In-Demand Jobs for Students Interested in the Medical Field

Especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, jobs in the medical field are and will continue to be in high demand. If you’re a student interested in pursuing a degree related to the medical field, you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a future career path.

Here are several jobs in the medical field in high demand, which are forecasted to continue rising in demand and job growth in the next few years. 

Some of these positions are on this list because they pay well, while others are entry-level positions that do not take as many years of schooling, and hence, will require less student debt to achieve.

Registered Nurse

Average yearly salary: $65,470

Minimum education requirement: Associates degree

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that over half a million new jobs for registered nurses will be created in the next few years as the demand for nurses continues to rise. Students interested in becoming a registered nurse will need to complete an accredited nursing program, after which they will receive a license to practice nursing. This position is especially fitting for individuals with strong interpersonal skills, as the position requires constant interaction with patients.

Radiation Therapist

Average yearly salary: $77,560

Minimum education requirement: Associates degree

Students interested in becoming a radiation therapist should expect to complete special certifications and an associates, perhaps even bachelor degree in order to receive a state license. Each state requirement could be different; however, in every state, this position allows professionals to help treat various diseases and cancers with targeted radiation.

Physical Therapist

Average yearly salary: $79,860

Minimum education requirement: Doctoral degree

Becoming a physical therapist requires students to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and obtain a license. Students should expect to complete practical rounds before obtaining a license to practice as well. This position is becoming increasingly in demand as the need for physical therapy rises among the elderly population, athletes, and people who have experienced injuries or illnesses.

Physical Therapist Aide/Assistant

Average annual salary: $39,430

Minimum education requirement: Associates degree

If students are interested in physical therapy but want to complete less schooling to get there, they can consider assisting or becoming a physical therapist aide. In order to become a physical therapist assistant, students should expect to complete an associate’s degree at an accredited program. Though the pay is lower, assistants often get the opportunity to work with patients more frequently. This could also be a stepping stone to becoming a physical therapist in the future.

Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurse

Average annual salary: $41,540

Minimum education requirement: Postsecondary award

A state-approved program generally only takes one year to complete, allowing those interested in the field of nursing to get started right away. This is an entry-level nursing position, so though the pay is not as high as it is for registered nurses, the job offers many of the same benefits of working directly with patients and does not require as much schooling. 

Medical Assistant

Average annual salary: $29,370

Minimum education requirement: Postsecondary award

Medical assisting is another entry-level position in the medical field that only requires students to complete some kind of postsecondary certification. Medical assistants work under the supervision of physicians and often complete clinical and administrative tasks.

Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner

Average annual salary: $96,460

Minimum education requirement: Masters degree

These are all high-level nursing positions with the ability to provide patients with primary care. The exact role of each of these positions can vary from state to state, but the minimum expectation is that people who apply for these professions have a specialized master's degree. They must also obtain a license from the state in which they intend to practice.

Dental Hygienist

Average annual salary: $70,210

Minimum education requirement: Associates degree

Students interested in becoming dental hygiene professionals should expect to obtain an associates degree and license to practice. This role is important in helping to not only keep patients’ teeth and gums clean but also detect any problems with patients’ dental health, aiding dentists in their work.

Medical Sonographer/Technologist

Average annual salary: $60,350

Minimum education requirement: Associates degree

Sonographers and technologists utilize imaging machinery to capture and interpret images in the medical field. Their roles are in higher and higher demand. Students interested in this position should expect to receive a postsecondary certification and associate’s degree at minimum. 

EMT, Paramedic 

Average annual salary: $31,020

Minimum education requirement: Postsecondary award

The role of an EMT or paramedic is to administer necessary medical care in emergency situations and transport patients in need of treatment to hospitals or other medical facilities. Students interested in becoming an EMT or paramedic should expect to complete a postsecondary program and obtain a state license.