Medical school is a challenge even for the smartest folks with plenty of money. For many men though, the aspiration of becoming a doctor is met with the practical reality that student loans are just too costly and that it is impossible to take all that time off for school without having some way to bring money in. On top of this, you don't want to lose sight of the passion for helping people and this makes things like an office job feel more like a distraction from you goal of joining the medical community. Don't worry though - there are plenty of great jobs that you can do as an intermediate step on the way to getting your medical degree! Let's take a look.
Are You Happy With Your Job?
- Medical Scribe or Medical Coder positions allow flexible schedules, essential scribe training, and an understanding of medical terminologies.
- Medical Office Assistant roles provide experience in patient interaction, office management, and confidentiality.
- EMT/Paramedic roles offer in-depth experience in emergency scenarios and require quick decision-making skills.
- Pharmacy Technician positions involve managing medication needs, understanding pharmacy operations, and requiring a technician certification.
- Virtual Health Assistant roles offer remote work possibilities, patient communication strategies, and managing health data effectively.
Top 10 Medical Jobs That You Can Certify For Quickly
I'm not going to sugarcoat it ... most of you want to focus solely on your medical degree and graduate as quickly as possible so you can start helping patients tomorrow. That just isn't possible for everyone and so sometimes you need to do things in stages. Who knows ... you might even find that these jobs are rewarding enough to continue doing long term. The big advantage here though is that these jobs are in high demand, pay relatively well, and you can usually get certified to do them in less than a year.
| Area | Job Title | Description | Key Benefits | Estimated Wage (per hour) | Time to Get Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical | Medical Scribe | Assist physicians by entering patient data and visit notes into the EHR system. | Real-time clinical experience and documentation skills. | $13 - $18 | Not always required, but programs can range from a few weeks to several months. |
| Research | Clinical Research Assistant | Support clinical trials, data collection, patient recruitment, and literature reviews. | Exposure to research and trial protocols. | $18 - $25 | Not always required for entry-level; however, certifications like SoCRA or ACRP can take several months to prepare for and obtain. |
| Administrative | Medical Office Assistant | Administrative tasks in a medical office, such as scheduling and billing. | Healthcare administration understanding, patient interaction. | $14 - $20 | Certification is optional but can be obtained in 6-12 months. |
| Emergency Services | EMT/Paramedic | Provide emergency services and patient transport. Requires certification. | Hands-on care, decision-making under pressure. | EMT: $16 - $20, Paramedic: $18 - $24 | EMT: ~6 months, Paramedic: an additional 1-2 years after EMT certification. |
| Patient Care | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Assist in providing basic care to patients. Requires certification. | Direct patient care, healthcare operations understanding. | $18 - $24 | 4-12 weeks |
| Technical | Phlebotomist | Collect blood samples for testing. Requires certification. | Skill in medical procedures, patient interaction. | $16 - $20 | 4-8 months |
| Education | Health Educator | Provide health education on various topics. | Communication, public health knowledge. | $20 - $26 | Certification is optional; CHES certification requires a bachelor's degree and passing an exam. |
| Support Services | Pharmacy Technician | Assist in dispensing medications. Requires certification in some regions. | Pharmacology knowledge, medication education. | $15 - $20 | 4 months to 1 year |
| Telehealth | Virtual Health Assistant | Support in telehealth services, including patient monitoring. | Telehealth platform understanding, flexible hours. | $19 - $24 | Not typically required, but relevant certifications can enhance employability. |
| Non-Profit | Health Advocate | Work on health education, policy, or support through non-profits. | Advocacy skills, healthcare policy understanding. | $15 - $22 | Not typically required, but degrees or certificates in public health or related fields can be beneficial. |
One of the big advantages here is that just like with the male nursing jobs we've talked about before, men are in high demand for many of these jobs. Traditionally, women dominate the medical field, but many male patients feel more comfortable engaging with other men, so that gives us guys a leg up in terms of hiring for some positions like CNA or Health Advocate. There are plenty more medical jobs as well, but hopefully, this helps you see some interesting options to explore.
Important Considerations:
- Wages: The provided ranges are estimates and subject to change. Actual wages can vary based on the employer, location, and the candidate's experience.
- Certification Time: The time to certification is approximate and can vary by program intensity, individual study pace, and prior experience or education.
- Certification Requirements: Some roles may not require certification for entry-level positions, but obtaining certification can lead to better job opportunities and higher wages.
Let's take a little deeper look now at some of the key career opportunities that I listed above ...
Medical Scribe or Medical Coder
Diving into the field of medical industry jobs, working as a medical scribe or a medical coder can offer invaluable experience while you're still grinding through med school. As a scribe, your responsibilities include documenting patient encounters, assisting physicians with medical record navigation, and other administrative tasks. Scribe training is essential - it's not just about jotting down notes but understanding medical terminologies and procedures, too.
On the flip side, if you're more into data, becoming a medical coder might be your calling. With a coder certification, you can translate medical procedures into codes for billing purposes. It's a crucial role that could lead to promising coder career prospects, especially with the ever-growing demand for health services.
Balancing scribe or coder work with your med school obligations might seem challenging, but trust me, you're not alone in this journey. Many of us have been there, and it's a challenge we've all faced head-on. Remember, these experiences aren't just about earning extra cash - they're about gaining practical skills that will make you a better doctor in the future.
Medical Office Assistant
Switching gears to another key role ... working as a Medical Office Assistant. Here you can can provide a different set of experiences and challenges that are beneficial for med students. Being a Medical Office Assistant entails learning the ropes of Office Management, which is a vibrant mix of organization, coordination, and communication while also gaining practical knowledge about what it is like to operate your own practice once you finally complete all those years of medical school and subsequent practical training.
Patient Interaction is another significant part of this role. It's not just about scheduling appointments or answering queries - it's about making patients feel comfortable and cared for. It's an opportunity to practice empathy, patience, and effective communication, all critical in the medical field.
EMT / Paramedic
Transitioning from a medical office to the front lines of emergency care, the role of an EMT or Paramedic is another fantastic potential job for those studying medicine. These jobs offers a deeper exploration into emergency scenarios, where life saving techniques become an everyday skill. It's a step up in responsibility, but it's not for the faint-hearted.
Paramedic training is rigorous and covers a diverse range of medical and emergency scenarios. From car accidents to cardiac arrests, we're taught to be prepared for the unexpected. We learn how to stabilize patients, administer medication, and, when needed, perform advanced life-saving techniques. These are the EMT responsibilities we carry. For those seeking these jobs though there are lots of opportunities and even scholarships available. Some organizations even offer their own training like when you work with Royal Ambulance, they have an academy to help train their staff so they are ready to hit the ground running and help folks out.
But it's not without challenges. The pressure can be immense. These guys are often the first on the scene, making split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. It's a job that tests your mettle, your knowledge, and your ability to stay calm under pressure.
Pharmacy Technician
Stepping away from the intensity of emergency care, let's explore the role of a Pharmacy Technician, a critical player in the healthcare industry with significant responsibility for managing medication needs. It's a role that demands a keen understanding of pharmacy operations, a flair for precision in drug dispensing, and a compassionate approach to patient counseling.
As a pharmacy technician, you'll deeply involved in the pharmacy's day-to-day operations. I assist the pharmacist in filling prescriptions, ensuring the right medication is dispensed to the right patient. It's not just about counting pills, it's about ensuring the safety and wellbeing of each patient. In addition to drug dispensing, a good chunk of my time is spent counseling patients. This role provides valuable advice on medication usage and possible interactions and answers any questions they might have.
Being a Pharmacy Technician isn't easy, but it's an important and rewarding job. It's a chance to make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience for my future medical career.
Virtual Health Assistant
As we dive further into the realm of cutting-edge medical industry jobs, let's take a look at being a Virtual Health Assistant. I'm sure many of you are attracted to the remote work possibilities that this position offers and certainly that can be a huge advantage for those trying to balance work with education. With the AI advancements, Virtual Health Assistants can effectively manage patient health data from the comfort of their home, which allows them to balance it with med school responsibilities.
Telehealth benefits aren't just limited to convenience, though. It has greatly enhanced patient communication strategies, enabling you to maintain a close connection with patients despite the physical distance. This technology also allows me to provide personalized care, making each patient feel valued and part of a community.
Being a Virtual Health Assistant offers a unique blend of technology and healthcare, and it's a great stepping stone for future doctors like us. So, if you're tech-savvy and passionate about patient care, let's embrace this exciting opportunity together!
