June 23rd, 2021 | Updated on June 28th, 2022
The medical field is one of the most lucrative and essential industries. It is a field that many people associate with dignity, professionalism, and excellence.
Professionals in the field get to impact human lives directly and uniquely. As a result, many people wish to be in the age-old and noble profession.
Some get lucky enough to survive the numerous and tasking stages between undergraduate education and obtaining a medical license; others are not so lucky. If you belong to the second group and still wish to get involved in the medical field, this article is for you.
The medical field is quite extensive. Many people only identify front-line workers such as surgeons, nurses, gynecologists, general medical practitioners, etc. But these people can’t go about the task of saving lives on their own.
They need the assistance of the other dozens of professionals that are in the medical field. The good news is that not all of these different positions in the medical field require a degree.
You can still pursue your passion for the medical field without going to medical school. The following are some professions that will help you get involved in the medical field without a medical degree.
Medical Coding
Medical coding involves the “translation” of patient files into specific codes.” Medical coders are not directly involved in treating patients, yet their jobs are also crucial to the smooth running of activities.
A medical coder changes the diagnoses, tests, charts, and other parts of a patient’s files into codes that insurance companies require. Medical coders do not write computer codes nor keep patient records in the traditional sense.
Their job is to work on medical records by analyzing and translating the information contained in them.
Getting online medical coding certifications is easy and relatively quick compared to traditional core medical positions. With these types of programs, it won’t be long before you’re looking at a position in a health care setting.
Health Services (Medical Administrative Assistant )
The quality of a patient’s treatment starts right from the front desk of a healthcare organization, and this is where medical administrative assistants shine.
A medical administrative assistant helps to schedule patient appointments, manage health records and even handle insurance claims.
This position requires someone who likes to organize, manage and plan. If you are such a person and would like to use these skills to better the medical field, you should give this position a try.
Healthcare Accounting
Like every other industry, the medical sector also needs money to keep running smoothly. The sector needs excellent minds who can help keep records of financial transactions, check previous financial records for precision, and draft financial reports to aid the organization’s day-to-day operations. Healthcare accountants operate like accountants in other industries.
The only difference is that they use their services in medical facilities where they will be indirectly involved in treating thousands of people.
Health and Human Services
There are many positions under this aspect of the medical field. Professionals in this field are compassionate, organized, and committed to improving people’s lives in a community. They use their skills to counsel and facilitate the healing of people in small communities.
They are also responsible for directing people who need allied healthcare professionals that can help them.
Social workers, health educators, and mental health counselors are examples of health and human services professionals.
Healthcare Management
Professionals under this sector ensure the smooth running of healthcare organizations. They are in charge of all the managerial duties and ensure that doctors and nurses can go about their duties without worrying about a shortage of supplies or lack of adequate utilities.
Healthcare management professionals enforce procedures, prepare budgets, and perform other managerial responsibilities in the healthcare industry.
It is through the activities of professionals in this sector that a healthcare organization can keep its patients and employees satisfied and meet its aims and objectives.
Health Information Technology
The health IT sector facilitates the billing, diagnoses, and medication of patients by keeping track of patients’ records through Electronic Healthcare Records (EHRs). These professionals are tasked with creating, storing, and handling data in healthcare organizations.
Their duties are essential to the smooth and efficient running of healthcare organizations. A career in health information technology is an excellent way to be involved in the medical field without a medical degree.