Those who want to work in the medical field will be glad to know that some of the best paying health degrees only require a two-year or four-year degree.
Below introduces five health care positions that do not require a master’s degree.
Compliance Officer
As the government and health care consumers expect more from health care facilities, regulations are becoming stricter and inspections are increasing. In order for physician offices and outpatient clinics to be reimbursed through Medicare and Medicaid, there are new federal and state compliance requirements. HIPPA regulations and ACA legislation means that health care organizations face serious fines for safety, billing and quality violations. Compliance officers usually have a bachelor’s degree in health care management or administration, but even those who have a nursing background can transition into this career. Compliance officers work with administrators, hospital administrators and health care educators to perform their duties.
Health Care Marketing
Not only is the business world growing and becoming more competitive, the health care environment is also becoming more complex and saturated with new companies. Health care consumers can easily research information and purchase medical products off of the Internet. They can also review hospital, clinic and health care providers online. Today’s health care systems must successfully market and promote their services in order to remain profitable. Health care marketing managers promote everything from physician services to outpatient clinics to hospital specialties, such as oncology clinics or children’s services. Marketing managers must plan, coordinate and oversee various marketing projects and programs. This includes print, online, mobile and special events promotions.
Biomedical Equipment Technician
The BLS states that technicians who repair medical equipment only need a two-year degree, but can make an average of $22 an hour. The most basic items include wheelchairs, hospital beds and blood pressure monitoring equipment.
Those who have some experience will install user-friendly medical equipment, keep repair records and perform preventive maintenance services. This includes things like monitors, ventilators, defibrillators and other basic equipment. Those who install, calibrate and maintain sophisticated scanning equipment, such as CATs and X-rays, will most likely need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical technology with basic training in engineering. Some senior biomedical equipment techs will host training sessions to explain and demonstrate how to operate medical equipment.
Health Care Navigators
Health insurance regulations and application processes can be very complex and frustrating. Health care navigators help health care consumers make various health care choices. For example, those who work for Medicare or Medicaid play a vital role in helping clients submit online applications to enroll in marketplace coverage. They also perform community outreach and education activities to raise awareness, answer questions and help health care consumers find appropriate resources. Some health care navigators specifically work with large businesses while others work through local non-profit organizations and community health centers.
LPNs and LVNs
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) provide basic care to patients under the supervision of RNs and other licensed health care providers. Most LPNs and LVNs need to complete a one-year long, state nursing board approved educational program. These are commonly through community colleges and technical schools. They work in clinics, hospitals, care facilities, physician offices and long-term assisted living facilities. Their educational programs train them how to provide basic patient care, such as dressing, feeding and bathing patients, and monitoring of vital signs, in which they are required to report any changes to RNs.
Another one of the best paying health degrees is actually a surgical technologist certification.
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