10 In-Demand Medical Jobs You Can Get With Just a Certification

Medical jobs can pay well, especially if you're a doctor with years of training in medical school. But what if you don't want to be a doctor but still want to work in health care?

You may be surprised to find there are some well-paying jobs in the medical field that actually don't require a college degree. Some of these jobs you could even do to earn extra money.

So consider these medical jobs that just need a certification if you're looking to change careers or follow a career in the healthcare field.

Median annual salary: $38,200

Nursing assistants can help patients with various care tasks, such as measuring vital signs, performing personal care, and eating meals.

Nursing assistants often need certification and state licensing. Requirements can vary from state to state, so it's important to check with the licensing board in your particular location for details.

Jobs for nursing assistants are expected to grow by 4% by 2032, higher than the national average for job growth.

Median annual salary: $38,930

Emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, are important first responders for emergency medical issues.

You'll need to take some courses on emergency medical training and be certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). States have requirements to license EMTs as well.

EMT positions are expected to grow 6% by 2033, higher than the national average for all job growth.

Median annual salary: $40,300

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with dispensing medication and working with customers to fill their prescription medication needs or answer questions about medication.

Two organizations — the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) — offer certification. 

Technician positions are expected to increase by 7% in the next 10 years.

Median annual salary: $41,810

A phlebotomist works with blood, performing tasks such as drawing blood from patients and donors, collecting and labeling blood for testing, or entering blood sample information for recording purposes.

You can become a phlebotomist with training that usually takes less than a year to complete and be certified by a professional organization.

The position will grow at 8% through 2033, which is higher than the national average. You could also do this job part-time to get ahead financially.

Median annual salary: $46,540

Dental assistants can help dentists by preparing and assisting with dental procedures, helping with equipment, or preparing patients for their next visit.

A dental assistant might get certified through a year-long program at a technical school or other accredited program.

This position is expected to grow by 8% by 2033. According to the BLS, that increase is higher than the national average, which could help you build wealth.

Median annual salary: $48,780

Medical records specialists are important to create and maintain medical records for patients. You may be responsible for maintaining records, planning and assigning classification codes, and ensuring the confidentiality of patient records.

To become a medical records specialist, you can be certified by one of several national organizations. Some employers may require certification before you start working, while others will allow you to earn certification while working.

Medical records specialist positions are expected to grow 9% by 2033.

Median annual salary: $59,160

Surgical assistants help doctors and nurses with surgery. You may need to prep a surgical suite for a medical procedure, sterilize equipment, provide patient care before surgery, or pass instruments to surgeons during surgery.

Surgical assistants can earn a certification or associate degree to qualify for a position as a surgical assistant. Check with different credentialing boards for certification, which may not be required by a state or governing board but could be mandatory for some positions.

Employment as a surgical assistant is expected to grow 5% by 2033.

Median annual salary: $73,410

Radiologic technicians prepare patients for radiology tests such as X-rays and diagnostic imaging.

If you want to become a radiologic technician, you should be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). While license and certification requirements vary by state, many employers may require it, so it's good to have.

According to the BLS, the field is expected to grow by 6% by 2033. That rise is higher than the national average.

Median annual salary: $77,960

A respiratory therapist helps patients with breathing issues, such as asthma or illnesses that affect a patient's lungs.

Respiratory therapists usually need an associate degree, although it may not be a requirement. You can earn certification with the National Board for Respiratory Care.

Positions are expected to increase by 13% by 2033 due to potential issues and illnesses in a growing aging population.

Median annual salary: $80,850

You can get certified as a sonographer performing echocardiograms on patients to test their hearts for issues, illnesses, or abnormalities.

Certification is available through several medical professional organizations, such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Cardiovascular Credentialing International. You'll also have to pass a test, and some states require you to be licensed.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), positions in the field could grow 10% by 2033. This can help eliminate some money stress.

While doctors and specialized nurses are among the highest-paying professions in the U.S., many other jobs in the health care field are in demand and offer a good wage. These jobs don't require a college or advanced degree.

If you're considering one of these jobs, remember to factor in the cost of training and certification. It won't be as expensive as college, but it will cost something.

It's also good to find out if positions like the one you want are in demand in your area. More demand could mean better pay or broader options to help you build your wealth.