The Best Non-Clinical Healthcare Careers

Happiness MusaLast Updated: June 7, 2024

Non-Clinical Healthcare Careers: As a healthcare professional, you may be considering a career change to a non-clinical role within the industry. With the healthcare field projected to continue growing over the next few years, now is an ideal time to explore the top non-clinical positions that offer strong job prospects for 2024.

Whether you are drawn to jobs focused on administration, technology, research, or patient experience, this article will provide an overview of five of the best up-and-coming non-clinical healthcare careers to help inform your decision. With insight into key responsibilities, required skills and qualifications, earning potential, and job growth outlook, you will be well-equipped to pursue a smooth transition into one of these rewarding and in-demand roles.

Table of Contents

The Best Non-Clinical Healthcare Careers for 2024

1. Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators oversee the management and operation of healthcare facilities. They ensure providers have the staff, equipment, and facilities to care for patients. Healthcare administrator jobs are projected to grow by 18% through 2024 due to an aging population and healthcare reforms. Strong job prospects, competitive pay, and the ability to improve people’s lives make this an attractive career.

To become a healthcare administrator, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in health administration or a related field. Coursework in areas like healthcare law, finance, and information technology is common. Some positions may require a master’s degree. On-the-job experience, usually through an internship or entry-level position, is also typically needed. Certification as a healthcare executive can demonstrate your competence to employers.

2. Medical and Health Services Manager

Medical and health services managers oversee the daily activities of hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Their job duties are similar to healthcare administrators but focus more on the day-to-day operations. They ensure high quality care, strong financial performance, compliance with laws and regulations, and good employee performance. The job outlook is excellent, with employment projected to grow by 20% through 2024.

The minimum educational requirement for medical and health services managers is a bachelor’s degree in health administration, health management, or a related field. Coursework in areas like healthcare law, finance, and information technology provides a good foundation for the job. Some positions may require a master’s degree in health administration, business administration, or public health. Professional certification can demonstrate competence and skills to employers. Several years of related work experience, usually in an administrative role at a healthcare facility, is also typically needed.

3. Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare consultants provide advice and expertise to healthcare organizations and providers. They may analyze healthcare operations and recommend ways to improve efficiency and quality of care. Others help healthcare organizations comply with changing regulations and adapt to healthcare reforms. Employment of healthcare consultants is projected to grow by 18% through 2024.

Healthcare consultants typically have at least a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience working in a healthcare setting. Degrees in health administration, business administration, or management are common. Some consultants pursue master’s degrees or professional certifications to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities are important for this career.

FAQs

What are some of the best non-clinical healthcare jobs in 2024?

Some of the top non-clinical healthcare jobs to consider in 2024 include healthcare administrators, medical records specialists, medical billers and coders, health information managers, medical secretaries, medical assistants, and medical transcriptionists. These roles provide essential support services to healthcare organizations and practitioners. They typically require some postsecondary education or on-the-job training but do not involve direct patient care.

What is the job outlook for non-clinical healthcare careers?

The job outlook for most non-clinical healthcare careers is very positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to grow 18% from 2020 to 2030, adding about 2.6 million new jobs. Healthcare support occupations, including many non-clinical roles, are projected to grow 17%. These projections indicate strong demand for individuals with the necessary education, skills, and certifications for non-clinical healthcare careers.

What are the education requirements for non-clinical healthcare jobs?

The education requirements for non-clinical healthcare jobs vary but typically include a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree. For example, medical records specialists and health information technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree. Medical assistants usually need a postsecondary certificate or diploma. Medical billers and coders typically need a postsecondary certificate. Some non-clinical healthcare roles may require professional certification or licensure in addition to formal education. On-the-job training is also commonly provided.

What skills are most important for non-clinical healthcare careers?

Important skills for non-clinical healthcare careers include:

Strong organizational and time-management abilities. Non-clinical healthcare jobs often involve managing important schedules, deadlines, and large amounts of information.
Detail orientation. Carefully and accurately entering data, coding insurance claims, maintaining patient records, and ensuring proper billing all require close attention to detail.
Interpersonal skills. Interacting with patients, healthcare practitioners, insurance companies, and co-workers is an important part of most non-clinical healthcare roles.
Technical skills. Experience with medical office software, electronic health records systems, medical billing, and coding applications is essential for many non-clinical healthcare positions.
Adaptability. Healthcare organizations are fast-paced, dynamic work environments. Non-clinical healthcare professionals need to be able to adapt to changes in laws, regulations, software, and best practices.
Discretion and confidentiality. Patient privacy and health information must be handled carefully and ethically. Strong discretion and confidentiality skills are a must.