What are some of the jobs in a doctors office, besides Dr. and Nurses?

Question

I am looking into going into the health care field...but I do not want to be a doctor. Maybe a nurse.... but What are other jobs at doctor's offices? Any careers in the office and how much/what type of school you need to do these jobs? Also, what is the title of the people that work the front desk- such as when you check in, they take your info, or when you leave they help you with your insurance info and things like that? Experienced answers are best!!!

Answer 1

Patient Registrar/Schedulers or patient relations reps are the front desk people.  I'm one of those, and you get dumped on a lot by the patients and doctors.  You get a brunt of the angry patient calls when the doctor hasn't called the patient back, or the pharmacy has not gotten the approval for a perscription.  It's basically a secretary role/customer service rep.  It's a good way to get your feet in the door, and the pay isn't horrible, but it's not something you want to make a career out of.  If you think you want to be in the medical field and not have direct patient contact, try medical coding, or transcriptions.  These jobs will sometimes allow you to work at home, but you do need a degree for them.  No degree normally required for patient relations positions

Answer 2

The person who works at the front desk can be a receptionist or a medical secretary.  They don't necessarily have to have any special training or experience, though it certainly helps to have experience.  (I used to do it.  No training at the time, but it sure helped inspire me to go ahead and apply to med school.)  

There are lots of other careers where you might work in an office--it is not always an RN who takes your blood or your vitals, though it can be.  There are often medical assistants, who may have training as phlebotomists or to give injections.  (Do not confuse this job with a physician assistant--they have considerably more training and a much wider scope of practice).  They have certifications, especially the ones who do blood draws or do invasive procedures, but I think it varies a lot by job and probably by location as well.  I don't believe that any of those certifications requires a four-year degree.

There are also all sorts of medical technician and technologist positions--you could train to do radiology procedures, do physical or pulmonary therapy or work in a medical lab.  My understanding is that generally a 'technician' is someone with a vocational or associate's degree while a 'technologist' generally has a 4-year degree, but I could be wrong about that.  The amount of schooling would also vary a lot.

A physician assistant is a more advanced degree--it is usually a master's and the course of study requires a bachelor's degree to enter.  They may also work in an office alongside a doctor; they can prescribe and examine patients but they do have to work under the supervision of a doctor.  A nurse practitioner is an RN who also has a advanced degree, also usually a master's.  NPs can work independently and have their own practices in a lot of states; they might also work at a medical practice or clinic.  They too can prescribe and treat patients and often specialize.

Best of luck!  Hope some of that helps.  ;-)

Brie--not meaning any contradiction!  When I did it, I was called a medical secretary. :-D

Answer 3

- receptionist

- medical biller

- office manager