•  Content Writer : Prabhjot Kaur
• 02-05-2024

Choosing a career in the medical field after completing 12th grade can be an exciting yet daunting decision. With numerous options available, it is essential to consider various factors, including personal interests, aptitude, and prospects. One crucial aspect that often weighs heavily on the decision-making process is the potential salary one can earn in their chosen profession. In this guide, we will explore some high salary career options in medical after 12th-grade education.

Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists specialize in administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during surgery or other medical procedures. They are critical role in ensuring patients' safety and comfort during surgical interventions. Becoming an anesthesiologist requires completing medical school, followed by a residency in anesthesiology. Anesthesiologists typically earn high salaries due to the complexity and responsibility of their work.

Radiologist

Radiologists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries through medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans. They interpret medical images to provide accurate diagnoses and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans. Radiology is a high-paying field, with radiologists often earning substantial salaries due to the specialized nature of their work.

Surgeon

Surgeons are physicians who specialize in performing surgical procedures to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities. They may specialize in various surgical disciplines, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and plastic surgery, among others. Becoming a surgeon requires extensive medical education and training, including medical school, residency, and often fellowship programs. Being one of the most diverse career options for medical students after 12th, surgeons earn high salaries due to the demanding nature of their work and the specialized skills required.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists, as doctors, specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses and emotional disorders. They assess patients' mental health, provide therapy, prescribe medications, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Psychiatrists have the flexibility to work in diverse settings, ranging from hospitals and clinics to private practice and academic institutions. Due to the increasing demand for mental health services, psychiatrists can earn competitive salaries.

Doctor (MBBS)

Becoming a medical doctor by pursuing an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) degree is a popular choice for many aspiring healthcare professionals and is one of the common high salary career options in medical after 12th. The journey to becoming a doctor is long and rigorous, typically involving five and a half years of academic study followed by a compulsory internship. Upon completion, doctors have the potential to earn substantial salaries, especially if they specialize in high-demand fields such as cardiology, neurology, or oncology. With experience and expertise, doctors can further increase their earnings through private practice or by joining prestigious medical institutions.

Orthodontist

Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. They use braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances to straighten teeth and improve patients' oral health and appearance. After completing dental school, orthodontists undergo additional training in orthodontics through residency programs. Orthodontists typically command high salaries, particularly in private practice settings.

Dentist

Dentistry is another lucrative career option in the medical field. Dentists specialize in diagnosing and treating oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral surgeries. After completing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program, dentists can either work in private practices, hospitals, or establish their own clinics. The earning potential for dentists is significant, especially in urban areas where there's a high demand for dental services.

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners, as advanced practice registered nurses, undergo specialized training to deliver primary and specialty healthcare services. They can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and coordinate patient care. To become a nurse practitioner, one typically needs to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B. Sc. Nursing) degree followed by a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Nurse practitioners are highly sought-after career options for medical students after 12th grade, particularly in rural or underserved areas. With specialization and experience, they can command competitive salaries in the healthcare industry

Physician Assistant

Physician assistants (PAs) work under the supervision of physicians to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. They can work in various specialties, including primary care, surgery, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. To become a PA, one needs to complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's program in Physician Assistant Studies. Physician assistants enjoy attractive salaries, with opportunities for growth and specialization.

Optometrist

Optometrists specialize in diagnosing and treating vision problems, prescribing corrective lenses, and providing vision therapy. After completing a Bachelor of Optometry or Doctor of Optometry (OD) program, optometrists can work in private practices, optical stores, and hospitals, or even pursue research and teaching positions. Choosing optometry among the available career options after medical stream in +2, Optometrists typically earn significant salaries, especially in areas with high demand and limited competition.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists play a crucial role in the healthcare system by dispensing medications, providing advice on their use, and ensuring patient safety. After completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) program, pharmacists can work in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies, or even pursue research and development roles. Pharmacists often enjoy attractive salaries, particularly in industries where there's a shortage of qualified professionals.

Medical Scientist

Medical scientists conduct research to improve human health and develop new treatments and medical technologies. They may work in laboratories, universities, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing research findings. Medical scientists typically hold doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) in a relevant field such as biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or epidemiology. But in the case of after the 12th, aspiring medical scientists can pursue MBBS alongside research. With foundational clinical training, they can then delve into postgraduate studies, specializing in areas like biomedical sciences or epidemiology. 

Thrive in Healthcare

The high salary career options in medical after 12th discussed in this guide offer promising opportunities for individuals looking to pursue lucrative professions. The salaries mentioned for each profession are derived from reported data on platforms like Glassdoor, reflecting the earning potential in various roles based on real-world experiences of working professionals.

While working with hospitals or healthcare institutions can provide stability and a steady income, choosing to venture into private practice or entrepreneurship can significantly increase revenue potential.

Whether you opt for a career as a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or any other high-paying profession in the medical field, the key lies in leveraging your skills, passion, and dedication to achieve success. By continually investing in your education, gaining experience, and exploring opportunities for growth and innovation, you can maximize your earning potential and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry