If you have an affinity for helping people, being in a care-focused team, and want the stability of an industry that isn’t going away, consider going into healthcare in a non-clinical role. In this article, we will talk about the job opportunities available to you today.

 

With the growing demand for healthcare workers, the healthcare industry has abundant job opportunities to provide you with a stable career – even without clinical experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that the healthcare industry will pave the way to 2.6 million new jobs from 2020 to 2030 – much faster than the average growth for other occupations.

What Is Non-Clinical Work in Healthcare?

Non-clinical medical roles are jobs in healthcare facilities that support patients but don’t include direct patient care, such as administering medication or providing medical diagnosis and treatment.

Professionals in non-clinical roles typically function behind the scenes and largely influence the operations of entire organizations, making them every bit as important as their clinical counterparts.

What’s so Great about the Healthcare Industry?

We sat down with former RN and Program Manager for Equiliem, Holly McDonald, and VP of Healthcare at Equiliem, Matthew Selverian, to find out what is so attractive about working in healthcare facilities and what motivates our modern-day heroes.

• Excellent Career Stability with Flexible Locations

Healthcare is a service that will be in demand as long as people manage chronic health conditions, get sick, or get injured. The industry doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon! The foreseeable need provides stability for careers in the field and the non-clinical positions offering allied functions that keep the business running.

As a broad category encompassing acute care, primary care, and dozens of specialties, healthcare settings can include environments ranging from small urgent care offices to sprawling healthcare systems that may consist of teaching facilities. A rural private practice offers a different experience from an urban cancer center. In the U.S., employment opportunities are, geographically speaking, “almost everywhere.” That’s a plus for people who like the idea of a career that goes where they go.

• Lots of Entry-Level Job Opportunities

You don’t need years of medical training and education to make a difference. Entry-level opportunities exist for roles from the front desk to the IT help desk and environmental services to food service.

• Great Employee Benefits

McDonald says, “I spent many years as an RN and appreciated access to the best healthcare benefits. While benefits vary based on the employer, working in the industry generally may include access to a great pension package, PTO, and other benefits for you and your family.”

• Shift Flexibility

Matt Selverian emphasizes the importance of flexibility for most candidates. He says that not many industries offer choices like night and overnight shifts for people in IT, administration, and support professionals.

Due to a hospital’s around-the-clock work schedule, you can consider what works best for your lifestyle. What shift do you feel most productive? What work schedule allows for family time or hobbies and other interests?

• Be Around People Who Have the Same Values – Providing Care

One reason many people cite for working in healthcare is their fellow employees. McDonald says, “People working in the field typically describe themselves as passionate and caring, and there is a camaraderie that builds around working as a team to provide care to others.”

• Making a Positive Impact on the Community

Healthcare systems are typically very grounded in the community. McDonald says, “They usually have foundations and groups that focus on outreach and educating the public, and they are connected to many community organizations. These are additional avenues for non-clinical roles to enjoy the rewards of helping and be part of serving the greater good of a community.”

Rising Opportunities for You

Non-clinical roles may not be the first jobs you think of when considering a healthcare industry position. Still, they are invaluable in making healthcare industries work. We have curated some examples of in-demand, non-clinical career paths you can pursue in healthcare facilities.

• Human Resources

Like in an office, HR roles are also needed to ensure that a healthcare facility has the right people in the right positions, that those people are paid on time, and that the business complies with laws and regulations. Human Resources includes recruitment and talent acquisition professionals and administrators. According to Holly, temporary positions for HR assistants are also in high demand.

• Administrative Support

An administrative support professional helps the healthcare organization run. Day-to-day activities include clerical work, scheduling appointments, and performing billing duties. Other roles include coders, medical billers, unit assistants, transcriptionists, receptionists, registrars, administrative assistants, secretaries, and other operational positions.

In many cases, you’ll need an associate degree for these positions. However, high school graduates who are well-versed in word processing and spreadsheet programs usually qualify for entry-level roles.

• Food Services

Food service is not limited to hotels and restaurants. In a healthcare system, food service professionals make a difference by providing nutritious food for patients, their families, and the employees working in the facility. -Roles include food service managers, chefs, and food service aides.

• Environmental Services (EVS)

Safety and sanitation have been in the spotlight since the pandemic. EVS professionals play a crucial role in keeping facilities safe and sanitary and preventing the spreading of contagious diseases. Roles include EVS professionals, health and safety specialists, and technicians.

• Digital Support

With the increase in phone and web-based consultations and services comes a need for specialists to help with audio/visual and computer support. Digital support specialists play roles in marketing communications, administration, and HR and can also support care coordination and patient advocacy.

• Technology

The IT department secures and facilitates technology systems for a healthcare facility. They ensure that processes are optimized and automated where necessary. Also, they are responsible for keeping medical records and other health information safe and accessible for patients and healthcare professionals. It also paves the way for telemedicine by making care accessible online. IT roles include medical records and health information technicians, web developers, systems analysts, and more.

Every Healthcare Role Makes a Difference

The healthcare industry has room for people with varied skill sets. It’s an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy working alongside and supporting medical caregivers in a stable industry. Every position can contribute to the mission of providing care. Options abound; is it the right move for you?