A growing number of people today are working from home, but for those pursuing work in the healthcare field, options can seem limited. After all, don’t those jobs require you to go to an office and see patients or a lab to perform tests? At one time, yes, but times are changing.
If you’re a healthcare professional looking for remote career options, there are a growing array of options that you might find both fulfilling and profitable.
Telehealth Services
If you’re a doctor or psychologist, you’ve likely noticed a lot of changes in the healthcare industry over the last several years and telemedicine is one of the most transformative and disruptive of these. By using a telemedicine platform, you can now provide exams and care remotely, even using special tools to measure patient vitals and perform tests.
Even highly specialized fields have embraced telemedicine using innovative programs. Radiologists read scans from home, while neurologists and pediatric pulmonologists — both highly represented among the ranks of telemedicine providers — often provide video consults around the country, connecting with patients and hospitals where there is no local specialist.
MCAT Tutor
Going to medical school is a serious undertaking and it requires a great deal of preparation. In order to qualify for a doctor of medicine program, students need a strong foundation in the sciences and math as well as excellent MCAT scores. The MCAT, which stands for Medical College Admission Test, is one of the major factors that medical schools use to evaluate applicants. As such, many students seek private tutors to assist them in preparing for the MCAT, and that’s where you can help.
You can offer private or group MCAT prep services either in-person from your home or online, specializing in particular elements of the exam, or developing prep materials that you sell. If you’re not sure how to reach students preparing for the MCAT, reach out to local colleges and post-bac programs and alert them to your offerings.
Billing and Transcription
Every medical office relies on a lot of behind-the-scenes labor in order to function, including billing and transcription services. That’s why, if you’re considering starting a home-based healthcare business, these are ideal, flexible jobs. Though some offices prefer that billing and transcription staff work in the office, many allow people to work from home. Additionally, if you have a healthcare background, you may be able to develop and coordinate a group of billing or transcription professionals and act as a liaison or consultant to medical practices.
Medical Media
Finally, if you’re looking to stretch your creative abilities while following your passion for the medical sciences, there are several different paths you can take. You could become a medical blogger or podcaster, create a health-focused YouTube channel, or work with a medical journal or other publication as an editor. There’s huge demand for people who have both scientific expertise and an interest in arts and media, particularly as more outlets shift to audio and video, so don’t be afraid to market your unique blend of skills.
Whether you’re looking for a new way of practicing conventional healthcare, or you’re excited to turn your skills toward new opportunities, those with a background in the health sciences can find remote work in a wide range of fields. You worked hard to gain your expertise — now you just need to find a fulfilling way to share those skills.
