Over the next 10 years, the healthcare field is expected to grow at a much faster rate than other industries. By 2028, the industry is expected to add nearly 2 million new jobs[1]. Working in the healthcare industry seems like a great way to end up in a stable, fulfilling career.
There’s just one problem. You can’t handle the sight of blood and the thought of working with bodily fluids makes you feel sick to your stomach. While a career as a surgical technician or medical assistant might not be a good option if you don’t like seeing blood or working with needles, there are plenty of other jobs in the healthcare industry that don’t require you to poke or cut into patients.
Some blood-free healthcare careers don’t require you to work with patients while others are patient-facing. Take a look at a few careers that are perfect for people who faint at the sight of blood.
Medical Coder
Medical coders, sometimes called Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, act as the go-betweens between physicians’ offices and billing departments. They’re responsible for assigning the right billing codes to the procedures and treatments patients receive. Medical coders also review patient information to check for other conditions, so that the right codes can be entered into the billing system.
While medical coders typically don’t see patients at all, they do need some interpersonal skills las the job often requires them to interact with doctors and employees in a billing department. It’s also important that they have a good eye for detail, as it’s vital that the correct codes be put in.
If you’re interested in becoming a medical coder, you can complete a one-year career certificate program. After earning your certificate, you’ll be ready to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam or the Certified Coder Associate exam. You might decide to continue your education in an associate’s degree program, as well.
The median annual salary of a medical coder was $40,350 in 2018[2]. Opportunities in the career are expected to increase by 11% by 2028.
Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician works with patients but doesn’t have to draw blood, change dressings or give vaccinations. Instead, they are responsible for accepting prescriptions, measuring out the medication, packaging prescriptions and communicating with insurance companies. When a patient comes to pick up a prescription, a pharmacy technician hands it to them and collects their insurance information and payment.
Becoming a pharmacy technician involves completing a career certificate program, registering as a Pharmacy Technician with the Florida Department of Health and earning certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $32,700 in 2018[3].
Health Unit Coordinator
Health unit coordinators provide administrative support that keeps doctor’s offices and other healthcare organizations running smoothly. The role of a health unit coordinator involves a combination of direct and indirect patient care. Common responsibilities of the position include managing electronic medical records, preparing patient records for surgery, hospital admission or discharge, and interacting with medical providers, patients and other visitors.
If you’re interested in a career as a health unit coordinator, you can complete a six-month career certificate. Earning your certificate will prepare you for the Certified Health Unit Coordinator exam from the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators.
While administrative positions in other industries are expected to decrease by as much as 21% by 2028, opportunities for health unit coordinators and medical secretaries are expected to increase by 16%[4]. The median annual salary in 2018 was $35,760.
Massage Therapist
Becoming a licensed massage therapist involves having a full understanding of human anatomy and physiology as well as the ability to interact with people. A massage therapist helps people to feel better by working on their muscles and soft tissues.
Although the role of a massage therapist does require a person to work directly with clients and does require touch, there’s no blood involved. A massage therapist should be a good listener with empathy and the ability to make decisions that will affect a client’s well-being.
In the state of Florida, massage therapists need to be licensed. Completing a nine-month career certificate prepares you for the Massage and Bodywork Licensure Exam and Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam.
It’s expected that massage therapists will be in great demand over the next decade. Employment opportunities for massage therapists are expected to increase by 22% by 2028[5]. The median annual salary for massage therapists was $41,420 in 2018.
How to Start Your Healthcare Career
Even if you’re squeamish, there’s still a healthcare career that might be right for you. Orange Technical College offers a wide range of career certificates in Health Sciences at our five campuses across Central Florida. If you’re ready to take the next step or start a new career, get in touch with an admissions counselor to find out more today.
Sources:
- “Healthcare Occupations,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sept. 4, 2019, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
- “Medical Records and Health Information Technicians,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sept. 4, 2019, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
- “Pharmacy Technicians,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sept. 19, 2019, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm
- “Secretaries and Administrative Assistants,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sept. 4, 2019, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm
- “Massage Therapists,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sept. 4, 2019, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-6