Katharine Walton, director at Virginia Career Institute, has encouraging words for those interested in a medical job: you can find fulfillment without a four-year degree.

"Lots of people are in jobs where they're unhappy, and they want or need to have to change, and traditional school is not always the answer," Walton said. Area career schools offer programs that take less than two years to complete and carry starting wages as high as $35 per hour.

At VCI, students can train in eight months to become medical office specialists, often landing jobs through externships. Armed with a broad range of training, office specialists can become anything from receptionists to billers to office managers. Starting hourly wages range from $10 to $15.

VCI also offers surgical technology training. Surgical technologists work primarily with instruments; they prepare operating rooms, set up instrument tables and assist during surgery.

This program is 16 months long, including a six-month hospital internship. Starting wages are $15 to $18 an hour.

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Students at Beta Tech's South Side campus can earn an associate degree in medical assisting with either a management or clinical focus. Both degree programs take 65 weeks.

"These are very fast-paced and very intense programs," said Paula Bowne, admissions director. Starting wages run $25 to $35 an hour.

Bowne said the school's associate degree in massage therapy is also rigorous, but it is popular. The curriculum has a medical focus that extends to studying pathology.

Therapists employed by sports teams, chiropractors and physicians may be salaried, but most therapists are independent contractors. Those working at a spa can make up to $75 per massage.

The degree program includes 75 weeks of training and 300 hours of clinical practice. Potential students and the public are invited to an open house March 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free mini-massages and information.

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Bryant & Stratton College's three-month dental assisting program trains students on using the latest equipment and assisting with procedures, as well as office functions such as billing. Students also earn certifications in radiology safety and CPR.

"Students need to make sure this is indeed what they want to do because it involves a lot of reading and practicing," said Sandra Mueller, dental director and instructor.

Starting wages are about $12 per hour, and many dentists offer paid continuing education, dental care, profit-sharing and bonuses.

Bryant & Stratton also offers associate degrees in medical assisting and medical administrative assisting. Director of admissions David Mayle said full-time students can finish in 16 months because the college runs on trimesters.

Students new to the work force may start at $20,000 a year; while those with experience may start at $40,000.