The medical field is filled with millions of jobs at all different levels.

Doctors aren’t the only professionals needed in order to keep hospitals, clinics, and health businesses running—and many of the jobs needed are filled by those who attend trade schools for short periods of time instead of spending many years obtaining traditional degrees.

Whether it’s keeping the office running efficiently, billing insurance companies, or caring for patients, trade schools provide hands-on education to prepare students for the medical science jobs they want to pursue. Depending on the career path chosen, students can graduate from a program with a certificate or degree in as little as two years or less.

And the best part is that many professionals working in the medical skills trade areas report a high level of job satisfaction. Working in the medical field allows these employees an opportunity to feel valued while also helping to improve their patients’ well-being.

Many of these medical science jobs in America are filled by those who went to trade schools to complete their health sciences programs. In fact, the Imagine America Foundation has created a list of the top ten best-paying jobs in health science trades.

Not sure which direction you want to take or want to see if the job you’ve been dreaming of is included?

Check out the list below! You could be just a short amount of time away from beginning a career path in the medical science trades!

1. Radiation Therapist

2018 Median Pay: $82,330 per year/$39.58 per hour

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate degree

Typical Job Duties: Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments.

Job Outlook through 2028: 9% growth (faster than average)

2. Dental Hygienist

2018 Median Pay: $74,820 per year/$35.97 per hour

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate degree

Typical Job Duties: Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care and oral hygiene guidance.

Job Outlook through 2028: 11% growth (much faster than average)

3. Registered Nurse

2018 Median Pay: $71,730 per year/$34.38 per hour

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree

Typical Job Duties: Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, and they educate patients and the public about various health conditions.

Job Outlook through 2028: 12% growth (much faster than average)

4. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

2018 Median Pay: $67,080 per year/$32.25 per hour

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate degree

Typical Job Duties: Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, operate special imaging equipment to create images or to conduct tests.

Job Outlook through 2028: 14% growth (much faster than average)

5. Occupational Therapist Assistant

2018 Median Pay: $57,620 per year/$27.70 per hour

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate degree

Typical Job Duties: Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

Job Outlook through 2028: 31% growth (much faster than average)

6. Physical Therapist Assistant

2018 Median Pay: $47,090 per year/$23.12 per hour

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate degree

Typical Job Duties: Physical therapist assistants and aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.

Job Outlook through 2028: 26% growth (much faster than average)

7. Licensed Practical Nurse

2018 Median Pay: $46,240 per year/$22.23 per hour

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate degree

Typical Job Duties: Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic nursing care.

Job Outlook through 2028: 11% growth (much faster than average)

8. Medical Records and Health Information Technician

2018 Median Pay: $40,350 per year/$19.40 per hour

Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate degree

Typical Job Duties: Medical records and health information technicians organize and manage health information data.

Job Outlook through 2028: 11% growth (much faster than average)

9. Dental Assistant

2018 Median Pay: $38,660 per year/$18.159 per hour

Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Typical Job Duties: Dental assistants provide patient care, take x-rays, keep records, and schedule appointments.

Job Outlook through 2028: 11% growth (much faster than average)

10. Medical Assistant

2018 Median Pay: $33,610 per year/$16.15 per hour

Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary nondegree award

Typical Job Duties: Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, offices of physicians, and other health care facilities.

Job Outlook through 2028: 23% growth (much faster than average)

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, website accessed on February 5, 2020.