Career Opportunities for Those in the Medical Field
If you’re interested in exploring careers in the medical field, there are a number of paths you might be interested in learning about. There is far more to the industry than just doctors and nurses. For example, medical assistants, coders, and insurance claims examiners all need a sound knowledge of the health sector in order to ensure the smooth running of a hospital or clinic. From medical assistant to a medical coding specialist, the following medical jobs are all possibilities with a relevant higher education degree.
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Medical assistants undertake important administrative and clinical tasks alongside physicians, chiropractors, and other health practitioners. Roles are often full time and may require shift work due to many medical settings being open at night and on weekends. A medical assistant program can be completed to qualify for a position as a medical assistant, and the program and its courses will teach you to complete clinical tasks and administrative procedures such as recording patient histories.
EKG TECH
An EKG (Electrocardiogram) tech is responsible for administering EKG tests and analyzing the results. The role is primarily based in hospitals and is a patient-facing role. Undertaking a medical assistant degree can lead to gaining a position as an EKG, and is especially important for developing your communication skills, given the fact that you’ll be seeing numerous patients face-to-face on a daily basis.
CLAIMS EXAMINER
The role of a claims examiner is to validate and process health insurance claims. They assist in protecting the medical facility from fraudulent activity while also ensuring that patients receive the best medical care. A certificate in medical assisting can help prepare you for a position as a claims examiner, as the program teaches you the vital policy information required for the role.
ADJUSTER FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES
Medical insurance claims adjusters determine whether an insurance policy covers a specific medical procedure. Good knowledge of the medical profession and procedures is essential, as well as sound administrative knowledge in order to ensure all paperwork is completed properly. A medical assistant career can give you the medical procedure knowledge required to make important decisions about patient insurance claims.
PHLEBOTOMY TECH
A phlebotomy tech is responsible for collecting and testing blood samples that are taken from patients. Their primary function is to record a patient’s medical history, which is something that can be learned when taking medical assistant classes. From there, the technician takes a blood sample from the patient and sends it to a lab to be tested. Because phlebotomist technicians are exposed to blood-borne diseases, it is important they have an excellent level of expertise.
MEDICAL BILLING SPECIALIST
A medical billing specialist is responsible for processing insurance claims, managing medical accounts, and investigating rejected or complex claims. The role can be based in a hospital or similar medical setting such as a doctor’s office. Medical billers also oversee trends and ensure that all data is accurate and accounted for. A program in medical billing and insurance coding will give you important coding skills and enable you to use electronic health records.
MEDICAL CODING SPECIALIST
Medical coders liaise with medical staff such as doctors and nurses in order to create accurate patient records. Each patient procedure needs to be recorded on the electronic database using CPT, HCPCS, and ICD coding. A certificate in medical coding and billing will teach you the specific codes and communication techniques, as well as the administrative skills required, to maintain accurate and critical records.
MEDICAL BILLING CONSULTANT
A medical billing consultant is a medical billing specialist with a wealth of experience in the field. As a consultant, this role enables you to manage junior or graduate medical billers, and even set up your own private health billing consultancy practice. It is essential that you achieve a certificate in medical billing and coding in order to begin the journey towards becoming an independent consultant.
MEDICAL OFFICE SPECIALIST
Medical office specialists play a vital role in the smooth running of a doctor’s office. The main purpose of the role ensures that all paperwork, scheduling, and appointments are kept up to date and accurate. As an administrative position, a medical office specialist is part of the backbone of a successfully run medical center. To qualify, it is desirable to have a diploma in a medical office specialist program in order to learn the medical terminology and administrative skills required for the position.
There are numerous professions you can enter within the health profession, with a wide range of medical careers available to suit your individual preferences and skill set. A degree in a medical or health profession can help you achieve the career goals you desire, and will assist in giving you the knowledge and expertise to be part of every important and growing sector.
