When we think about healthcare careers, many of us immediately think of physicians. It’s no surprise—being a doctor is often seen as a dream job, driven by a desire to help people, a passion for science, and the respect that comes with the title.
However, the journey to becoming a doctor is long, demanding, and highly stressful. Many might not realize the variety of alternative healthcare careers that are crucial to patient care and offer fulfilling paths.
If you’re someone who’s drawn to healthcare but unsure about the decade-long educational commitment and the stress of being a doctor, there are plenty of other fulfilling options. Many roles are just rewarding and may offer a better work-life balance than being a doctor. Let’s dive into some alternative healthcare careers that are worth considering, especially in Canada, where the healthcare landscape offers a wide range of opportunities.
1. Physician Assistant (PA)
PAs are licensed to practice medicine under a physician’s supervision. They perform various tasks including diagnosing certain illnesses, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications. PAs often enjoy a balanced lifestyle with regular hours, especially those working in outpatient settings. Some PAs may work nights, weekends, or be on call, but their schedules tend to be more predictable than those of doctors.
PA Salary
The median annual salary for a PA in Canada is around CAD $100,000, with variations depending on specialty and location.
Education Requirements
In Canada, PA programs typically take about two years to complete and are offered at a number of Canadian institutions, such as Dalhousie University, University of Manitoba, University of Toronto, University of Calgary, and McMaster University.
2. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
NPs are registered nurses with advanced training and more autonomy. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide patient education and counseling. NPs often have more regular hours than doctors, especially those in primary care or outpatient settings. The role allows for a good work-life balance, though hospital-based NPs may work longer or more irregular hours.
NP Salary
The median annual salary for an NP in Canada is approximately CAD $120,000, varying by specialty and location.
Education Requirements
Becoming an NP requires a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, typically taking two to four years. Canadian NP Programs are available at various universities.
3. Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat issues related to the teeth, gums, and mouth. Their work includes performing routine cleanings, filling cavities, performing extractions, and cosmetic dental procedures. Dentists can work in private practices, group practices, or community clinics, offering a high degree of autonomy and flexibility. Most dentists enjoy predictable hours and a well-balanced lifestyle, with opportunities for specialization in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery.
Dentist Salary
The median annual salary for a dentist in Canada is around CAD $140,000, with significant earning potential depending on the location, type of practice, and specialization.
Education Requirements
Becoming a dentist requires completing a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, typically taking four years after an undergraduate degree. Dental programs are offered at various institutions across Canada.
4. Occupational Therapist (OT)
OTs assist patients in developing, recovering, and maintaining the skills needed for daily living and working. They address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. OTs typically work regular business hours, though some may need to accommodate patients’ schedules. The role allows for a good work-life balance, especially in outpatient or school settings.
OT Salary
The median annual salary for an OT in Canada is approximately CAD $80,000, with variations based on setting and location.
OT Education Requirements
A master’s degree in occupational therapy is required, with programs typically lasting two to three years. OT programs are offered at various Canadian universities.
5. Pharmacist
Pharmacists are the experts and helping patients understand their medications, avoid drug interactions, and deliver the correct medications. They work in community pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. Pharmacists generally have stable, predictable hours, particularly those in retail pharmacies. Hospital pharmacists might work shifts, including nights and weekends.
Pharmacist Salary
The median annual salary for a pharmacist in Canada is about CAD $100,000. Salaries can vary based on location and type of practice.
Education Requirements
A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, taking four years to complete after undergraduate studies, is required. Canadian pharmacy programs are offered at various universities including Dalhousie University, Memorial University, University of Montreal, Laval University, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Manitoba, University of Saskatchewan, University of Waterloo, and the University of Ottawa.
6. Physiotherapist (PT)
PTs help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and illnesses through targeted exercises and therapies. They work in hospitals, private practices, and rehabilitation centers. PTs often have flexible hours and can work in various settings. Many PTs enjoy a good work-life balance, especially in private practice.
PT Salary
The median annual salary for a PT in Canada is around CAD $85,000, with potential for higher earnings in specialized areas.
Education Requirements
A master’s degree in physical therapy, which takes about two years to complete, is required. Canadian PT programs are available at several universities across the country.
7. Medical Laboratory Scientist
Medical laboratory scientists perform tests on blood, tissue, and other body fluids to help diagnose and treat diseases. They play a vital behind-the-scenes role in healthcare. Medical laboratory scientists often work regular hours in clinical or hospital laboratories. Some positions may require shift work, including nights and weekends.
Salary
The median annual salary for a medical laboratory scientist in Canada is around CAD $80,000, with potential increases for specialized or supervisory roles.
Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or a related field, followed by certification, is typically required. Programs are offered at various institutions, including the University of British Columbia and Michener Institute.
8. Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists perform imaging examinations such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans, working closely with radiologists to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. They may work various shifts, including nights and weekends, depending on their employment setting. The job can offer a balanced lifestyle with numerous opportunities for advancement.
RT Salary
The median annual salary for a radiologic technologist in Canada is about CAD $65,000, with higher earnings potential in specialized imaging techniques.
Education Requirements
An associate or bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology, followed by certification, is required. Radiological Technology programs are available at various Canadian institutions, including the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT).
9. Dietitian
Dietitians are experts in food and nutrition, helping individuals manage health conditions and improve their overall well-being through dietary changes. They work in hospitals, clinics, public health settings, and private practice. Dietitians often work regular business hours, particularly in outpatient or clinical settings.
Dietician Salary
The median annual salary for a dietitian in Canada is around CAD $80,000, with higher earnings potential in private practice or specialized areas.
Education Requirements
Education: A bachelor’s degree in dietetics or a related field, followed by a supervised internship and certification, is required. Accredited dietician programs are available at various Canadian universities.
10. Health Administrator
Health administrators manage the operations of healthcare facilities, ensuring they run efficiently and provide high-quality care. This role involves overseeing budgets, staffing, and compliance with healthcare regulations. Health administrators typically work regular office hours, though some roles may require additional hours during critical times.
Health Administrator Salary
The median annual salary for a health administrator in Canada is approximately CAD $90,000, with higher earnings potential in larger or specialized facilities.
Education Requirements
A master’s degree in health administration (MHA) or a related field is often required. Programs are available at various Canadian universities, including the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa.
11. Public Health Professional
Public health professionals work to protect and improve the health of communities through education, policy-making, and research. Careers in public health can range from epidemiology and biostatistics to health education and environmental health. Public health professionals generally work regular hours in government, non-profit, or academic settings. This field offers a balanced lifestyle with opportunities for research and community impact.
Public Health Professional Salary
The median annual salary for a public health professional in Canada varies widely by role, typically ranging from CAD $60,000 to $90,000, with higher earnings in leadership or specialized positions.
Education Requirements
A master’s degree in public health (MPH) is typically required. Programs are available at various Canadian universities, including the University of Toronto and the University of Alberta.
12. Social Worker
Social workers are crucial to the well-being of patients, helping individuals and families navigate difficult circumstances such as managing chronic illness to dealing with traumas. They provide emotional support, connect patients with resources, and help develop care plans. The hours can be flexible, especially in outpatient or community settings, but social workers in hospitals may need to handle urgent situations.
Social Worker Salary
The average salary for a social worker in Canada is around CAD $70,000, with potential for more in specialized roles.
Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in social work is required, but many positions prefer a master’s degree. Accredited SW programs are available across at institutions in Canada, such as University of Toronto and Dalhousie University.
Final Thoughts
I know that many of you want to become doctors. The sad reality is that we have very little understanding of what a career in medicine is like until we are already well-established into the career.
The exposure to health care we get as high school students, undergraduate students, medical students, and even residents is vastly different from life as an independent practicing physician. The last place where you want to be is thousands of dollars in debt from tuition and realizing that medicine is not the right career for you. This debt is often enough to force students to stay in the career to recover financially, even against their best interests.
My advice? Before committing your time, money, and energy to a career in medicine, consider all the potential options within healthcare.
The alternatives discussed here offer varied opportunities that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, each with its own unique benefits and challenges. By exploring these options, you may find a career that better aligns with your passions, skills, and lifestyle, all while contributing to the vital field of healthcare.
Still eager to become a doctor? Check out our quick guide on how to navigate the OMSAS Medical Medical School application process.
