In the healthcare field where versatility is key, medical assistants can adapt to various roles thanks to their wide range of skills. Beyond the traditional confines of clinics and hospitals, there are many prosperous and intriguing job paths to explore. Care to put your healthcare skills to work in a new arena? If you’re interested in expanding your career horizons, you can find nine unique opportunities for medical assistants with an online search right now.
Shutterstock: BearFotos1. Medical Billing Specialist
Average salary: $45,995 per year 1
Medical billing specialists play an essential role in the financial well-being of healthcare institutions. Their duties include processing insurance claims, addressing billing disputes, and ensuring that patient accounts are up-to-date.
With the understanding of healthcare terminologies and procedures, medical assistants can smoothly transition into this role. The precise and meticulous nature of the job can also lead to positions in healthcare finance management.
2. Clinical Research Assistant
Average salary: $68,200 per year 2
The world of medical research is expansive and continuously growing. Clinical research assistants support the development of new medical treatments and procedures by collecting and analyzing data, managing patient information, and coordinating clinical trials.
Medical assistants already possess the necessary foundational medical knowledge, making this a suitable career progression. Furthermore, it’s an opportunity to contribute to advancements in healthcare.
3. Health Information Technician
Average salary: $45,704 per year 3
Health information technicians are responsible for managing and organizing medical records in compliance with laws and regulations. They use classification systems to code patient information for insurance purposes.
This role combines medical assistants’ understanding of medical coding and terminology with their organizational skills. A position as a Health Information Technician often paves the way to careers in health informatics or health information management.
4. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Average salary: $72,053 per year 4
Pharmaceutical sales representatives act as the bridge between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals. They educate clinicians about their company’s products and work to increase the use of their drugs.
As medical assistants are already well-versed in medical terminology and have experience interacting with healthcare professionals, they can excel in this role. This job provides a way to use their skills in a sales and customer-focused environment.
5. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Average salary: $61,730 per year 5
Occupational therapy assistants work under occupational therapists to help patients recover, improve, or maintain skills needed for daily living. They carry out treatment plans to improve patient’s motor skills, strength, and flexibility.
Medical assistants can transition to this role with additional training, applying their existing patient care skills. This rewarding career provides a hands-on way to make a difference in patients’ lives.
6. Medical Equipment Sales Representative
Average salary: $77,066 per year 6
Medical equipment sales representatives offer a critical link between medical device companies and healthcare providers. They showcase the latest technology to clinicians and help hospitals make informed decisions about the equipment they purchase.
Medical assistants, with their knowledge of medical devices and ability to understand healthcare providers’ needs, are great fits for these roles. It’s a job that combines sales, healthcare technology, and patient care.
7. Home Health Aide Supervisor
Average salary: $42,561 per year 7
Home health aide supervisors oversee home health aides who provide assistance to individuals in need. These individuals may have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairments.
This role requires someone with strong organizational and communication skills, as well as an understanding of medical procedures and patient care – all strengths of a medical assistant. This job offers a rewarding way to provide care for individuals in their own homes.
8. Community Health Worker
Average salary: $36,257 per year 8
Community health workers play an important role in promoting health and wellness within their communities. They identify health-related issues, provide basic health and wellness education, and connect people with the healthcare services they need.
As medical assistants, they already have a good understanding of patient care, making this career path a viable option. This job provides an opportunity to make a significant impact in local communities.
9. Medical Transcriptionist
Average salary: $39,000 per year 9
Medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings made by physicians and other healthcare workers and convert them into written reports. Their work requires a solid understanding of medical terminology and excellent typing skills.
With their background in healthcare, medical assistants can transition well into this role. It provides an essential service, maintaining accurate records for patient care.
The Many Paths of a Medical Assistant
Exploring these versatile career paths illuminates the broad potential of medical assistants’ skills. The healthcare field is continually evolving, creating new opportunities that leverage the expertise and adaptability of these professionals.
From impacting individual patient care to contributing to broader public health initiatives, the possibilities are truly expansive. It’s a testament to the intrinsic value of medical assistants and their profound impact on the overall healthcare landscape.