Are you interested in a career in medicine, but don't want to be a doctor? Medicine requires many years of study and huge student loans, and there is huge competition for places in college. Medical careers are also stressful and you usually have to work long hours. However, there are many other careers related to medicine, which have shorter periods of study. So if you are interested in medicine, but don't want to be a doctor, here are some of the careers you could consider …
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1. Sports Science
Sports science looks at the effect sport and exercise have on the body. The obvious career path would be working with athletes, but you can also help non-professionals get fit and healthy by taking up sporting activities. Studying sports science could lead to a variety of careers such as becoming a personal trainer, a sports therapist, or working with young people.
2. Paramedic
As first responders, paramedics are responsible for saving many lives. So if you want to have a direct influence on patients and really make a difference, consider becoming a paramedic. No two shifts will ever be the same; you could do everything from attending an accident to delivering a baby.
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3. Theater Nurse
Theater nurses play an extremely important role in surgery. They'll reassure and monitor the patient before and after their operation, and assist the surgeon by ensuring that he or she has everything they need for the procedure. Theater nurses also prepare the equipment needed during the operation.
4. Psychology
The mind is a very important part of our well-being, and yet it's an aspect of our health that is so often overlooked. Going into psychology will allow you to help patients live a better life, but you won't have to study for as many years as a doctor or psychiatrist would (psychiatrists are also doctors and are able to dispense prescriptions - psychologists can't).
5. Optometrist
If you'd like to work with patients, but aren't interested in general medicine, you could become an optometrist. Like medicine, optometry does require years of study, but specialises in eye conditions and diseases. The work of optometrists varies from diagnosing diseases such as diabetes to caring for a patient who has just had eye surgery.
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6. Cytotechnologist
Are you looking for a branch of medicine that doesn't involve treating patients directly? Then become a cytotechnologist and work in a laboratory looking at their cells. It's a crucial stage in diagnosing disease and could be an interesting career if you like meticulous attention to detail.
7. Forensic Science
Interest in courses in forensic science has shot up in recent years thanks to the CSI franchise. If you're interested in medical matters and in science, but not so keen on dealing directly with patients, this could be the field for you. You could find employment in law enforcement, but may also work on drug testing or environmental issues.
There are many different careers related to medicine, and these are just a few of them. They won't require long years of study and training, unlike studying to be a doctor, and are all worthwhile, rewarding professions. Many of them have extremely good prospects. Some of these careers will be worth considering if you prefer to work a regular timetable. What would your ideal career be?
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