Enrolling in a healthcare associate degree program focused on applied science can unlock numerous career paths for individuals aiming to enter the healthcare industry. Whether you possess a passion for assisting others or are seeking a well-paying profession with robust job stability, a healthcare associate degree serves as an excellent starting point, offering a gateway to a variety of exciting opportunities.
The realm of healthcare administration boasts significant breadth, featuring numerous specializations and ample room for professional advancement. Many roles in healthcare administration present attractive benefits, including high salaries, no weekend or holiday work requirements, and the prospect of climbing the career ladder. Possessing an associate degree in healthcare positions you well for diverse roles such as medical assistant, health office coordinator, patient services representative, and more. If your goal is to maximize both your income and knowledge in the healthcare sector, pursuing a bachelor’s degree while working in these roles becomes a feasible option. Some employers may even assist in funding your advanced degree.
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Below are ten healthcare professions that mandate accreditation and an associate degree in healthcare:
1. Medical Assistant
Key contributors to the healthcare industry, medical assistants handle fundamental healthcare tasks like escorting patients to providers, recording vital signs, collecting lab specimens, and facilitating communication between providers and patients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for medical assistants was $37,190 in May 2021, with the top 10% earning over $51,850 and the lowest 10% earning less than $26,930. The job outlook for medical assistants is promising, projected to grow by 16% from 2021 to 2031, surpassing the average for all occupations due to an aging population and increased demand for healthcare services.
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2. Medical Coders and Billers
Also referred to as medical records and health information technicians, these professionals assign codes to patient records and manage patient information for accurate billing to insurance agencies and patients. The median annual wage for medical records specialists was $46,660 in May 2021, with employment projected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. An associate degree in healthcare positions individuals well for success in this career path.
3. Medical Secretary
Playing pivotal roles in healthcare settings, medical secretaries handle tasks such as answering phones, typing correspondence, and scheduling appointments to ensure seamless office operations. The average medical secretary salary in the U.S. is $42,767, with a positive job outlook showing a projected 11% employment growth between 2020 and 2030. If you possess an associate degree and excel in organization and communication, a career as a medical secretary could be a fitting choice.
4. Medical Transcriptionists
Responsible for interpreting and transcribing physicians’ reports and diagnoses, medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings, convert them into written documentation, and code them if necessary. While the median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $30,100 in May 2021, the employment outlook indicates a projected 7% decline from 2021 to 2031. Despite this, the profession offers rewards such as flexibility, advancement opportunities, competitive salaries, and numerous entry-level positions.
5. Medical Customer Service Representative
Vital contributors to medical offices, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies, medical customer service representatives handle calls from patients and prescribers’ offices to facilitate medication refills, schedule deliveries, and address inquiries. The average healthcare customer service representative salary in the U.S. is $35,991, with a typical salary range falling between $32,153 and $40,365. While employment for customer service representatives is expected to decline by 4% from 2021 to 2031, this role provides substantial earning potential, opportunities for advancement, and a chance to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
6. Health Office Coordinator
Health office coordinators ensure the office operates smoothly and efficiently by overseeing various aspects of healthcare facilities. This includes managing payments, secretarial staff, health insurance, and the hiring of staff. The average salary for a medical office manager is $51,216, and the job outlook for medical and health services managers is expected to grow by 28% from 2021 to 2031. This is an excellent choice for those with an associate degree in healthcare who want to work in a field with rapid growth and strong job security.
7. Medical Reimbursement Specialist
Medical reimbursement specialists handle the claims of a healthcare practice, ensuring that the practice receives proper payment for the medical services provided to patients. They work with insurance companies, patients, and healthcare providers to process claims accurately and promptly. Salaries for medical reimbursement specialists in the U.S. range from $22,282 to $82,543, with a median salary of $48,670. The job outlook for this role is expected to increase by about 9% between 2020 and 2030.
8. Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants are employed by medical and healthcare practices to assess and suggest practices and strategies for increased efficiency and care. They evaluate the facility’s operations, recommend strategies to boost efficiency and enhance the quality of care, and assist in implementing these changes. Working closely with healthcare providers and administrators, they identify areas for improvement and develop solutions tailored to each organization’s unique needs. The average salary for healthcare consultants is $80,000 per year, and the industry is anticipated to experience a high 28% growth rate between 2021 and 2031.
9. Patient Service Representative
Patient service representatives play a crucial role in the healthcare team, directly interacting with patients at facilities like hospitals, clinics, or surgical centers. They greet patients, assist in the check-in process, register patients, update their information in the database, schedule appointments, collect payments, process insurance claims, and facilitate communication between patients and providers. The average salary for this role is $33,225 per year. While the job outlook is projected to decline by 4% from 2021 to 2031, gaining experience in this position can open doors to various other career options in the future.
10. Medical Claims Processor
Medical claims processors work for health insurance companies, handling the claims submitted by healthcare facilities for reimbursement. The average salary for medical claims processors in the U.S. is $36,777 per year. Although the employment growth for claims processors is expected to be slower than average over the next decade, this role still offers numerous benefits such as career advancement opportunities, highly transferable skills, and a great entry-level position in healthcare.
Building a Successful Healthcare Career
Achieving a successful healthcare career is possible with an associate of applied science in healthcare, but a bachelor’s degree provides a competitive edge, higher salary, and opportunities for advancement into healthcare management roles. For example, WGU’s bachelor’s in health information management can build on the foundation of your associate degree program and expand your career opportunities. The program is entirely online, offering flexibility and preparation for a successful career in the healthcare industry. Whether you already have an associate degree or are considering a bachelor’s, exploring the benefits of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in healthcare is worthwhile.
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