10 Good-Paying 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.

1. Cardiac sonographer

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), cardiac sonographers can expect to earn a median annual income of $80,850, and positions in the field could grow 10% by 2032. This can help eliminate some money stress .

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2. Surgical assistant

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.

As a surgical assistant, you can earn $59,160 in median annual income in a field that is expected to grow 5% by 2032.

3. Pharmacy technician

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, according to the BLS.

Technician positions are expected to increase by 6% in the next 10 years, and the median annual income is expected to be $40,300.

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4. Nursing assistant

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. Expect to make $38,200 as a nursing assistant.

5. Emergency medical technician

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 5% by 2032, higher than the national average for all job growth. You can earn a median annual income of $38,930.

6. Dental assistant

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.

Earn a median annual income of $46,540 in a position expected to grow by 7% by 2032. According to the BLS, that increase is higher than the national average of 3%, which could help you build wealth .

7. Medical record specialist

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 specialists can expect to earn a median annual income of $48,780, and the profession is expected to grow 8% by 2032.

8. Respiratory therapist

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.

Respiratory therapists can earn a median annual salary of $77,960, and positions are expected to increase by 13% by 2032 due to potential issues and illnesses in a growing aging population.

9. Radiologic technician

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, a radiologic technician can earn $73,410, and the field is expected to grow 6% by 2032. That rise is higher than the national average.

10. Phlebotomist

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.

Phlebotomists can earn a median income of $41,810 each year, and the position will grow at 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is higher than the national average. You could also do this job part-time to get ahead financially .

Bottom line

While doctors and specialized nurses are among the highest-paying professions in the U.S., many other jobs in the healthcare 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 move beyond living paycheck to paycheck .

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).