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 good-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.

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.

Cardiac sonographers can expect to earn a median annual income of $75,380, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and positions in the field could grow 10% by 2031. This can help eliminate some money stress.

Nursing assistants can help patients with a variety of care including measuring vital signs, personal care, or eating meals.

Nursing assistants often need certification and to be licensed with the state. 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 5% by 2031, which is equal to the national average for job growth. Expect to make $30,290 as a nursing assistant.

Assist pharmacists with dispensing medication and working with customers to fill their prescription medication needs or answering questions they may have about medication.

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

Technician positions are expected to increase by 5% in the next eight years with a median annual income of $36,740.

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 7% by 2031, which is higher than the national average for all job growth. You can earn a median annual income of $36,930.

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.

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

Medical records specialists can expect to earn $46,660 in median annual income with the profession growing 7% by 2031.

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 program lasting a year at a technical school or other accredited program.

Earn a median annual income of $38,660 in a position that is expected to grow by 8% by 2031. That increase is higher than the national average of 5%, according to the BLS.

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’s degree although it may not be a requirement. You can earn certification with the National Board for Respiratory Care.

Respiratory therapists can earn a median annual salary of $61,830 with an expected 14% increase in positions by 2031, due to potential issues and illnesses in a growing aging population.

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

You should be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) if you’re trying to become a radiologic technician. And while license and certification requirements can vary by state, many employers may require it so it’s good to have.

A radiologic technician can earn $61,980 with the field growing 6% by 2031. That rise is higher than the national average, according to the BLS.

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’s 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.

Earn $48,510 in median annual income as a surgical assistant in a field that is expected to grow 6% by 2031.

A phlebotomist works with blood doing such tasks 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.

Phlebotomists can earn $37,380 in median income each year with the position growing at 10% from 2021 to 2031, which is higher than the national average. This is a job where you could do it part-time as well, earning you extra money.

While doctors and specialized nurses are among the highest-paying professions in the U.S., there are many other jobs in the healthcare field that 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. The result may be that you’re in better financial shape than others.

It’s also a good idea to find out if positions like the one you want are in demand in your area. More demand could mean better pay or wider options when it comes to choosing the best employer for you.