Students who want to work in the healthcare system, but who do not have time to attend a traditional degree program can choose to pursue the type of medical degrees that you can get online. Many are familiar with titles like licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, and physician within the healthcare sector, but these are not the only titles that are high in demand. There is a growing need for professionals who work behind the scenes to keep everything in order and flowing. To work in these roles, where you will not be providing care in a clinical setting, it is very possible to earn a degree online. Read on, and find out more about your options if you would like to study online for a job in the medical field.
Medical Assisting Programs Delivered Online
One way to get your feet wet in the healthcare system is to become a medical assistant. Medical assistants work in a variety of different healthcare settings and are vital members of any healthcare team. You can work in a hospital, a nursing home, a long-term care home, a physician’s office or even a rehabilitation center. No matter what setting you work in, with the title of medical assistant you will be responsible for coordinating administrative and clinical duties.
Due to the fact that the field has been projected to grow by 29 percent over the next 8 to 10 years, there are tons of different medical assisting programs that are delivered both in-class and online, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. When you choose to take an online medical assisting degree or certificate program, you will complete assignments, view lectures, have discussions, and gain access to tools that will cover everything from medical terminology and anatomy to billing and office procedures. Once you earn your degree and you get experience in the field, you can move on to becoming a certified medical assistant to increase your earning potential.
Medical Billing and Coding Degrees
Where there is a need for healthcare there will always be a need for medical billing professionals. With new legislation surrounding health insurance, the number of individuals who have access to care has grown. This creates a need for professionals who know the business practices and who can code invoices and collect payment for the services rendered from clients and insurance companies. With the growing need for medical coders and billers, enrollment in online degree programs has gone up rapidly.
You can choose from both associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed online. If your goal is to eventually get certified as a certified professional coder with the American Academy of Professional Coders, it is advised to work towards your bachelor’s degree so that you take a more focused curriculum. The curriculum will cover: medical coding, office administration, insurance claims procedures, physiology, medical office technology and more. No matter what program you choose, make sure it is accredited by the American Health Information Management Association or the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Related Resource: Online Accelerated Master’s of Nursing
There are plenty of healthcare degrees that you can get online. If your schedule does not permit you to visit a traditional classroom each day to listen to lecture and to interact with fellow students, you should look into your options online. By knowing the type of medical degrees that you can get online you can make a move for your future.
