How to Work in Health Care Office Administration
While medical Office Administrators and Administrative Assistants don’t necessarily get the glory that doctors do, they are an irreplaceable part of any health care office. Seriously, do you really think your doctor’s office would be able to function without its administrators? If you like the sound of doing meaningful health care work in an office setting, learn how you could get on your way to a successful career in Health Care Administration.
Get the right education. At Charter College, you can choose from several health care programs that could set you on the path to a rewarding career. If you’re interested in a title like Medical Secretary, Insurance Biller and Coder, or Medical Office Receptionist, check out our Medical Office Administrative Assistant certificate program. In less than a year, you could be prepared to seek entry-level employment in a medical office or insurance company, thanks to hands-on and specialized training in current procedures and relevant computer programs. If you already work in health care, maybe you need more training to become a health care office Supervisor or Manager. Check out our Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration degree completion program. It will provide you with a foundation in management and interpersonal skills necessary to do the job.
Network. Sure, you can seek out jobs and apply online without ever talking to anyone, but networking helps you improve your chances of employment no matter what level of employment you’re at.
Did you connect with a few fellow students over the course of your education? Keep in touch with them! If they’re employed in the field, ask them to keep you in mind when an opening comes up.
If there’s someone in health care whom you admire—whether you know them personally or professionally—connect with them and ask if they’re willing to meet you. They could offer you some insight into how they got where they are. Maybe they’ll even let you shadow them. They may not know of a job opening for you right away, but your interest and ambition will go a long way in pushing your name to the top of mind when an opportunity arises.
If you don’t know anyone who fits either of these descriptions, ask around. The medical field is big and there’s a good chance you know someone who knows someone who would be happy to help you out.
And remember, when you network consider ways you can help the other person too. Networking is best done when it’s mutually beneficial.
Get experience. Although you should get some hands-on experience when you earn a certificate or degree, you’ll want more if you expect to stand out on those job applications. Ask your networking contacts about job shadow opportunities, internships, and externships to get experience in a real office environment. Even volunteer opportunities can be a way to be in the right place at the right time for learning and experience. Experience shows employers that you’re truly committed to a health care career even before you have one!
Want to learn more about careers in Health Care Administration? Check out all Charter College has to offer.