The Healthcare Field Is Hiring, and It’s Easy to Get Started

There’s nothing more satisfying than getting paid well to help people. For those looking to enter the healthcare profession, the current environment has created a surge in the number of jobs available. Getting qualified is easier than ever, thanks to the many excellent and affordable healthcare programs that are now available online. You just need to decide on what healthcare career interests you most. Once you’ve done this, by searching for online programs you’ll be well on your way to quickly and flexibly starting a rewarding career in healthcare.

Discovering Some of the Most Attractive Job Options in Healthcare

Fortunately, there are a wide variety of jobs in the healthcare industry to suit people of all interests and skill sets. Many of thee jobs are in particularly high demand and growing year over year. Here are a few of the most popular healthcare careers with great job prospects.

Registered Nurse (RN)

A registered nurse (RN) is an important medical role. RNs directly look after patients, providing care, treatment, and advice for their conditions. Qualifying to be a nurse requires completing a two to four year degree program and passing a national licensing exam. The median annual salary in the nursing field is around $71,730, and job growth is expected to be around 15% between the years of 2016-2026.¹

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) provides basic nursing care to unwell patients, usually working under the guide of a registered nurse. It’s possible to qualify to be a LPN in just one year by completing an approved training program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination. The median annual salary for a LPN is $47,480, and job growth is expected to be around 9% between the years of 2019-2029.²

Medical Assistant

A medical assistant handles administrative tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and similar facilities. This can include scheduling patient appointments, recording patient information into the records, measuring patient vitals, and similar tasks. Qualifying to be a medical assistant does not require any particular degree. It’s possible to receive training to be a medical assistant in around 6 months to 1 year. The median annual salary for a medical assistant is $34,800, and job growth is expected to be very high at around 19% between the years of 2019-2029.³

Medical Billing and Coding Professional

Medical billing and coding specialists assist healthcare facilities in managing insurance claims, bills, and payments. A medical coder converts the diagnostic and procedural notes of a healthcare provider into the correct codes for record keeping and billing purposes. A medical biller then generates invoices and sends claims to the patients’ insurance provider.⁴ In many cases, one person does both of these jobs in a single position.

A full degree is generally not required to get started in the field. However, it usually helps to have an associate’s or a medical billing and coding certificate. A certificate program in medical billing and coding typically takes around 1 year to complete and there are a number of great programs available.⁵ The average salary of a medical biller and coder was around $54,890 in 2019, with job growth expected to be around 11% through 2028.⁶

The Benefits of Pursuing a Healthcare Training Program or Degree Online

Given the current environment we face in 2020, there’s never been a better time to study healthcare online. Many universities and programs have shifted resources to provide the best online learning experience possible. Thanks to modern technology such as Zoom, it’s now possible to have a classroom-like experience from the comfort of your home.

No Need to Relocate or Waste Time Commuting

Trying to spend countless hours in a physical classroom while balancing the responsibilities of an adult life can be difficult. Especially if you need to relocate. Time spent driving through traffic to get to class every day could be put to better use as well.

Keep a Flexible Schedule

Online courses also allow for much more flexibility than physical classrooms. Many people find that they are able to successfully work day jobs while studying part-time thanks to the flexible hours that online classes can provide.

Take Accelerated Courses

Many online programs also give people the opportunity to enroll in accelerated courses. As mentioned, there are some medical jobs that only take a year or less of training to qualify for, so quick online training programs are perfect for this. If you do want to complete a more traditional degree program, there are plenty of these options as well.

Save on Tuition

Studying online can also be much more affordable than in the physical classroom. Most universities are able to save money by offering courses online, and they tend to pass some of these savings on in the form of lower tuition. Of course, you should still be receiving the same great education from the same professors as you would in person.

Professors also realize the importance of keeping things interactive and it’s common to have group work with classmates just as if you were in a physical classroom.

How to Start The Journey to a Rewarding New Career in Healthcare

If you’re thinking about launching a new career in healthcare, the first step is to carefully research the available programs and degrees in your area of interest. By searching online you can quickly find many of the current options available. Once you’ve narrowed things down to a few options, it’s important to compare the costs, timelines, curriculums, and reputations of the various degrees and programs.

Each program is unique, and only by doing careful research will you be in the best position to pick the ideal university or program for your future career. Before you know it you’ll be on your way to a high-paying and rewarding career in healthcare.