You can still get paid a high salary in the medical field, even if you’re not a doctor. Non-physician roles are increasing in availability, and medical organizations are willing to pay top dollar to secure the best talent. This is your chance to find the ideal job at a medical facility near you – or anywhere around the country. Polish up your resume and start submitting to companies looking for these high-paid, non-physician positions right now.
Non-Physician Positions that Pay High Salaries
Radiologists
You might also hear these amazing men and women referred to as radiographers or MRI techs. The responsibilities in this lucrative position include taking x-rays and operating MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans. Your job is to help physicians with diagnostics. Working as a radiologist puts you in a very important healthcare role that could have you making an average annual salary of $61,240. Opportunities exist now for this position, which is predicted to grow by 7% through 2029. To qualify, you will need a minimum of an associate degree.
Respiratory Therapist
COVID-19 highlighted the dire need for respiratory therapists, who are tasked with helping patients breathe easier. Respiratory therapist responsibilities include the treatment of a range of breathing disorders and chronic diseases like emphysema or asthma. This role is expected to grow at a rate of 19% through 2029 on account of a growing elderly population. To become a respiratory therapist, you will need a minimum of an associate degree. Some states require you to become licensed (Alaska is the exception). This non-physician healthcare position pays an average annual salary of $62,810 per year.
Prosthetic Professional
Orthotic and prosthetic professionals are tasked with the design, fabrication, measuring, and fitting of orthotic and prosthetic devices. Your responsibilities may vary in this role. You could manage artificial limbs, surgical prosthetic devices, or medical braces. To qualify for this position, you would need a minimum of a master’s degree. This role is expected to grow by 17% through 2029 and pays an average annual salary of $70,190.
Nurse Anesthetist
A nurse-anesthetist is a non-physician medical role that puts you in charge of providing anesthesia and related care during surgical procedures. You may find yourself assisting with therapeutic, diagnostic, or obstetrical procedures. You must have a master’s degree from an accredited medical program and be certified as an RN. Qualifications also include at least one year of clinical experience, which is a prerequisite for admission to an accredited nurse anesthetist program. Most candidates have experience working as a RN in critical care or an acute care setting. The position pays an average annual salary of $183,580.
Vascular Technologists
Vascular technologists use specialized equipment to create images and engage in patient testing for the purposes of helping doctors make informed diagnostics. You might also hear this role referred to as a diagnostic medical sonographer, cardiovascular technologist, or cardiovascular technician. You might find yourself working in a doctor’s office, hospital, or lab. To qualify for this position, you would need a minimum of an associate degree while some employers require certification. This role is expected to grow by 12% through 2029 and pays an average annual salary of $70,380.
Nutritionist
A nutritionist or dietician focuses on making sure patients eat a nutritious diet while promoting good health. They are responsible for treating ailments like obesity and weight-related comorbidities like type 2 diabetes. They also use their knowledge to educate patients and their families about the nuances of healthy diets and how to manage various diseases. This role is expected to increase in availability by 8% through 2029 as healthcare facilities increase their understanding of the connection between health and diet. To qualify as a nutritionist, you need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. The role pays an average annual salary of $63,090.
Physician Assistants
Physician assistants, or PAs, assist doctors and surgeons to examine patients, diagnose ailments, and treat illnesses or injuries. You may find yourself reviewing a patient’s medical history or prescribing medication. You may also counsel patients about the status of their health. PAs need a master’s degree from an accredited program, which takes around two years of full-time study to complete. Most states require licenses for physician assistants, which means you’ll need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. This position is expected to grow by 31% through 2026 and pays an average annual salary of $115,390.
Nurse Midwives
As a nurse midwife, you would specialize in women’s health issues. You might find yourself performing gynecological examinations or providing prenatal care. Nurse midwives also help patients with family planning services and can assist pregnant women during labor and delivery. This role is expected to grow by 21% through 2026 and requires at least a master’s degree from an accredited medical program. You must also possess an RN license before pursuing your education to become a nurse midwife, which pays around $115,540 per year.
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Registered nurses or RNs provide and coordinate patient care. RNs examine patients, record their observations, administer medications, and provide treatments. Nurses can also assist doctors, monitor medical equipment, and teach patients how to manage their injuries or illnesses. To become a registered nurse, you would need to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, earn an associate degree in nursing, or earn a diploma from an accredited nursing program. You must be licensed as an RN, which comes with an annual salary of around $75,330. This role is expected to grow by 7% through 2029.
Start Applying for High-Paying, Non-Physician Jobs
As you can see, there are many positions available that pay excellent salaries in healthcare and that don’t require an MD. You can start applying for these positions by partnering with Prolink. At Prolink, we advocate on your behalf to get you hired right away. We can assist with your resume, job submissions, onboarding, and more. Get started today by calling (866)777-3704.
