Whether you have recently graduated from college with a healthcare-related degree or are a long-time, industry professional, now is an exciting time to be in the healthcare industry. There are many reasons to consider a job in the medical field. Healthcare jobs are consistently the highest-paying job in every state and overall industry expansion is expected to grow at least 18% in the next decade. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently cited the healthcare industry as the biggest source of jobs in the U.S. for the first time.

Many jobs available in healthcare need specialized education. However, contrary to opinion, there are also many entry-level positions that do not require extensive experience or education in order to be hired. With so many positions available, it can still be incredibly difficult to get your resume noticed by healthcare companies. Additionally, if you are applying with little to no experience, it may seem impossible to separate yourself from the hundreds of other applicants.

Those seeking a job in healthcare will see considerable benefits from enlisting the help of a staffing agency. Employment agencies, like Certified Source, are equipped to source candidates for a broad spectrum of jobs across the healthcare industry. Staffing agencies fill positions from entry-level to mid-level management and even up to highly-professional, skilled positions.

Requirements for Industry Job Levels

Entry Level

The starting point for many careers is the entry-level position. Most often, these are jobs eligible for those switching professions or recent college grads. Typically, the experience is not required, as most jobs provide on the job training. Examples of entry-level healthcare positions include medical assistant and patient service representative.

Mid-Level with Some Experience

Mid-level positions typically require prior, on-the-job experience. They may require specific skills or a field-related degree. These employees must be able to work with some degree of autonomy, as well as possess good problem-solving skills. Some examples of mid-level titles include phlebotomists and x-ray technicians.

Highly Trained Professionals

These positions always require specific degrees or certifications. They are usually open to candidates who have accrued years of experience within one field of the industry and possess strong management and interpersonal skills. These candidates will often work in a supervisory mode as well, responsible for the work of others. These are the highest paying jobs in healthcare. Examples of highly trained professionals include benefits specialist.

Entry-Level Positions

There are many great entry-level positions available for newcomers to the healthcare industry. A good position will give you the ability to gain skills and knowledge over time, with ample opportunity to flexibly grow and move up within a company. When you are considering entry-level positions, it’s wise to take into account base pay, training and education provided, skills you may acquire, and opportunity for advancement. Here are some of the top entry-level positions staffed by Certified Source today.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform administrative, clerical and clinical work. Duties range from handling patient medical records to scheduling appointments and assisting physicians with exams. Medical assistant positions have no minimum requirements, with most employers requiring only a high school education, offering on the job training instead. Salary is affected by the employer, employee experience, and business location, but most positions start with a base pay of around $26,000 annually.

Patient Service Representative

Patient Service Representatives (PSR) are the primary go-between for patients and medical staff in a hospital. Often, they are the person responsible for introducing a patient to a new procedure. They may be responsible for patient registration, referrals, patient check-out, appointments, insurance verification, charting, etc. Most positions require a basic high-school diploma, although some states do require an associate’s degree.

On the job training is always provided with opportunities to advance to Certified Medical Specialist with training. PSR’s work in hospitals, nursing facilities, and doctor’s offices. Salaries vary between state, but $32,639 is the average salary per year.

Insurance Collections Specialist

Insurance Collections Specialists function as an intermediary between hospital patients and insurance companies, navigating the complexities of the business side of healthcare. Typical duties include facilitating payments, researching insurance claims, maintaining knowledge of healthcare laws, and patient care. Most positions only require a high school diploma with on the job training provided for up to 3 months, which provides knowledge of legal protocols and procedures.

Most work is in an office environment. Candidates should have a good familiarity with technology and excellent interpersonal skills. Job growth rates are positive with annual salaries ranging between $31,500 to $47,500 per year.

Medical Front Office Assistant

Working as a medical front office assistant requires both office-related knowledge and interpersonal skills. Responsibilities may include transmitting medical records, collecting payments from patients, detailing client invoices and bills, keeping the reception area clean and handling client complaints and issues. Analytical, organizational, and above-average interpersonal skills are favored by employers.

A high school diploma is needed with some on the job training provided. Familiarity with medical terminology is an added bonus, and you will need to be familiar with any relevant hospital management systems. Entry-level front office receptionists make $23,830 on average, while those with some experience can make up to $45,900.

Mid-Level Positions with some Experience/Education

Mid-level positions are the next step for entry-level employees who continually show dedication and determination to master their position. Sometimes, these positions are available with only a few years of experience under your belt. These positions require an extended level of responsibility and often include the supervision of other employees. Most often, these positions work as an intermediary between upper-level management and entry-level staff.

X-Ray Technician

Most X-ray technicians begin as generalists, meaning they work with a variety of imaging technologies from conventional X-ray to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All X-ray techs must have at least an associate’s degree in radiologic technology for entry-level. Once X-ray techs have acquired experience, typically 3-5 years, they may be eligible to move up to mid-level positions, specializing in one or multiple forms of diagnostic imaging.

X-ray techs must have excellent communication skills, as they interact both with patients and physicians on a daily basis. Being able to maintain patient records, maintain imaging equipment, and coordinate communications among hospital departments are key abilities required of mid-level candidates. Mid-level X-ray techs can earn up to $74,000 annually.

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomy technicians draw blood from patients and donors for medical testing, research, and transfusion. They work closely with doctors, nurses, other techs, and patients. Typically, a one-year certificate program or an associate’s degree is necessary for these positions. Some employers prefer a four-year medical science degree for higher-paying positions. Other than drawing blood, other responsibilities include patient record keeping, maintenance of medical equipment, patient management, and labeling and processing of blood samples.

The best candidates will have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with an ability to think critically. Phlebotomy technicians make an average hourly wage of $15.21, or $31,630 annually. Those with considerably more experience can make more than $38,600 every year.

Optometry Technician

Optometry techs work in vision clinics, hospitals and optometry offices. They are responsible for appointments, scheduling, administrative duties, and patient services. They often perform pre-screening tests for visual acuity and depth perception. They will also assist patients with new contacts or glasses and offer instruction and training to patients for proper care after various treatments.

A college degree is not required, but an associate’s degree is preferred for most positions, with on the job training provided. Salaries vary by location, but most optometry technician salaries start around $20,000 annually with the median optometry technician salary in the U.S. being $30,590. The job can also open up new career paths for prospective optometry technicians who want to move up to office managers and upper-level physician assistants.

Medical Biller

Medical billers provide administrative and operational support in the medical industry. They are responsible for patient history, financial records, and other related info. Medical billers work as a billing and claims mediator between patients and insurance companies. This is a customer-service based position with the required added expertise of insurance billing procedures.

Medical billers ensure a two-way flow between healthcare providers and insurance companies. Medical billers can take a certification course, but requirements vary by state. Medical billing salary rates are strong and are expected to steadily increase over time with starting salaries sitting at $42,000 annually.

High-Level Positions with Extensive Experience/Education

Benefits Specialist

A benefits specialist is responsible for a wide variety of tasks regarding benefits, compensation and job analysis. They work as a liaison between benefits providers, employees, and employers. They may be asked to design and prepare reports to summarize research and analysis and are responsible for making sure their company is compliant with all state and federal healthcare regulations.

They will spend most of their time researching compensation and benefits plans and working to integrate those plans into a “best fit” protocol for all parties. This position usually requires a bachelor’s degree in business administration and at least 4-5 years of related experience in Human Resources departments or the like. Benefits specialists also are one of the top upper-level positions in the industry with top positions making up to $100,000/yr.

Medical Coder

Medical coding is a field similar in requirements to medical billing but may require additional organization skills. These positions have direct contact with healthcare providers. You will need to have fluency with standardized codes, like CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 CM, to accurately record patient services. Familiarity with electronic medical records software and electronic health record database is a requirement.

Medical coders work as a translator, recording various medical procedures via codes to be used for patients and their insurance companies. This position requires attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Steady job growth and demand makes this a great mid-level position with salaries between $42,000 and $60,000/yr.

Medical Services Manager

A medical office assistant is a great entry-level position and one that allows upward mobility to mid-level positions and eventually even upper management positions, operating as a medical services manager through on the job experience and time. Medical services managers often work in doctor’s offices, nursing facilities or hospitals, managing daily operations like office expense management, patient scheduling, and doctor availability, as well as medical benefits.

Managers must be salient with current medical regulations and laws affecting healthcare access at all times. These positions require an ability to multi-task while effectively coordinating the actions of many people, from patients to doctors to other office staff.

How a Staffing Firm Can Help

Getting your resume noticed by hiring healthcare facilities can be extremely difficult, even if your qualifications are excellent. Whether you are a new program graduate or are amidst a career change, you will be one of many candidates applying for jobs within the healthcare industry. Using a staffing firm can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed.

They will be well-connected with today’s top employers in the industry, with a good feel for what the qualifications and skillsets are for each particular sector. A good staffing agency can find you a position perfectly suited for both you and the hiring company. Additionally, they have access to job openings which may not be available to the public sector.

Certified Source Staffing Professionals

Certified Source Staffing Professionals is one of the most respected and prolific staffing agencies in Tulsa, Claremore, and Oklahoma City, employing the most experienced staffing professionals in our industry. We are dedicated to customer service satisfaction, with a focus on local job markets. We are focused on connecting employees to employers via our customized staffing solutions. Whether you are looking for an entry-level position or have years of experience and are ready for that high-paying, upper-level management position, our team at Certified Source can find you the perfect position. Call us today for more info on jobs in the Tulsa area!