With new technology and types of procedures, as well as a large aging population that requires care, the medical field can be a great career choice. But if you do not see yourself taking care of patients, there are a variety of options that might provide a career path for you that don’t involve direct patient care.
If you’re thinking about a medical career but want to avoid extensive patient interaction, here are six jobs you may want to consider:
- Medical Billing and Coding
A medical and billing coder is an important behind-the-scenes role within the medical team. The job involves reviewing patient information and assigning codes for appropriate diagnoses. You’ll also look for preexisting conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, to properly code patient data. The medical biller and coder also works as a liaison between the healthcare providers and billing offices. - Healthcare Information Technology
A health information tech performs clerical and administrative duties in a physician’s office. Working on a computer and using medical management software, health information techs are responsible for managing patient medical records. They may also assist with billing practices and data collection. - Medical Office Administration
An entry-level position as a medical office admin could involve a variety of tasks, such as bookkeeping, billing, patient data collection and management, transcription, word processing, and appointment scheduling. While you may have some patient interaction, such as scheduling appointments, you won’t be responsible for providing direct care. - Healthcare Management
Physicians’ offices and clinics need qualified healthcare managers who can manage the daily business operations. This role may include responsibilities such as accounting, finance, and human resources. You may also work on problem solving and organizational strategies for short-term and long-term planning. - Medical Lab Technician
A medical lab tech uses equipment like microscopes, cell counters, and computers to perform tests and laboratory procedures. The information they collect helps diagnose diseases and leads to determining the proper treatment. A lab technician will analyze body fluids, cells and tissues. While they will be in contact with a patient’s test samples, they usually won’t have direct contact with the patient themself.
- Sterile Processing Technician
A sterile processing technician is another behind-the-scenes role within the medical field. This person is responsible for cleaning and sterilizing medical instruments as well as safely transferring and storing them. Before a procedure, they test and monitor instruments and tools to make sure they work properly. They are also responsible for maintaining a hospital’s inventory of all sterile items, including surgical gowns, masks and gloves.
If any of these roles in the medical field sound interesting to you, Fortis has programs available that can help you get on the path to a new career. Click here for more information or call us today at (855) 436-7847 and speak to one of our career counselors.