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Which Healthcare Career is Right for You?

Written by Ashworth College on Wednesday, 31 March 2021. Posted in Healthcare

Healthcare worker using microscope

If you’re looking for a rewarding new career that’s in-demand, a job in the healthcare industry could be the perfect next step for you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that, by 2029, the industry as a whole will have added 2 million new jobs — meaning there’s a lot of opportunity for those new to the field to start a career in the field! But which healthcare job is the best fit for you? Here’s what you should know to help you decide.

How to find the right healthcare career for you

The healthcare industry offers a variety of different roles, from administrative jobs to those that work directly with patients. With so many different career options, it may be hard to narrow down what you’re really interested in. Start by asking yourself these questions:

  1. Do you want to work directly with patients? If you are someone who wants to see the impact of your work and enjoy helping others, jobs that allow you to help patients in person might be the right fit.
  2. Do you prefer to have a regular, set working schedule? Many healthcare jobs come with varied schedules, especially those in patient care. If you’re looking for a career that allows you to have a steady, set work schedule each week, administrative roles might best fit your needs.
  3. Do you want to work in a job that allows you to be active or do you prefer working at a desk? In some healthcare roles, you may be on your feet for most of your shift while others will have you sitting at a desk for most of your day. If you're someone who wants to be active at work, clinical roles could be a better fit.
  4. Are you interested in roles that involve some customer service? Whether you’re in an administrative or clinical role, you may be responsible for interacting with clients and patients regularly. If you’re not interested in working with the public on a regular basis, healthcare jobs that let you make an impact behind the scenes could be your best choice.

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If you want to work in an administrative role

You’re someone who enjoys helping others but may not want to work directly with patients or be responsible for clinical tasks like taking patient vital signs. There are a number of administrative healthcare jobs that can allow you to do rewarding work, including

  • Electronic medical records specialist. An electronic health records specialist is responsible for organizing and managing patient health information data by making sure that it is of high quality, accurate, accessible, and secure. In this role, you’ll play a vital part in ensuring patient information is safe and includes all the necessary details. Most electronic medical records specialists work in offices and do not interact directly with patients.
  • Medical billing and coding specialist. Medical billing and coding involves processing patient billing, working with physician’s to properly bill insurance companies, and more. Many who work in this role find jobs in administrative offices, insurance companies, or may even be able to work from home. Medical billers and coders will rarely, if ever, need to work with a patient directly.
  • Medical office assistant. Medical office assistants are often the first face a patient sees when they come for an appointment. As an office assistant, you’ll schedule appointments and follow-ups, contact insurance companies for patients, and assist in scheduling tests as prescribed by the doctor.
  • Healthcare management. If you want to play a bigger part behind the scenes to ensure a clinic, nursing home, or hospital is well-run, working in healthcare management can be a good fit. You’ll be responsible for the business side of healthcare and use your leadership skills to direct marketing, financial, and other healthcare system departments.

If you want to work directly with patients

You like to be hands-on and enjoy working with people, so a healthcare job that allows you to work with patients may be the right career move for you. Jobs that require you to use your people skills include

  • Home health aide. Home health aides work with clients in their homes to ensure they’re taken care of, from helping with household tasks to checking their vitals and making sure they’re well. In this role, your home base will be the home healthcare business you work for, but you’ll also be on the go most of your day visiting patients.
  • Occupational therapy aide. Occupational therapy aides support therapists and therapy assistants in seeing patients. You’ll work from an office or clinic scheduling appointments, ensuring therapy equipment is taken care of, and helping patients to and from treatment areas.
  • Pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians work in retail or hospital pharmacies, helping to fill prescriptions for patients. Working with the pharmacist, you may also be able to assist in providing education to patients, vaccinations, and more.

Prepare for the career you want with Ashworth College

Whether your dream job involves working with patients or helping behind the scenes, you can build the skills and credentials you may need to start your career with Ashworth’s online healthcare training programs. To learn more about what program is the right one for you or how to get started, reach out to our dedicated Admissions team at today!

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