As the population ages, there is a greater need for healthcare services and support. This creates a great chance for people who want to pursue a healthcare career.
While many medical careers require extensive education and training, there are also options for individuals looking to enter the healthcare industry quickly.
Two-year medical degrees provide a streamlined path to a rewarding and well-paying career. These programs typically focus on specialized areas within healthcare and equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the workforce efficiently.
Here are two-year medical degrees that pay well in 2023:
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- Radiation Therapist
- Surgical Technologist
- Radiologic Technologist
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Dental Hygienist
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Sleep Technologist
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
Cardiovascular Technologist
Average Salary: $127,353 a year.
A Cardiovascular Technologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel conditions. They work alongside doctors to perform tests like electrocardiograms, stress tests, echocardiograms, and vascular studies.
Their role is crucial in identifying and diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, helping with treatment planning, and caring for patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers to support the management of cardiovascular conditions.
Cardiovascular Technologists contribute to the early detection, management, and treatment of cardiovascular conditions through their expertise and dedication, ultimately improving patients' quality of life.
Radiation Therapist
Average Salary: $118,018 a year.
A Radiation Therapist is a healthcare professional who plays a crucial role in the treatment of cancer and other diseases using radiation therapy. Working closely with oncologists and radiation physicists, these specialized therapists administer radiation treatments to patients as part of their overall cancer treatment plan.
Their primary responsibility is to operate the radiation equipment, precisely delivering targeted radiation to specific areas of the body affected by cancer.
Radiation Therapists also provide emotional support to patients and their families, helping them navigate the challenges of radiation therapy. They educate patients about treatment, possible side effects, and self-care techniques to manage discomfort or reactions.
Surgical Technologist
Average Salary: $104,011 a year.
A Surgical Technologist, also known as a Surgical Technician or Operating Room Technician, is a vital surgical team member. These skilled professionals play a crucial role in the operating room, assisting surgeons, nurses, and other surgical staff before, during, and after surgical procedures.
Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room by sterilizing and arranging surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies. They ensure everything is in proper working order and ready for the procedure.
During the surgery, they help to position the patient, drape the surgical area, and provide surgical instruments and supplies to the surgeon and surgical team as needed. They also assist with tasks such as suturing, applying dressings, and managing specimens.
Radiologic Technologist
Average Salary: $101,683 a year.
A Radiologic Technologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in capturing images of the inside of the human body using medical imaging equipment. They play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.
Radiologic Technologists operate X-ray machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and other imaging equipment. They carefully position patients and ensure their comfort and safety during imaging.
By following specific protocols and adjusting the equipment settings, they capture clear and accurate images that help healthcare providers make accurate diagnoses.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Average Salary: $88,947 a year.
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, also known as an Ultrasound Technologist, is a healthcare professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of the body's internal structures using sound waves. They play a crucial role in assisting with the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers use a handheld device called a transducer, which emits high-frequency sound waves, to capture detailed images of organs, tissues, and blood flow within the body. They apply a special gel to the patient's skin to facilitate the movement of the transducer and ensure optimal image quality.
By manipulating the transducer and interpreting the images on a screen, Sonographers create real-time images that help doctors identify and evaluate medical conditions.
Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $88,242 a year.
A Dental Hygienist is a vital member of the dental healthcare team who focuses on preventive oral care. They play a crucial role in helping individuals maintain good oral health and prevent dental problems.
Dental Hygienists perform a variety of tasks to promote oral hygiene. They clean and polish teeth, removing plaque, tartar, and stains. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
Dental Hygienists may also take dental X-rays, examine patients for signs of oral diseases, and perform screenings for oral cancer.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist
Average Salary: $85,300 a year.
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in operating MRI machines to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures.
MRI Technologists work closely with patients to ensure their comfort and safety during the imaging process. They explain the procedure, answer any questions, and address concerns to alleviate anxiety. Prior to the scan, they carefully position the patient on the examination table and ensure that they are properly secured.
They then operate the MRI machine, which uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the body's organs, tissues, and bones.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Average Salary: $73,000 a year.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists administer radiopharmaceuticals, which are radioactive substances, to patients. These substances are either ingested, injected, or inhaled, depending on the specific diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.
Once the radiopharmaceutical is administered, the technologist uses specialized imaging equipment, such as gamma cameras, to detect the radiation emitted by the substance within the patient's body.
Patient care is a significant aspect of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist's role. They ensure patients understand the procedure, address any concerns, and provide support throughout the process.
Technologists are responsible for maintaining patient safety by adhering to strict radiation safety protocols, minimizing radiation exposure, and properly handling radioactive materials.
Sleep Technologist
Average Salary: $62,345 a year.
Sleep Technologists work in sleep laboratories or clinics, where they conduct sleep studies on patients. They set up and apply electrodes and other sensors on the patient's body to monitor brain activity, eye movements, muscle tone, heart rate, breathing patterns, and other physiological parameters during sleep. These measurements help in identifying sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome.
Throughout the sleep study, Sleep Technologists closely monitor patients, ensuring their comfort and safety during the procedure. They observe the data in real time and make adjustments to the equipment if necessary. Additionally, they may assist patients with equipment such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which help individuals with breathing difficulties during sleep.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Average Salary: $61,919 a year.
Occupational Therapy Assistants work directly with clients, conducting assessments to understand their physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities and limitations. They collaborate with Occupational Therapists to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs and goals of each individual.
OTAs assist clients in implementing therapeutic interventions, such as exercises, activities, and adaptive techniques, to improve their functional skills.
OTAs guide clients in performing activities that promote independence and enhance daily living skills, such as self-care tasks, mobility exercises, and workplace adaptations. They may also provide recommendations for assistive devices and modifications to the home or work environment to facilitate the client's engagement in meaningful activities.
Related: 2-Year Degrees That Pay Well in 2023.