The diversity of jobs in the healthcare industry makes it possible for a wide range of people to pursue them.
Employment in the healthcare field is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, but some people still shy away from a career in the medical arena. There are many different reasons for this hesitancy, including feeling squeamish about blood, not being a “people person,” or having concerns about the time and cost of education.
Fortunately, the diversity of jobs in healthcare makes it possible for a wide range of people to pursue this career path by building on their unique talents and innate abilities. Income levels in this category vary, with many positions providing a relatively high return on investment for your education dollars. Midstate College is proud to offer a variety of cost-effective programs in the areas of allied health and health information management—so you can start earning what you’re worth sooner!
Allied Health
While you may have heard the phrase “allied health,” it might still seem ambiguous. This is understandable since the field encompasses so many different job titles. These positions include non-nurse, non-physician roles like dental hygienist, medical assistant, medical office technician, occupational therapist and respiratory technologist. At Midstate College, we offer the following bachelor degree and diploma programs for those who enjoy interacting with others, including patients:
- Health Services Management, Bachelor of Science: This four-year baccalaureate degree program is designed to prepare students for a successful career in entry-level management or supervisory positions in healthcare.
- Medical Assistant, Associate of Applied Science: This degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Successful graduates leave the program ready to serve as entry-level medical assistants.
- Medical Office Technician, Diploma Program: This curriculum delivers training in the medical reception profession, with titles including medical office technician or front office technician. Program graduates are able to complete the tasks required in a doctor’s front office, including physicians, chiropractors, veterinarians and many others.
Health Information Management
If you’re interested in the fast-growing healthcare field but don’t think you’d want to work directly with patients, then this category might be right for you. A bachelor’s degree, associate degree or diploma from Midstate College will prepare you to interact with physicians, nurses, lawyers, administrators and executives, rather than work with patients:
- Medical Coding and Billing, Diploma Program: This program prepares students for an entry-level position as a coder or biller in a healthcare setting, where they will be responsible for ensuring accurate data for services provided to patients.
- Health Information Technology, Associate of Applied Science: This degree features a curriculum that prepares students for employment opportunities in any organization that utilizes patient data. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Graduates of a CAHIIM-accredited program are eligible to take the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam.
- Health Information Administration, Bachelor of Science: Graduates who earn this degree move into careers that involve the management of health data and supporting processes that ensure quality patient care and secure patient information. The Baccalaureate Degree Health Information Management Program is in candidacy status, pending accreditation review by CAHIIM.
With an aging population and continued advances in healthcare services, this field is a fantastic place for those who are just starting out—as well as those who are ready for a mid-career shift to something new. iBi
Meredith N. Bunch is president of Midstate College. Find program requirements and gainful employment statistics for these programs at midstate.edu/programs/alliedhealth.php and midstate.edu/programs/healthinformationmanagement.php.
