Did you know that in 2019, there were 22 million healthcare workers in the United States? The healthcare industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the US.
If you’re interested in making a career move, it’s smart to look at entry-level healthcare jobs first. Doing this allows you to start gaining experience sooner, and you’ll easily be able to advance your education and training in the future.
Keep reading this guide to learn the top seven entry-level jobs in healthcare to consider!
1. Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
If you’re interested in managing healthcare financial data, you need to look closely at medical billing and coding careers.
Medical billing involves sending patient bills to an insurance company or another type of payer. Coding uses specific codes for certain medical procedures, equipment, and diagnostic services.
These are universal alphanumeric codes known as ICE-10, CPT, and HCPCS. To bill the correct procedure, these codes must be entered correctly. A billing and coding specialist also reviews patient data and organizes and maintains databases.
Certified medical coders can make well over $50,000 annually. Billing and coding jobs are on the rise in the US, and you can work in many different places like doctors’ offices, hospitals, or flexible remote jobs.
You’ll need at least a diploma to get started. The fastest way to get a diploma is to take an online medical billing and coding course. You’ll be able to earn your diploma in 11 months and your degree in 18 months.
2. Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses are a critical part of a healthcare team. They work alongside other nurses and physicians to care for patients.
Registered nursing duties include assessing patients, performing treatments, and administering medications. They also teach patients how to care for themselves and stay healthy overall.
The best thing about being a registered nurse is the flexibility you’ll have. You can work in a variety of places, such as:
- Hospitals
- Doctors offices
- Insurance companies
- Schools
- Community clinics
To become an RN, you’ll need to earn at least an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). However, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is ultimately more attractive to employers and allows you to advance quickly to other types of nursing management jobs.
The average pay for an RN is $77,600 a year, and the job outlook will increase by 6% by 2031.
3. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses work under the supervision of a registered nurse or a physician. LPNs provide basic medical care for patients, such as taking blood pressure, dressing wounds, and administering medications.
They also help patients prepare for different treatments and help them with daily tasks.
Becoming an LPN is the perfect way to get your foot in the door and experience the nursing profession. This is because you’ll just need to enroll in a 12-month LPN program to get your license.
