I Want To Study Medicine But Not Be A Doctor
Many people are passionate about medicine and want to work in the healthcare industry but don’t necessarily want to become a doctor. There are many career paths in medicine that don’t require a medical degree or involve working in a hospital or clinic. In this article, we’ll explore some alternative career options for those who want to study medicine but not be a doctor.
Physician Assistant
A physician assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed physician. PAs perform many of the same duties as doctors, such as diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medication, and ordering and interpreting lab tests. However, they typically have less autonomy than doctors and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
To become a PA, you must complete a master’s degree in physician assistant studies and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). PAs are in high demand, with a projected job growth of 31% from 2019-2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Medical Researcher
If you’re interested in the science behind medicine, a career in medical research may be a good fit for you. Medical researchers study diseases and develop new treatments and therapies to improve patient outcomes. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies.
To become a medical researcher, you typically need a Ph.D. in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. According to the BLS, medical scientists have a projected job growth of 6% from 2019-2029.
Public Health Professional
Public health professionals work to improve the health of communities and populations through education, research, and policy. They address a wide range of issues, such as disease prevention, environmental health, and healthcare access. Public health professionals work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare systems.
To become a public health professional, you typically need a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a related field. According to the BLS, health educators and community health workers, which fall under the umbrella of public health, have a projected job growth of 13% from 2019-2029.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators are responsible for managing the operations of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They oversee budgets, staffing, and patient care, and work to ensure that the facility is running efficiently and effectively. Healthcare administrators work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, healthcare systems, and long-term care facilities.
To become a healthcare administrator, you typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field. According to the BLS, medical and health services managers, which includes healthcare administrators, have a projected job growth of 32% from 2019-2029.
Conclusion
There are many career paths in medicine that don’t require a medical degree or involve working in a hospital or clinic. Whether you’re interested in patient care, research, or healthcare management, there’s a career in medicine that’s right for you. By exploring these alternative career options, you can find a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare that matches your interests and strengths.