When it comes to healthcare, people often mention doctors. One does not have to become a doctor to work in healthcare. Aside from doctors, there are many other types of healthcare careers available. Some people may think that a healthcare career is not for them because they do not want to work with sick people.

However, many careers in healthcare do not involve direct patient care. People often choose healthcare careers because they want to help others. Healthcare careers can be rewarding emotionally and financially. Some healthcare careers require a lot of schooling, while others may not require as much. Here is an overview of the different jobs in healthcare. There may be one or several that you may fit.

Types of Healthcare Jobs

Healthcare careers are divided into three main categories: direct patient care, indirect patient care, and non-patient care.

Direct Care

Direct patient care careers include doctors, nurses, and therapists. These are the people who provide one-on-one care to patients. Doctors require the most schooling of all the direct patient care careers. They must complete four years of medical school and three to eight years of residency training.

Nurses also provide direct care to patients. They have more responsibilities than nursing assistants, but less than doctors. They can work in many settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, and nursing homes. Therapists also provide direct care to patients. They often work with patients who have physical or occupational injuries. Therapists may also work with patients who have mental health conditions.

Since these jobs require the most training and deal directly with patient health, these are also the most lucrative positions. Some doctors can make as much as $400,000 a year. A traveling nurse can command as much as $100,000 annually.

Indirect Patient Care

Indirect patient care careers include those who work in the administrative side of healthcare, such as billing and coding, human resources, and marketing. These professionals help keep the healthcare facility running smoothly.

Medical billing and coding professionals play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They submit insurance claims and code medical procedures. Coders and billers can often do these positions from home.

Human resources professionals are responsible for hiring, training, and managing the staff at a healthcare facility. Marketing professionals promote the healthcare facility and its services to the community.

Non-Patient Care

Non-patient care careers include those who work in the support services of a healthcare facility, such as housekeeping, maintenance, and security. These professionals keep the healthcare facility clean and safe.

Security guards protect the patients, staff, and visitors at a healthcare facility. Patients and staff are in vulnerable positions, so it is vital to have security guards to protect them. Housekeeping staff clean the patient rooms, hallways, and common areas like waiting rooms, and bathrooms. They also disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of germs. Maintenance staff repair and maintain the equipment in a healthcare facility. They also make sure that the building is up to code. The last thing anyone needs is to have the hospital or clinic fall apart. These aren’t the only types of non-patient care either.

Working on medical devices (such as repair) could be an option; even the manufacturing, selling, or even management of healthcare items such as Convatec ostomy supplies, for example, still plays a massive role in protecting and helping patients without fully interacting with them. So, if you want a healthcare career that’s not so hands-on with patients but still want to help and make a difference, then this could be your answer. 

Pros and Cons of a Healthcare Career

Like any career field, there are benefits and downsides. The medical field is no different.

Pros:

• Compassionate people usually do well in healthcare careers. They have a natural desire to help others

• Many positions can be financially lucrative

• Job security is good - especially in nursing. The healthcare industry continues to grow

• Many positions available

Cons

• The hours can be long and irregular. Many positions require working nights, weekends, and holidays

• It can be a physically demanding career

Is a Healthcare Career for You?

If you are interested in helping others and want to make a difference in people’s lives, then a healthcare career may be for you. There are many different types of healthcare careers available, so you are sure to find one that fits your skills and interests.

Final Thoughts on Health Careers

Regardless of which job you prefer, you will play a vital role in healthcare. Some positions will allow you to do online training. If you are interested in online medical education for nursing, consider an online MSN program.