This guide outlines 3 key healthcare career options that are secure fields and also financially rewarding.
The healthcare industry is growing every day, with new opportunities opening up for those who have the skills and experience necessary to fill them. From medical coders to play therapists, there is a diverse range of roles beyond nursing that offer an exciting and rewarding career path.
3 top healthcare career roles
Whether you are just starting out in your healthcare journey, or you are an experienced nurse looking for a change, here are healthcare career roles beyond nursing that you can do in the healthcare industry.
Medical Coder
Medical coders are responsible for assigning codes to medical diagnoses and procedures, which are then used to bill insurance companies and other payers. This role in healthcare career options requires a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, as well as knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems.
To become a medical coder, you will need to complete basic qualifications such as GCSEs, and then complete a development and training programme within the NHS. If you choose this role, you can expect a host of daily responsibilities including reviewing medical records, assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures, and verifying the accuracy of coding.
Some of the main daily duties of a medical coder may include:
- Reviewing medical records for accuracy and completeness
- Assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures
- Verifying accuracy of coding
- Updating patient information in the system
- Maintaining accurate documentation of coding activities
- Communicating with physicians and other healthcare providers regarding coding issues
Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
Moving from nursing to physical therapy is one of the most common healthcare career moves for nurses, and there are a number of good reasons for this – many of the skills from nursing are transferable, and there is a chance to have direct contact with patients.
Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries by providing treatments such as massage, stretching, and exercises. They also provide education to patients on how to manage their condition and prevent further injury or illness.
To become a physical therapist, you will need to complete a course in physical therapy. This programme typically takes three years to complete and includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
The daily duties of a physical therapist may include:
- Assessing patients’ conditions and developing treatment plans
- Performing manual therapy techniques such as massage and stretching
- Educating patients on how to manage their condition and prevent further injury or illness
- Monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment plans accordingly
- Communicating with other healthcare professionals regarding patient care
Public Health Educator
Public health educators are crucial but often overlooked members of the healthcare system, and are responsible for educating the public on health-related topics and promoting healthy behaviours. This role in healthcare career options requires excellent communication skills to connect with a variety of audiences and individuals, as well as a good knowledge of public health issues and strategies.
To become a public health educator, you will need to complete a degree in public health or a related field – nursing can be a great way to break into the role, and will ensure that you have the academic knowledge and communication skills that are so vital for this role.
If you choose this direction, you can expect a host of daily responsibilities including developing and delivering health education programmes, conducting research on public health issues, and evaluating the effectiveness of health education initiatives – this is a path that will put you in direct contact with the public.
Some of the main daily tasks that may be carried out by a public health educator include:
- Developing and delivering health education programmes
- Conducting research on public health issues
- Evaluating the effectiveness of health education initiatives
- Developing educational materials for various audiences
How To Find Your New Role
Once you have decided on the best new direction for your career, it is time to find the perfect job. There are a number of ways to find new roles; you can check out the website of the hospital or facility you would like to work in, search online job boards, or even make use of a specialist recruitment platform such as Medimatch to match yourself to the ideal role.
It is also important not to underestimate the power of word of mouth; reach out to colleagues in the healthcare industry to see if they know of any roles that may be suitable for you. A number of roles in healthcare and related industries tend to recruit internally in the first instance, so this can be a great way to keep ahead of any opportunities and make an application as soon as they open up.
Final thoughts
Finding healthcare career options beyond nursing in the healthcare industry can be a great way to further your career and gain new skills. With the right qualifications, experience, and determination, you can find a role that is perfect for you and make a real difference in the lives of patients.
