Entry Level Health Care Jobs, How To Get Started
What are health care jobs? See the May Clinics list of Health Care Jobs.
There are several introductory-level jobs in the healthcare industry that can provide valuable experience and serve as a stepping stone for future career growth. Here are some of the best intro jobs in healthcare:
- Medical Receptionist: This role involves greeting patients, scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and handling administrative tasks in a healthcare setting. It provides exposure to various aspects of healthcare and helps develop communication and organizational skills.
- Medical Assistant: Medical assistants support healthcare professionals by performing both administrative and clinical tasks. They may assist with patient examinations, take vital signs, prepare lab specimens, and handle administrative duties. This role offers hands-on experience and can be a gateway to other healthcare careers.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs work closely with patients, providing basic care and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. This role is often found in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Being a CNA allows you to gain direct patient care experience and learn about healthcare protocols.
- Pharmacy Technician: Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with tasks such as dispensing medication, managing inventory, and providing customer service. This role requires attention to detail and knowledge of pharmaceuticals. It offers exposure to medication management and the opportunity to work in various settings, including retail pharmacies and hospitals.
- Medical Scribe: A medical scribe works alongside healthcare providers, documenting patient encounters, transcribing medical histories, and assisting with administrative tasks. This job helps develop knowledge of medical terminology and electronic health records (EHRs), which are essential in healthcare settings.
- Health Unit Coordinator: Health unit coordinators work in hospitals or other clinical settings, managing administrative tasks for a particular unit or department. They may coordinate patient admissions, schedule procedures, maintain records, and serve as a communication link between healthcare professionals, patients, and families.
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist: These specialists ensure accurate coding and billing of medical procedures and services. They may review medical records, assign appropriate codes, and submit claims to insurance companies. This role requires knowledge of coding systems and regulations, and it can be an entry point into the administrative side of healthcare.
Remember, while these positions provide valuable entry-level experience, they may have specific educational or certification requirements. Start your search here. It’s essential to research the qualifications and training needed for each role and consider pursuing relevant certifications or degrees to enhance your prospects in the healthcare industry.