3 Great Paying Healthcare Jobs That Don't Require a Bachelor's Degree

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The best paying healthcare jobs for the least amount of education

These days, finding a great paying job is hard enough, but for those who don't have degrees, it can be even more difficult. Many people have been considering their career options and thinking about going back to school in order to find a better paying job that offers more security and benefits.

The problem is, four years of college is a huge commitment for an adult who is already employed full-time. Not only is it tough to find the time to balance school, family and work, but the amount of student loan debt can make that high paying job not so great.

In fact, a study by College Board shows that having a bachelor's degree can earn you an average of $20,000 more per year than just having graduated college. However, the average student loan debt for those who completed their bachelor's degree in 2009 was $24,000.

Another option for those who want to further their career and not end up in as much debt, is pursuing an Associates Degree. The median student loan debt for associate degree holders is $7,130. What's more, according to a report by the Florida Education and Training Program, people with associate's degrees or certificates can actually find jobs that earn as much or more than those with four year degrees.

Here are 3 Healthcare jobs that pay well and don't require a bachelor's degree:

• Radiology Technician - All you need to pursue this career field is a two year degree and the ability to pass a state radiological licensing exam. The average salary for this career is $52,210. This is a fast growing occupation and people who are qualified to run medical tests like MRI scans and X-rays are in demand at almost all hospitals.

• Dental Hygienist - The average salary in this field is $66,570. Although the salary is great, the hours are also a perk. Most dental hygienists work part time or at least less than 40 hours a week. This makes it a great career for people who are struggling to meet the demands of work and family. This career field only requires an associate's degree, so it can be a great occupation for those who don't want to take on as much student loan debt.

• Registered Nurse - Nursing is a great choice for a career that requires a two year degree. Registered Nurses earn an average of $62,450 and have flexible schedules and the ability to find a job in a variety of settings. In addition, there is a high demand for nurses and the field is expected to continue to grow. Of course, in order to become a nurse, it's necessary to complete an accredited training program and pass a licensing test.

There are many jobs, especially in healthcare, that don't require a four year degree or post graduate training. Many of these careers are in demand right now and offer flexibility and generous benefits packages as well. If you have been considering a new career in the Healthcare industry, take a look and see which jobs might be a good fit for you.

Are there other careers you think should be on this list? Let me know in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for HealthcareJobsiteBlog. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

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