Not all administrative health-care jobs require a medical degree. Quite the contrary, the majority of them do not. If you would like to begin a career in the health-care field and do not have a medical degree, you will have plenty of options. Most administrative health-care positions require at least an associate degree, certification, or prior administrative experience.
Health-care Administrator
A health-care administrator is responsible for the overall operation of a health-care organization. Whether you want to manage a nursing home, health-care clinic or a hospital, you can do so as a health-care administrator. Most health-care administrator positions require a professional license issued from your state, which often only requires a bachelor’s degree in health-care administration, finance, management or accounting.
Medical Billing Specialist
A medical billing specialist handles the processing of insurance and billing claims for a health-care organization. Since these organizations work with insurance companies to generate revenue, medical billing specialists are needed in all health-care organizations. If you are interested in becoming a medical billing specialist, you do not need a medical degree; however, an associate degree or certification as a medical reimbursement specialist may help you to obtain a position as a medical billing specialist.
Executive Assistant
An executive assistant works closely with the executive leadership team of a health-care organization, such as the chief executive officer or chief operations officer. In addition to daily administrative duties such as drafting memos, answering telephones and communicating with employees and board members, the executive assistant is usually assigned confidential projects and tasks. Landing a position as an executive assistant does not require a medical degree; however, experience as a secretary or personal assistant will help.
Health-care Information Technician
The health-care environment early in the 21st century is rapidly changing from a paper-based system into a digital world. As a result, there is great demand for health information technicians. Although a career in health information technology does not require a medical degree, certification as a registered health information administrator or a registered health information technician may require an associate degree.
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Writer Bio
Dr. Kimberly Perkins is a seasoned leader in health care administration with experience in independent, assisted, skilled nursing, critical access, rural health, and memory care services. Perkins has performed in a music video by the Assisted Living Federation of America. Having lived as an undercover nursing home resident, she understands firsthand how to provide care to those in need.