Healthcare is all about having empathy and care for humanity. Without these elements, no individual can justify their place in the healthcare sector regardless of skills and qualifications.
However, healthcare careers do not necessarily refer to doctors or nurses. In today’s highly digital and tech-savvy world, they are far more diverse than that. Core healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, get a lot of help from non-clinical staff to efficiently perform their duties. From administrative tasks to research, non-clinical staff plays a vital role.
These non-clinical professionals are highly valued throughout the medical industry as their role is pivotal in maintaining and managing the industry smoothly. In this article, we shed light on some of the vital non-clinical disciplines in the healthcare industry that are an excellent alternative to traditional practice.
1 – Medical Coder
The job of medical coders is primarily to translate complex prescriptions of surgeons and doctors for patients. They also keep a medical record of patients for concerned doctors, physicians, and insurance companies so that patients can receive proper treatment. Medical coders generally have access to sensitive information about the patients. Therefore, they are well versed in the regulations of the government as well. Their role may sound simple to many of us. However, it is vital to keep the records straight and secure in case of any emergency. If you are prone to details and staying organized, this career can be the one for you.
2 – HITs
Health Information Technicians (HITs) have brought tremendous reforms in the healthcare industry, as they have facilitated electronics and IT systems in the medical sector. HITs are mainly responsible for keeping patients’ EHRs secure and easily accessible to the concerned department. Also, they have to analyze the outcomes of a medical procedure on a patient’s health and feed that information into the systems.
Like medical coders, Health Information Technicians must also be detailed-oriented and vigilant about patients’ privacy. So, if you possess an edge in IT and relevant qualification or certification, this career path might be your calling.
3 – Healthcare Manager
A healthcare manager’s responsibility is to overlook all the operations in a healthcare facility’s medical department. They monitor and regulate the financial dealings, train new medical staff members, and ensure quality care services are delivered to incoming patients. One can say that they are the medical department’s tone-setter and influence all the matters that take place under their management.
However, healthcare management isn’t merely related to healthcare facilities. There are more diverse career paths in public health management and research. With an MPH degree, you can easily land a job in the national public health office or work with NGOs to spread community awareness. Working as a healthcare manager can be fruitful and exciting for individuals who possess leadership qualities and enjoy teamwork in competitive environments.
4 – Medical Administrative Assistants
Sometimes referred to as medical secretaries, these non-clinical healthcare professionals play an essential role in maintaining a healthy and hospitable medical facility environment. These people greet patients and provide them with instant assistance in setting-up appointments with the doctors. They also help patients with billing procedures, insurance information, and other medical and insurance-related paperwork.
Medical administrative assistants categorically play their role in maintaining smooth and organized operations. Generally, they work behind the scenes but are the ones who are most close to patients when they need any assistance. If you are good with customer service and possess a humble attitude, this career can be your comfort zone.
6 – Community Health Worker
Even today, people in developing countries still do not have access to necessary healthcare facilities. So to bring medical facilities to the people in underdeveloped regions or an area of emergency, community health workers work tirelessly. They aim to work for humanity’s well-being by educating people on various health issues and making necessary healthcare facilities accessible. If you possess the motivation to work for the underprivileged by providing them with basic healthcare necessities, awareness, and information, then this is the career you’ve been searching for.
Community health workers are also trained to tackle a disaster struck situation and are fully prepared to provide people with relief aid. These individuals enjoy a reputed position in society for their selfless services. Community health workers create a significant impact on the lives of the people and are leaders in a personal capacity. With a background in healthcare and relevant qualifications such as a Master’s in disaster management or online sustainability degree, you have plentiful opportunities to work with organizations worldwide.
7 – Patient Advocate
Most patients cannot decipher their medical terms and conditions accurately and feel overwhelmed in a healthcare facility. Patient advocates help them in this challenging situation by explaining complex medical procedures in layman terms and discussing long-term treatment plans. Patient Advocates also communicate the patient’s concerns smoothly to the medical staff and other healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses. If you have the heart to make things easier for the patients by playing your role, being a patient advocate could rightly serve your aspirations.
Conclusion
To make a difference in the healthcare system, it is not compulsory to possess clinical qualifications. In fact, you can make a significant impact on patients’ facilitation through non-clinical roles. If blood isn’t your cup of tea, consider an alternative route to quench your desire to work for the betterment of humankind.
Also read: 6 Tips to improve the administration in a healthcare facility