If are not sure if you want to be a medical doctor, but you want to stay in the health care field, here is a list of alternative health care professions you should explore.
Dentist
Median Salary: $149,098
Degree Required: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
Year of Postgraduate Education: 4
Job Description:
“Dentists diagnose and treat problems with a patient’s teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.”
Podiatrist
Median Salary: $118,030
Degree Required: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
Year of Postgraduate Education: 4
Job Description:
“Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people suffering from foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery. For example, podiatrists treat calluses, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, and arch problems. They also treat foot and leg problems associated with diabetes and other diseases; they may set fractures.”
Optometrist
Median Salary: $94,990
Degree Required: Doctor of Optometry (OD)
Year of Postgraduate Education: 4
Job Description:
“Optometrists perform eye exams to check for vision problems and diseases. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.”
Pharmacist
Median Salary: $111,570
Degree Required: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
Year of Postgraduate Education: 4
Job Description:
“Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and provide advice on their safe use.”
Physical Therapist
Median Salary: $76,310
Degree Required: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Year of Postgraduate Education: 3
Job Description:
“Physical therapists help people who have had debilitating injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain. They are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.”
Veterinarian
Median Salary: $82,040
Degree Required: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Year of Postgraduate Education: 4
Job Description:
“Veterinarians care for the health of animals. They diagnose, treat, or research medical conditions and diseases for pets, livestock, and animals in zoos, racetracks, and laboratories.”
Occupational Therapist
Median Salary: $72,320
Degree Required: Master’s degree in occupational therapy
Year of Postgraduate Education: 2
Job Description:
“Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.”
Speech-Language Therapist
Median Salary: $66,920
Degree Required: Masters degree in speech therapy
Year of Postgraduate Education: 2
Job Description:
“Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders in patients.”
Registered Nurse
Median Salary: $64,690
Degree Required: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in nursing or diploma from approved nursing program
Year of Postgraduate Education: Varies
Job Description:
“Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.”
Chiropractor
Median Salary: $67,200
Degree Required: Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
Year of Postgraduate Education: 4
Job Description:
“Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal manipulation and other techniques to treat patients’ ailments, such as back or neck pain.”
Physician Assistant
Median Salary: $86,410
Degree Required: Master’s degrees in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), Health Science (MHS), or Medical Science (MMSc)
Year of Postgraduate Education: 2-3
Job Description:
“Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine under the direction of physicians and surgeons. They are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment.”
Source:
United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics
