Non-Physician Careers to Consider in Healthcare

In the healthcare industry, there are a variety of non-physician career paths that individuals can pursue. These roles provide valuable services essential to any healthcare organization’s functioning.

Although traditionally, physicians have been the most visible healthcare officials, there is an ever-growing need for those with non-physician backgrounds in the industry. Such positions can range from entry-level support staff to highly skilled and specialized technical personnel, depending on the needs of each organization.

Importance of Non-physician Staff

Non-physician staff with different skills and expertise are found in various healthcare settings, including care clinics, emergency rooms, and operation theaters. Their primary duties can range from administering medication or providing a comprehensive physician answering service, to evaluating lab results and assisting in surgeries; they work closely with or under the supervision of physicians and surgeons.

In order to obtain a license to work in the healthcare field, professionals are required to complete specialized health degree programs and certifications. They can begin by obtaining certification or enrolling in an associate or bachelor’s degree program, allowing them to specialize in their chosen field. For those looking to advance their careers and gain enhanced job opportunities, pursuing a master’s degree enables them to further specialize and excel in their chosen area of expertise.

Non-Physician Careers to Consider

Non-physician roles in healthcare can include a wide array of jobs, such as medical records technicians, registered nurses (RNs), patient care technicians (PCTs), coding and billing specialists, medical assistants, and phlebotomists.

Following are some of the growing specializations and fields for non-physician healthcare workers.

Health Information Technician

Health information technicians help maintain and manage the medical records of patients. They are responsible for organizing, storing, and retrieving patient data accurately and efficiently. Their job involves coding patient information for insurance reimbursement, entering data into electronic health records (EHRs) systems, following up on test results from laboratory services, and ensuring the security of confidential patient information.

They typically need a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree in health information technology to qualify for the position. To advance their career, they can enroll in a master of science in healthcare informatics program. According to Salary.com, health information technicians earn an average annual salary of $44,361.

Medical Billing/Coding Specialist

A medical billing/coding specialist is responsible for accurately processing billing and insurance claims and ensuring that healthcare institutions receive timely payments. Their day-to-day duties include verifying codes from all tests, procedures, surgeries, and medications to ensure they match the corresponding paperwork before submitting them to insurance companies or other payers.

These specialists usually require a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification to qualify for the position and may earn an average annual salary of $37,276 per year. The salary may increase as they gain experience.

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. They also assist in various duties related to pharmacy operations, such as filling prescriptions and packaging medication orders accurately under supervision from licensed pharmacists. To qualify for this position, pharmacy technicians must have a high school diploma or GED and complete a formal pharmacy technician training program.

The average annual salary range is $37,800, depending on experience and location, with some technicians earning up to $60,000 per year.

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators often work behind the scenes in hospitals, nursing homes, medical institutions, and other healthcare settings, managing staff members. They also aid in overseeing budgets, facilities management, human resources management, and regulatory compliance issues while ensuring quality-of-care standards.

To become a healthcare administrator, one needs a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field. Healthcare administrators can expect an average annual salary of $83,019, depending on their experience.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound technology to create images of patients’ bodies so doctors can diagnose illnesses or injuries that may otherwise be undetectable. Sonographers usually require either an associate degree or completion of an accredited training program; they must also clear the national certification exams to qualify for employment positions in hospitals, private clinics, and outpatient centers.

The average job earnings for sonographers per year is approximately $80,680.

Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are responsible for providing dental care services such as cleaning teeth, examining x-rays, taking impressions, educating patients about oral hygiene habits, advising dentists on treatment plans, etc. Most hygienists have to complete associate degree programs accredited by Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). They must also pass written exams administered by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (ADEX).

Despite having lower educational requirements than dentists, dental hygienists can still expect above-average compensation because of their specialized skills and expertise, which translates into higher wages. As per Salary.com, they earn an average salary of $79,588 yearly.

Clinical Laboratory Technologist/Technician

Clinical laboratory technologists/technicians play important roles in helping physicians diagnose, treat and manage diseases, as well as monitor patient treatments. These individuals often have college degrees along with certifications required by state law. They do not necessarily require specialization beyond basic coursework like chemistry, biology, physics, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, hematology, clinical lab science, and genetics immunology.

Depending upon the specialty area, clinical lab techs tend to make an average of $57,800 a year, which can go up to approximately $74,530. Other factors impacting the salary may include geographical location, workload, demand, and expertise.

Conclusion

Working as a non-physician in the healthcare field can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. It’s an excellent way to give back to the community while still earning a good salary. With so many options available for those looking to start or switch careers within the healthcare field, you must do your research before making any decisions.

Consider what kind of job would best suit your interests and skill set, as well as what type of environment you want to work in. It may be a hospital setting, a laboratory, a clinic, a nursing home, or somewhere else entirely.

No matter your path, working towards becoming a part of this ever-growing industry will surely bring fulfillment and success. From entry-level jobs to specialized positions, there are plenty of options to explore in healthcare besides a physician career.