If you’re interested in working in the medical field, consider working in a doctor’s office rather than a healthcare facility. The workforce offers many opportunities for you to work in a doctor’s office. Knowing your options and how to pursue them can help you better prepare for a career in this work environment. In this article, we explain what it’s like to work in a doctor’s office, list the steps for getting a job in a doctor’s office, and list nine jobs at doctor’s offices.
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What is it like to work in a Doctor’s Office?
Before pursuing a job in a doctor’s office, it’s important to know what you can expect from this work environment. Understanding what to expect can help you better prepare for this type of role and help you determine whether you truly want to work in this capacity. Here are some things to expect when working in a doctor’s office:
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Interacting with patients: When working in a doctor’s office, you have the opportunity to interact with a variety of patients throughout your shift. Whether you’re working behind the desk or helping in an exam room, you’re able to make a positive impression on patients and meet their needs.
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Working as part of a healthcare team: Working in an office lets you work alongside members of a healthcare staff including doctors and nurses. You may help them with their duties or work with them to provide patients with the best care.
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Using advanced computers: No matter your job, you can expect to perform different tasks on advanced computers. Not only may you use electronic health records programs, but you may also use word processors or spreadsheets.
How to get a job in a doctor’s office
The steps you need to take to get a job in a doctor’s office greatly depend on the position since each job has a different set of requirements. For example, the requirements to become a doctor greatly vary from the requirements to become a medical interpreter. Use these steps to get a more clerical job in a doctor’s office:
1. Earn a high school diploma or GED
Complete your high school education and earn your diploma or GED. Your English, public speaking, math, and sciences courses can help you prepare for any position at a doctor’s office.
2. Consider a certification
While not necessary, a certification can help you gain more knowledge regarding the medical field and help you stand out from other job applicants. Consider pursuing a certification or an additional diploma to increase your eligibility for doctor’s office positions. Depending on the program, you may learn valuable knowledge regarding electronic health records, medical and hospital billing, and medical coding.
3. Gain experience
The more experience you gain, the greater chance you have of securing employment. Consider registering with a staffing agency to help you gain relevant experience. Oftentimes, you can find temporary opportunities at healthcare practices. Ultimately, your added experience can make your application more attractive to hiring managers.
Doctor’s office jobs
If you’re interested in working in a doctor’s office, knowing your career options can make for a more efficient job search. Before applying for a job, make sure to review the job post to ensure you meet the qualifications and can see yourself performing the job duties. Here are nine doctor’s office jobs to consider:
1. Medical transcriptionist
National average salary: $28,390 per year
Primary duties: A medical transcriptionist listens to audio recordings from healthcare employees and converts their messages into written reports. They may transcribe exam notes, patient history, and discharge summaries. Medical transcriptionists also review medical documents.
2. Medical biller
National average salary: $30,235 per year
Primary duties: Medical billers calculate and collect medical payments, ensure the accuracy of patient bills, prepare claims, and verify a patient’s eligibility and benefits for various medical services. They also contact insurance companies regarding payment discrepancies, create patient plans, and ensure the accuracy of each insurance payment.
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3. Medical receptionist
National average salary: $33,673 per year
Primary duties: Medical receptionists perform clerical tasks within a doctor’s office. They answer calls, greet and check in patients, schedule appointments, answer patient questions, and monitor the stock and various supplies at a doctor’s office.
4. Medical assistant
National average salary: $36,596 per year
Primary duties: Medical assistants have administrative, clerical, and clinical duties. They manage telephone systems, schedule patient appointments, record a patient’s medical history and information, and coordinate the office’s daily activities. Medical assistants also record vital signs, prepare exam rooms, and help physicians with various tasks like routine checkups.
5. Health information technician
National average salary: $45,534 per year
Primary duties: Health information technicians obtain, process, and document healthcare information. They also organize data, assign clinical codes, and retrieve medical records for members of a healthcare team.
6. Medical secretary
National average salary: $51,295 per year
Primary duties: Medical secretaries manage the environment in a doctor’s office. They greet patients, scan insurance cards, collect co-payments, record medical histories, and help with medical reports.
7. Medical office manager
National average salary: $52,057 per year
Primary duties: Medical office managers supervise medical office staff and the various activities within the office. They also hire and train the office’s staff, plan patient schedules, order office supplies, and create and implement office policies and procedures.
8. Nurse
National average salary: $81,774 per year
Primary duties: Nurses perform physical exams, determine a patient’s needs, record a patient’s healthcare history, and educate and counsel patients. They also coordinate a patient’s care with other members of a healthcare team.
9. Physician assistant
National average salary: $105,006 per year
Primary duties: Physician assistants provide patient care. They interview and examine patients, diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and order and interpret tests. Physician assistants also counsel patients on preventative care.
I hope you find this article helpful.
