Healthcare occupations run the gamut from nurses and pharmacists to medical coders and transcriptionists. Each one has different employment requirements, but these shouldn’t act as the be-all and end-all of your resume. There are other skills that you can learn to make yourself attractive as a job applicant in the medical field.
Data Analytics
Data analytics is a field of study dedicated to collecting information, identifying trends, drawing conclusions, and proposing fact-based solutions to problems. It’s used in many industries besides healthcare, but health data analytics is growing by the day as medicine becomes increasingly digital. You can take both online and traditional courses for it, and many programs offer certifications that you can use to boost your credentials. The most well-known is the Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA).
Coding
If you’re hoping to have a career in medical billing or coding, this is an essential skill. However, it’s also helpful to be proficient in coding if you land another job that frequently deals with medical records. While not always the easiest thing to learn, there are many options for students, including online medical coding classes offered by organizations like Coding Clarified. Just make sure that they’re accredited by the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Technician Skills
This one is job-dependent, but no matter what you’re doing in healthcare, there’s probably a technical certification that you can receive for it. For example, if you work directly with patients, you can become a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT). If your job involves mental health or behavioral management, you can earn a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification. There are also certifications for specific skills such as taking blood or using EKGs or other equipment. You might already have the knowledge or experience that you need to sit for a technical exam.
Leadership
Leadership isn’t a vague or intangible skill. It’s something that can be learned, defined, and even certified by taking leadership courses or enrolling in management training programs. Topics can cover everything from risk management to organizational behavior, and some programs will even have a practical component to give you real-world experience in training or supervising others. If you’re aiming for a senior-level position in the healthcare industry, being able to prove your leadership skills can be a valuable asset.
These are just a few ways that you can make yourself stand out as a job applicant in the medical field. Whether you’re aiming for hands-on healthcare work or a behind-the-scenes administration or management role, these skills can help you succeed.