Alternatives to Med Schools for Healthcare Degrees in 2023

Medicine/Medical Alternative Degree’s Abroad for Students

Alternative medical degrees are also termed specialized healthcare degrees. The reason for this is the curriculum of such degrees, focuses on specialized practices rather than theory in particular.

Moreover, most of these programs are graduate-level, but some may require a graduate degree, to begin with. But these programs have a smaller time duration, which implies that they cost much less than conventional medical degrees.

So if you are unable to get into medical college but still want to be affiliated with the same field, consider these 09 alternative schools: 

Quick navigation of the 10 best Alternatives to medicine degrees:-

• Nursing schools
• Pharmacy schools
• Dentistry schools
• Veterinary schools
• Speech-language pathology schools
• Paramedic science schools
• Radiology schools
• Rehabilitation counseling schools
• Naturopathic schools.

And to guide you better, here is a brief explanation of what each of these schools holds.

1# Nursing Schools:-

If you like to tend to the wounds of others, consider joining a nursing school.

A nursing school is an institution that prepares people to become a nurse through proper training and relevant education; as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

As a nursing school student, you will not only be provided with the practical aspect, which is the main essence of the profession but a fairly intensive classroom education as well. 

After graduating from nursing school, you will possess adequate skills to qualify for an entry-level in nursing. This beginner-level experience will serve as a basis to boost your career as a professional nurse.

Best nursing schools in the United States:-

Below mentioned are some of the best nursing schools found in the US:-

• the University of Pennsylvania
• New York University
• Duke University
• John Hopkins University
• University of Virginia
• University of Portland
• Saint Louis University
• Georgetown University
• The University of Michigan.

2# Pharmacy schools:-

If you are into pharmacology, then it’s best that you get enrolled in a pharmacy school.

The minimum requirement for getting admitted to a pharmacy school is a graduate degree. A postgraduate degree, however, would also do.  Pharmacy schools offer degrees on Master’s and Doctorate levels (MPharm and PharmD). The process takes around four to five years to complete.

The degree you earn after the completion of the tenure can prove to be very beneficial and highly remunerative.

Best pharmacy schools in the United States:-

Listed below are some of the best Pharmacy schools in the US:-

• Harding University College of Pharmacy
• University of Arizona College of Pharmacy
• Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy
• Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy
• The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy

3# Dentistry schools:-

Who doesn’t like a bright smile? And if you do too, consider going to a dentistry school as an alternative to medical school. 

A dentistry school, or a dental school, is defined by Wikipedia as,

‘A tertiary educational institution that teaches the science of dental medicine to students or prospective dentists.’

Dentistry is, in fact, ranked as the second-best career option in the United States of America. Dental schools offer programs for all levels, from bachelor’s to Masters’s and even doctorate. The level of degree you achieve will determine the level of position you are hired at.

After graduating from dental school, you will possess adept knowledge about dental procedures including endodontics, oral surgeries, periodontics, etc., and will be eligible for positions as dental assistants, dental nurses, dental therapists, dental hygienists, etc.

Best dental schools in the United States:-

Some of the best dentistry schools found in the US are as under:-

• University of Michigan
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Washington
• University of California-  Los Angeles.

Best dental schools in the United Kingdom:-

The UK also possesses a range of universities, which provide excellent education to potential dentists. Some of these are-

• King’s College London 
• Harvard University
• University College London.

4# Veterinary schools:-

Are you a pet lover who loves to care for his little companions? How about tending to the pains of other peoples’ pets as well? And getting paid for it? what could be better than that? 

A veterinary school is an institution affiliated with the medicinal domain which imparts the necessary skills and relevant education regarding the veterinary field to aspiring veterans. 

There are several types of degrees in veterinary education, including undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees. Students studying under a pre-veterinary curriculum will possess sufficient knowledge about biomedical sciences and will graduate in the disciplines like microbiology, virology, etc.

Best veterinary schools in Australia:-

The following universities are best known for their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees in Australia:-

• Murdoch University School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
• University of Adelaide School of Veterinary Sciences
• Charles Sturt University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences.

In addition to this, some other universities worldwide also rank among the most reputed institutions for their tertiary education in veterinary sciences. They include

• Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph – Canada
• San Sebastian University Veterinary Medicine – Spain
• Santo Tomas University Veterinary Medicine – Philippines.

5# Speech-Language Pathology Schools:-

Another great alternative to medical schools is Speech-Language Pathology Schools.

Speech pathology refers to the study of treatment and cure of speaking problems that occur in people, mostly children. Speech and language pathologists hold an area of expertise in the communication of people and treat disorders such as articulation, apraxia of speech, pragmatics, and aphasia, in addition to reducing the stumbling effects of speech. 

Speech-language Pathology Schools prepare students for entry-level professions on designations as therapists.

Best Speech-Language Pathology Schools in the United States:-

Some of the finest Speech-Language Pathology Schools are found in the US. These include:-

• Vanderbilt University
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Wisconsin
• University of the Kansas
• University of Iowa
• The University of Arizona

6# Paramedic Science Schools:-

One of the highly honorable studies in the medicinal field is paramedical studies.

Paramedics are trained healthcare professionals who give emergency medical aid to people who are injured or ill. Such schools which prepare students to act vigilantly in case of catastrophes as a paramedic are termed Paramedic Science Schools.

As a paramedic, you will be required to provide advanced emergency medical assistance to critical patients, in need of medical care, usually in open environments outside of hospitals.

This alternative to medical college is not only challenging but highly rewarding as well. So give it a go if you are interested.

Best Paramedic Science Schools in the United States:-

Mentioned below are some of the top-ranking Paramedic Science Schools operating in the US:-

• City Colleges of Chicago
• Florida State College at Jacksonville
• Sinclair Community College
• Weber State University
• University of Washington
• University of Arizona
• Creighton University

7# Radiology Schools:-

Ever heard of the term X-rays? That is exactly what you will be taught in Radiology schools.

Also termed Radiology Technology schools, the said institutions provide education in a variety of degree levels including an associate degree. By getting the respective degree, you will qualify for entry-level jobs, but to expand your career options, go for higher studies in the said domain. Radiology Degrees go as high as Doctorate levels. Students getting higher education in Radiology are appointed in chief designations, including radiologic technologists, supervisors, and even directors.

By getting a degree in Radiology, you will use advanced technological equipment to capture 2D and 3d images of specific parts of human bodies, which will then be administered by trained physicians for diagnosis and medications.

Best Radiology Schools in the United Schools:-

The names of some of the best institutes graduating expert radiologists each year in the US are as follows:-

• Stanford University
• Yale University
• University of Carolina
• Duke University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Washington University
• University of Michigan
• Columbia University

Additionally, the Harvard University of the United Kingdom is also a good pick as it ranks #2 in its Radiology programs.

8# Rehabilitation Counselling School:-

Treat people with physical, mental, or developmental disorders is indeed a noble profession.

To prepare people for this noble cause are Rehabilitation Counselling Schools. If you find your spark in the domain of counseling, then Rehabilitation Counselling can surely prove to be the best alternative to medical schools.

As a rehabilitation counselor, you will be supposed to provide medical care and training to your prospects and will have to assist them in finding jobs to reshape their lives. 

The level of degree offered by Rehabilitation Counselling Schools goes up to the Master’s level, increasing the job opportunities with each level.

Best Rehabilitation Counselling Schools in the United States:-

Mentioned below are the names of some of the best rehabilitation counseling schools found in the US for you to choose from:-

• University of Washington
• George Washington University
• University of Arizona
• University of Wisconsin
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• University of Iowa
• San Diego State University.

9# Naturopathic Schools:-

Enough with all those antibiotics! We all need medicine-less treatments some days, don’t we? And who do I look forward to then? Naturopathic doctors, of course!

Naturopathic physicians provide primary care to patients through less chemical-involved methods. They diagnose, treat and supervise patients with acute conditions through natural remedies, such as yoga, exercise, massage, acupuncture, meditation, and nutritional counseling.

Naturopathic schools offer a graduate degree, with a 4-year program, as a professional-level course. After the completion of the tenure, the potential naturopathic doctor (ND) is required to take and pass a Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Program (NPLEX).

Getting licensed as a doctor of naturopathic medicine (NDM) is a great alternative to getting into medical college as it is a highly respectable and profitable degree.

Best Naturopathic Schools in the United States:-

There are 5 naturopathic schools, currently in operation in the US. Listed below are the 5 accredited naturopathic schools found in the US so that you find it easy to choose one for yourself.

• Bastyr University
• Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences
• National University of National Medicine
• University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine
• National University of Health Sciences.