5 healthcare jobs that don’t involve medical school

dreamstime_xs_7675992 Despite wanting to be a doctor since before you even started primary school, you’re no longer sure it’s the career for you.

Maybe it’s the constant newspaper reports about the NHS junior doctor crisis or the endless warnings about crippling student debt you’ve been inundated with in recent years, but suddenly medical school isn’t looking so hot.

As the life plans you were so set on start to crumble, it’s easy to panic.

To stop you stressing out too much, we’re sharing five other inspiring healthcare jobs you should think about applying yourself to.

Each one ticks all the boxes of being a doctor – looking after people, mentally challenging, fast-paced – without requiring eight years or more of studying medicine. Take a look.

1: a nutritionist

You follow every healthy eating Instagram account there is, understand how to fuel your body and love creating new recipes with the latest superfoods – a career as a nutritionist will suit you perfectly.

You’ll still get to look after patients, but you’ll also feel the buzz of teaching them how to be healthier and happier as well. Plus, lots of people turn their love for nutritious food into massive businesses (Deliciously Ella, for example), so the earning potential is huge.

2: an optical professional

Want a career that involves diagnosing and treating patients without the intensity of an A&E ward? Becoming an ophthalmic dispensing assistant is the way to go.

Although it’s nowhere near as long or intense as medical school, the optician training UK students must complete is still highly regulated. Make sure you get your qualifications from a trustworthy and accredited provider like Anglia Ruskin University.

3: a personal trainer

If you’re the friend everyone turns to for squatting advice and wants a gym buddy, then you’re already halfway to becoming a personal trainer.

All you’ll need is a few qualifications and you’ll be able to charge your growing fanbase for workout help. So long as you don’t mind lots of early morning starts, you’ll love watching your clients transform and revitalise their lifestyles under your healthy guidance.

4: a massage therapist

Still want to learn more about how the human body works but have a job with lots of freedom and flexibility? Train as a massage therapist and you’ll get to tick both of those boxes.

Although some choose to work in spas or salons, you can specialise and help people with sports injuries make a full recovery. If you’ve got an entrepreneurial mind, you could even go solo and set up your own business once you’ve built a large enough client list.

5: a care worker

As a care worker, you’ll help vulnerable adults or children manage their day-to-day activities more independently. It’s tough but you’ll get to meet lots of amazing people and enjoy the satisfaction of making a difference in their lives.

Before starting, you’ll need a DBS clearance and a few qualifications. The easiest way to get both is to nab yourself an apprenticeship position – then your employer will be responsible for guiding you through the necessary training and legal checks.

Of course, getting any of these rewarding healthcare jobs will still require training, qualifications and a lot of hard work, but none involve quite so many debt-building years at university as becoming a doctor does.

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