Which Medical Jobs Pay Well & Are Less Gruesome?

You don't have to be a doctor or nurse to be part of a valuable team of health and medical care providers. Dozens of health-care jobs pay well and don't require you to experience severe trauma or gruesome injuries. Explore your options in the medical industry and find your place as a valuable team member in your local hospital, rehabilitation clinic or long-term care facility.

Radiology Technician

• A radiology technician is responsible for taking x-rays and performing imaging tests for patient care and diagnosis. He may perform a series of traditional x-rays, or use advanced technologies like magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, and computed tomography, known as a CT scan. The job requires formal training in radiography and earns an average of $52,000 annually. Some technicians earn as much as $74,000 annually, depending on skill, experience and geographic location. Earn a certificate, an associate or bachelor's degree to qualify for this position. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists offers graduates of accredited programs certification through state-licensed exams.

Health Information Management

• Gathering, compiling and securing information for health records are crucial tasks for enhancing medical care and patient privacy. Without accurate records, physicians lack access to reliable information regarding a patient's condition, diagnosis or prognosis. Work in the field may involve filing, scanning and assembling charts and records. A registered health information technician can earn between $24,000 and $42,000 annually. Some technicians, depending on certification and location, may earn up to $50,000 annually. To qualify for this position, complete coursework for health information topics including reimbursement methodologies, coding systems, quality improvement and basic anatomy and physiology subjects. The American Health Information Management Association offers credentialing for this position following successful completion of state-licensed exams and an associate degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.

Pharmacy

• Pharmacists oversee medications dispensed to patients and give advice on doctors' prescriptions. Pharmacy technicians aid all medical support teams and patients, and help fill prescriptions under the pharmacist's direct supervision. A pharmacist and a pharmacy technician ensure correct dosage and provide advice and information to consumers about the correct use of medications. A pharmacist needs four to six years of education and a Pharm.D., which requires two years of specialized training. Prospective pharmacists must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam. Pharmacists can earn $100,000 annually. A pharmacy technician earns an average of $13 hourly and need not receive specialized training. Certification by state may require formal training from six months to two years, and may include internships or on-the-job training. Students often receive a certificate of completion, a diploma or an associate degree, and registration with state pharmacy boards.

Therapist

• Physical and respiratory therapists provide rehabilitation procedures and protocols for patients in after-care situations. These people must understand the human anatomy, especially the musculoskeletal system, and receive focused training and education for successful receipt of degrees and certifications. Therapists may work in a hospital, clinic, private business or a long-term or rehabilitation care facility. A physical therapist -- who earns an average of $72,000 annually -- must complete an accredited graduate degree program and must be licensed in her state following successful completion of the National Physical Therapy Examination and continuing education coursework. A respiratory therapist may earn approximately $52,000. Education requirements include an associate degree in an accredited program and successful completion of exams for certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care.