Which Medical Career Requires The Least Amount Of Years In School?

I know almost all medical careers require 8+ years in school, but I was wondering if there were any careers that required less than that.
Thanks!

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6 Responses to “Which Medical Career Requires The Least Amount Of Years In School?”

  1. Physician’s assistant (PA) is an option. If you are talking about an M.D., then it would be family medicine – least time in residency.

  2. Phlebotomist (blood drawing) – a few weeks past high school.
    CNA (certified nursing assistant) or EMT-B – a few months past high school
    LPN – licensed practical nurse – about a year.
    Paramedic – one – two years past an EMT-B
    Physical therapy assistant – about two years
    RN or Medical Technologist – about four years
    Pharmacist – about 6 years
    Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner – about 6-7 years.
    Physical Therapist 6-8 years.
    There are some medical programs that are six or seven years from high school to M.D. Check the book Medical School Admission Requirements for some examples. Also, some schools, such as Indiana University, allow qualified students to count their first year of medical school as their last year of undergraduate work.
    There are a lot of other allied health careers that take less than 8 years, but I am not sure of the exact requirements, e.g. occupational therapy, radiation therapy, respiratory therapy, etc.

  3. Nurse- 4 years
    Paramedic- 1~3 years (depending on state)
    Medical Assistant- Not even a year in most states

  4. LPN (nurse) or associate RN

  5. Pharmacist (~6yr)

  6. nurse