When you hear about careers for people with Master’s Degree in Medical Science, the first thought that comes in your mind is the field of medicine. You can be a doctor or surgeon, both excellent path ways. But, what if we talk about different options that can also help you succeed in life?
A master’s degree in the medical field is an excellent way to gain additional experience and skills that will help you excel in a career.
Medical careers with masters degrees include:
-Physician Assistant: Physician assistants (PA) work under the supervision of a physician, providing many of the same services that physicians do. They may also conduct physical exams and interpret lab results.
-Clinical Research Coordinator: Clinical research coordinators coordinate clinical trials, which are studies designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of new drugs and treatments.
-Legal Nurse Consultant: Legal nurse consultants work as experts on behalf of attorneys and law firms. They may provide expert testimony in court cases involving injuries or malpractice claims.
Medical careers with masters degree
Physician assistant
PA careers have been growing steadily since the profession was established in 1965. PA’s are licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. They practice in all medical and surgical specialties, and they are able to care for individuals at all stages of life. The NCCPA provides certification that a PA meets national standards of competence and has demonstrated these competencies through a standardized examination process. The National Commission on Certification of PAs (NCCPA) is recognized by the U.S Department of Education as the accrediting agency for physician assistant education programs nationwide, which includes over 3,000 accredited undergraduate and graduate level programs that prepare students for the NCCPA certifying examination in Physician Assistantship (PA).
All 50 states require licensure or certification for PAs; there is no regulatory board governing their practice except when working under an approved supervising physician who has been licensed by a state board.
Nurse practitioner
If you have a passion for helping people and want to earn a master’s degree in nurse practitioner, you will be able to work in areas such as primary care and pediatrics. Once you have your master’s degree, you will then be eligible to take a certification exam sponsored by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Earning this certification is a requirement if you want to become certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) and practice independently in their medical specialty areas.
This career path can be lucrative with an average salary of $107,480 per year as reported by Payscale.com.
Occupational therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Master’s degree
- Occupational therapy assistant (OTA)
- Bachelor’s degree
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Physical therapist
Physical therapy is an excellent career choice for those who want to work with patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals and clinics. The job outlook for physical therapists is very bright, with a projected growth rate of 28% between 2016 and 2026. The average salary for a physical therapist in the U.S.—$85,000 per year—is also quite competitive.
Physical therapists help individuals who have mobility problems due to illness or injury regain strength, balance, coordination and flexibility through exercise programs designed specifically for their needs. These professionals work closely with patients on an individualized basis to develop personalized treatment plans that address their specific health issues while also taking into account other factors such as age or overall fitness level.
Physical therapist training requirements vary from state to state but generally include completion of a bachelor’s degree program followed by completion of an accredited master’s degree program; some states may require candidates seeking licensure as licensed physical therapists (PT) first complete coursework in anatomy before entering into PT school training.
Athletic trainers
- Athletic trainers need a master’s degree. They work to prevent injuries, rehabilitate athletes and help them get back on the field.
- Athletic trainers work in schools, hospitals and professional sports teams.
- Athletic trainers make an average of $45,000 per year as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Athletic Trainers need to be licensed or certified in order to practice medicine within their area of expertise (athletics).
Physician/Physician Assistants/Nursing
For those who want to be a physician, but don’t have the time or motivation to complete four years of medical school after college, this option might be a good choice. It takes two years of training after college and allows you to work as an assistant in medical practices. The two-year option is also a common route for those looking to become nurses or nurse practitioners. Nursing careers require more schooling than most other fields in this article—four years at the minimum—but are less expensive and can offer higher salaries than many other allied health careers (especially if you work as an NP).
Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs offer a 45-month program leading to a Master of Science Degree in Nursing.
Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs offer a 45-month program leading to a Master of Science Degree in Nursing. Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice nurses who work in collaboration with anesthesiologists, surgeons, dentists, podiatrists and other qualified healthcare professionals. Nurse anesthetists provide pain management and anesthesia care to patients before, during and after surgical and other medical procedures.
RADIOLOGY – Sonographer or Radiologic Technologist.
Radiology is a medical field that deals with the use of imaging and radiation to diagnose, treat, or monitor diseases. Sonographers are also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, ultrasound technologists and diagnostic medical imaging technicians.
Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation (usually X-rays) to treat cancerous tumors in the body. After treatment planning by a radiation oncologist or other specialist who has specialized training in using imaging technology to plan treatments based on a patient’s specific diagnosis and treatment needs, radiologic technologists administer the therapy under their supervision.
Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, RN or RDN credential.
Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, RN or RDN credential.
To become a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN), you’ll need to complete an undergraduate degree and dietetic internship as well as pass the National Commission for Certification of Nutritionists exam. The exam has two parts: a clinical nutrition examination that covers topics like body composition testing and diabetes management, and a business and program management section focused on the economics of nutrition services in hospitals and clinics.
Exam prep materials vary by provider but can range anywhere from $200-$1,000 depending on what you purchase—and most offer free trials to give you an idea of what’s covered before committing to anything.
Occupational Therapist (OT). Education required: Master’s degree in occupational therapy (2-3 years) Certification required? Yes, all states require licensure to practice as an occupational therapist.
To practice as an occupational therapist, you need a master’s degree and a license to work.
Occupational therapists help patients of all ages recover from injury or illness through everyday activities. They also serve people who have developmental disorders or mental illnesses by helping them adapt to daily living in the community.
There are two types of occupational therapy: clinical and research. Clinical OTs provide direct treatment for patients, while other types focus on research and education. The average salary for an occupational therapist is $76,270 (source).
Students interested in working in the medical field have a variety of programs and degrees to choose from.
Students interested in working in the medical field have a variety of programs and degrees to choose from.
- A master’s degree is required for many medical careers, including:
- Physician Assistant (M.P.A.)
- Pharmacy (M. Pharm., PharmD)
- Medical Laboratory Science (MLS).
Conclusion
With so many different programs to choose from, there are lots of great reasons to pursue a degree in medicine. Whether you’re looking for a career change or just want to explore new opportunities, this is one of the best ways to further your education and grow professionally.
