3 Thriving Healthcare Jobs for Introverts
Working independently is the ideal scenario for you. You prefer focusing on your work without any distractions and sometimes you just need to recharge alone for a while.
It’s no secret to you – you’re an introvert! But that mean you can’t take advantage of the exciting opportunity in the healthcare industry. It’s true that nurses, medical assistants and pharmacy technicians must interact with people day in and day out.
But luckily there are as many career paths in the healthcare industry as there are personality types, which means you have options. Get the scoop on three ideal healthcare jobs for introverts like you.
1. Medical lab technician
Have you ever considered becoming a medical lab technician? You’ll still play an important role in saving the lives of patients, but instead of working with them face-to-face, you’ll be in the lab analyzing samples of blood and tissue.
Why it works for you: The behind-the-scenes nature of this position will suit you perfectly. You’ll be able to maintain your sense of independence in the lab while testing samples that are essential to the diagnosis process. While you may work under the supervision of a lab manager, the majority of your work will be done independently in the peace and calm of the secluded lab.
Median annual salary: $41,585*
Job outlook: Medical lab tech positions are projected to increase at a faster-than-average rate of 22 percent through 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Education needed: Associate’s degree
Learn more about medical lab technician degrees.
2. Health information technician
Do your part for the healthcare industry by managing and organizing healthcare data as a health information technician. You’d play an essential role by preserving medical records, tracking patient outcomes and ensuring quality and accessible documentation for insurance companies, physicians and patients, according to the BLS.
Why it works for you: Utilize your organizational skills as a health information technician as you manage healthcare documents and records. This is a great job for introverts, as you get to work with organized systems and patient records rather than the patients themselves.
Median annual salary: $48,013
Job outlook: Health information technician positions are projected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 24 percent through 2022, according to the BLS.
Education needed: Associate’s degree
Learn more about health information technician degrees.
3. Medical coder
As a medical coder, you’d review medical records and notes from doctors or nurses from patient visits. It would be your role to assign medical codes to the services the patient received in order for healthcare providers to be properly reimbursed, according to Explore Health Careers.
Why it works for you: Rather than working with patients, you would review their documents in this behind-the-scenes role. You’d work with thousands of codes to apply to the medical procedures and diagnoses patients receive. The healthcare industry would rely on your attention to detail and accuracy in order to avoid lost revenue.
Median annual salary: $45,151
Job outlook: Medical coding positions are projected to increase at a faster-than-average rate of 22 percent through 2022, according to the BLS.
Education needed: Certificate or diploma
Learn more about medical coding certificates and diplomas.
Take the next step
Now you know: It is possible to find a career that suits both your interests and your personality. Healthcare is a broad field, and there are plenty of jobs for introverts that could be a perfect fit!
Did one of these options stand out to you in particular? Learn more about what opportunities lie ahead in these three careers:
- What is a medical lab tech and what is their role in healthcare? Learn more about these behind-the-scenes professionals: What is a Medical Lab Tech? A Career Under the Microscope
- Think HIT may be the route for you? Learn what you need to succeed in this field: Exploring Health Information Technology Degree Programs & Careers
- Think medical coding is too hard for you? Think again! Find out what it’s really like from the experts: Mastering Medical Coding is Not as Hard as You Think
*All salary data from Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 184,516 medical lab tech, health information technician & medical coder job postings, Jun. 01, 2014 – May 31, 2015) This represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries and employment conditions in your area may vary.