Helping Hand: 4 High-Paying Doctor Assistant Careers

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Working within the medical industry does not always mean receiving a doctorate and donning a white coat, and many have now turned to positions that assist physicians as lucrative and rewarding careers. Those that are entering into this field and would like to explore high-paying jobs should take a look at these four popular and fulfilling options.

1. Physician Assistant

A physician’s assistant is often a go-to position for anyone interested in the medical field that would like to steer clear of 10 or more years of higher education. With an unemployment rate of under 2 percent and a median salary of over $90,000, a physician’s assistant is an ideal option for either patient-intensive work or more of a behind-the-scenes atmosphere. These assistants work directly under a doctor, often within a private practice setting, and are their number one resource for everything from giving shots and carrying out tests to contacting patients and filing paperwork.

2. Surgery Technologist

Often referred to as a “surge tech,” surgery technologists are the primary assistants during procedures of all kinds. Surgery technologists only need to pass certification, after attending specific courses at a university or tech school, and will then have the option of joining a private practice or public hospital. These specialists carry out many of the same jobs as the overseeing physician and will help with all things needed in the operation room. This includes a variety of practices such as sterilizing tools, handing the physician tools, prepping patients, helping the anesthesiologist, and stitching.

3. Radiologic Technician

These highly-trained specialists are the medical personnel that administer radiation therapy. As this field continues to advance, many hospitals and clinics are finding themselves shorthanded and in need of anyone with radiology degrees. Radiologic technicians work directly with the patients in order to administer their treatments that are often needed for issues such as bone marrow diseases and various cancers. They also are directly responsible for the maintenance of this cutting-edge equipment in order to keep it running smoothly.

4. Clinical Laboratory Technologist

For those that would like to stay within the medical field but would prefer to do so behind the scenes, a clinical laboratory technologist may be the ideal career. These techs generally work more traditional hours either in a public clinic or a private testing center. They often carry out jobs such as testing specific blood samples, maintaining the clinic, and carrying out large scale research for physicians or research groups.

There are more career options than ever within the medical field, and these four positions are a great place to begin looking when on the hunt for a new career.