Everyone desires a job that provides them the benefits and compensation they need to support themselves and their families. You also hope to find a job that is part of a career whereby you feel you are valued and contributing to the well-being of others and the world. You want to be part of a mission.
If you are not satisfied in your current position, financially, feel you are underappreciated or do not feel like you are contributing value to society, why not consider a job in the healthcare field? While the healthcare field often gets a reputation as the one you need a strong stomach for, there are actually many jobs that are behind-the-scenes and do not deal with blood and guts.
That’s right, even if you cannot handle needles or bodily fluids, the security of working in the healthcare field is within your grasp. These professionals are the backbone of the healthcare industry, as the work the doctors and nurses perform requires the support of administrative support staff. That’s where you come in.
Don’t think you have time to train for a new career? Don’t sweat it! Here are three healthcare careers you can train for online while you work full-time in your current job.
What Are the Benefits of Online Healthcare Degrees?
The healthcare field is one that is continuing to grow each year and that is known for stable, predictable schedules and benefits.
Aside from the obvious reasons to embark on a career in this field, there are many benefits to completing your program online. First and foremost, when you complete a degree or certificate online, you have much more flexibility than you do when you take classes on campus.
No more pulling all-nighters just to wake up and hardly make it to your 8:00 a.m. class on time or worrying about your car starting, gas money or traffic! When you choose to complete a program online, you can work it into your own schedule, instead of the other way around.
This is a huge perk for those who are working another job full-time, live far from their desired school, or for busy parents who need to study after their little ones have fallen asleep.
Now that you understand the benefits of online healthcare degrees, what are some programs you can complete online?
1. Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
If you consider yourself detail-oriented and enjoy working with data and computers, then a medical billing and coding diploma may be just the thing for you.
What You’ll Learn
With so many patients and medical records to keep track of, a medical billing and coding specialist is a necessity in the healthcare field.
Not only will you learn the reference codes that hospitals and doctor’s offices use for billing and reimbursement, but you will learn the ins and outs of managing an office. Medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology are also areas you will study.
This is a vital component of the healthcare office because it is how doctors are reimbursed for procedures from insurance companies; and how patients are billed accurately for procedures.
As part of your online billing and coding diploma program, you will be prepared to sit for the licensure exam. While not required for employment, many employers view licensure as an important indication that you have mastered the subject matter.
Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding
There is a need for medical insurance billing and coding specialists in all areas of the healthcare field with thousands of new jobs available each year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics… about 96,400 thru 2028.
You’ll typically work in a standard office environment at a desk with a computer and phone. You’ll access special medical records and billing software and likely use typical office equipment such as fax machines, phones, copiers, printers, and filing systems. You can work for a small doctor’s office or a large hospital; there are many types of employers.
2. Medical Records Technician
If technology interests you and you want to be involved in the healthcare and medical fields without all the blood, then a medical records technician program may be worth a closer look.
What You’ll Learn
Medical records technicians (MRTs) are responsible for maintaining patient records, storing them securely and working with other members of the medical office team to ensure patients are being treated accurately and care providers have accurate information about the patients.
Along with determining procedure codes, an MRT will prepare, maintain, and be in charge of the security of patient records. With this position, you have the option to work in a traditional doctor’s office, nursing home, hospital, or clinic.
Upon completing the coursework, a typical medical records technician program requires the completion of an internship or practicum and ultimately you will be prepared to sit for various licensing exams. These certifications show employers you have the skills to successfully contribute from day one. These are great ways to gain real-world experience in your field as well as learn from experienced professionals!
Job Outlook for Medical Records Technicians
A medical records technician is also a growing profession.
It is predicted that there will be around 23,100 new jobs in this field through 2028 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. All sorts of healthcare and medical practices need MRTs, so your work environment can be a small or large practice. Additionally, you’ll typically work at a desk and spend time at a computer, copier, fax machine and on the phone.
3. Medical Office Administrator
If you are browsing through online healthcare diploma programs and you love collaborating with and helping others, a medical office administrator program may be your perfect fit!
What You’ll Learn
While studying medical office administration, you will learn how to do the most essential office duties.
Your job will include organizing files, preparing documents, and scheduling appointments. On top of the behind-the-scenes work, you will be responsible for checking patients in and out of the office and collecting payments.
While having administrative and clerical skills is important for a medical office administrator, you would also have to practice confidentiality and follow privacy laws closely. Medical office administrators perform a wide variety of tasks and often fill in to perform duties such as ordering breakroom supplies, greeting patients, returning phone calls, recording messages for doctors and more.
Job Outlook for Medical Office Administrators
For medical office administrators, job growth looks pretty good with nearly 100,000 new positions expected through 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
So, if you have a passion for greeting patients and keeping the office organized, a medical office administrator online diploma is a great program to pursue.
Not bad for a diploma that takes less than a year to complete online, right?
Get Started Today
If you are looking for a new career path, don’t hesitate to start your journey by taking a closer look at a career in healthcare administration. You can train online and work full time.
A career in the medical field is a great way to provide a better life for yourself and those around you. Job growth, security and benefits, and the ability to help your community are all reasons to dive into the healthcare field.
Plus, online healthcare training allows you to earn your degree on your own schedule.
After you’ve done your research and explored our options, feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.