Are there short schools for high paying medical jobs?

I'm interested in the medical field but not sure if I want to commit to a long college program. Are there shorter educational paths that lead to high-paying and in-demand medical jobs?

Yes, several career paths in the healthcare field require less time commitment than a traditional medical degree yet still offer competitive salaries. Here are some examples:

1. Registered Nurse (RN): Becoming an RN usually requires a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, but you can also start working in this role with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). The courses generally take 2-3 years to complete and RNs are in high demand across the country.

2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: Also known as ultrasound technicians, these professionals use imaging equipment to allow physicians to diagnose and treat their patients. Most people enter this occupation after earning an associate degree, which typically takes two years.

3. Radiologic and MRI Technologists: These professionals perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. You usually need an associate’s degree in this field, which takes about two years.

4. Respiratory Therapists: Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing. Becoming a respiratory therapist usually calls for earning an associate’s degree, though there are bachelor's degree programs as well.

5. Dental Hygienist: To become a Dental Hygienist, you generally require an associate degree in dental hygiene. The programs usually take 3 years to complete.

6. Physical Therapist Assistant: PTAs work under the direct supervision of physical therapists and help patients regain movement and manage pain after an injury or illness. Becoming a physical therapist assistant typically requires an associate degree, which takes about two years to complete.

While there are shorter educational paths, also bear in mind that these careers can be physically demanding and require dealing with sick individuals, which might not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, it's important to consider not only the length of education but also the work environment, job outlook, and personal interests and strengths.