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which medical job on this list has the highest median salary?
Radiation therapists have the highest listed BLS median salary at $101,990. Location, experience and employer can significantly affect actual earnings.
2. Can I work in healthcare without a college degree?
Yes. Several roles accept a postsecondary certificate, high school diploma or approved training program. State licensing or certification may still be required.
3. Can I advance after entering a short healthcare program?
Yes. Many professionals later pursue advanced certifications or degrees. An LPN, for example, may eventually enter an RN bridge program.
4. Are online medical training programs accepted?
Some academic coursework can be completed online, but clinical roles usually require supervised in-person training. Verify that the program meets accreditation and licensing requirements before enrolling.