When you think of careers in the healthcare industry, the first jobs that come to mind probably include doctor and nurse. In reality, some healthcare careers involve little or no contact with patients on a daily basis. Whether you are a business professional, have a knack for technology, or have a passion for the arts, there is probably a less traditional healthcare job for you. Check out the following to learn more about some of the unfamiliar careers in healthcare that might be in your future.
Less common healthcare careers
Since healthcare jobs are expected to increase in the future, now is a great time to get into this booming industry. Even in a slow economy with high unemployment in other industries, healthcare jobs tend to remain stable. No matter what skills and interests you bring to your career decision-making process, there is something for you. Imagine yourself in one of these unique healthcare careers, which require little hands-on patient contact.
Art in healthcare
If the arts interest you, then you might enjoy a career in art therapy, music therapy, or dance therapy. These art forms are used to help with healing in various ways. Art therapy allows patients to express themselves non-verbally by creating art while working with a therapist.
Music therapy is an excellent way for musicians to use their talent for a career in healthcare. It can help patients improve issues related to mobility, speech, depression, and a number of other needs.
Dance therapy might be a fun and active career option for you that promotes health and fitness of others. Much like music therapy and art therapy, dance therapy typically requires a master’s degree.
Health information technician
This position requires the knowledge and ability to manage medical records and process medical information. Health information technicians serve an important function with responsibilities like maintaining and protecting healthcare data and records. As the healthcare industry continues to transition to electronic health records, demand for HIT professionals will continue to increase. Health information technicians typically earn an associate’s degree.
Medical science liaison
It is common for medical science liaisons to have a clinical degree or experience as a clinician. Medical science liaisons are typically looking to use their prior experience in combination with new skills in sales, consulting, and educating. This job involves communicating between clinical medicine professionals and pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and more. Medical science liaisons are typically required to have a doctorate.
Medical coding
Medical coders help with the billing process in healthcare. In this role, you usually transcribe medical notes on services and procedures that were administered during patient appointments. That requires knowledge of billing codes for medical insurance reference. The job typically requires a certificate in medical coding.
Medical Administrative Assistant
In this position, you communicate with patients, manage medical charts, direct patients, and schedule appointments. That requires some data entry, but daily tasks are varied enough to be interesting. For this role, you typically need a medical administrative assistant certificate.
Pharmacologist
As a pharmacologist, you will typically research the efficacy or otherwise of pharmaceutical drugs. Unlike a pharmacist, pharmacologists often work behind closed doors in a lab setting. Pharmacologists often earn the same doctorate as a pharmacist, so this is an excellent example of how a specialty medical degree can be used in various ways.
Methods of getting into these careers
If you are beginning your education or want to head back to school, you have some decisions to make about which career path fits you. Research what the daily job duties of that career involve. Once you decide on a career, then you can find the college that can get you there.
When considering what degree is right for you, remember that one degree can provide many career options. Maryville Online master of health administration can prepare you for outstanding career possibilities in data management, healthcare strategies, senior services, population management, and more.
If you are currently working in healthcare or another career and you are interested in additional education, then an online degree program is usually the best option. They allow you to balance work life and school due to the flexibility of the online classes.
For anyone looking for a healthcare career outside of the typical medical roles, you should be able to find plenty of options. Whether you have a passion for dance or technology, these can be applied to healthcare positions. Remember to make the most of your degree by seeking out one that allows for many job options. Once you complete your education, you should be on your way to a long and fulfilling career in healthcare.
