‘But I’m Afraid of Blood’ — Health Care Careers for the Squeamish

For people who want to make a positive difference in the lives of others, health care is an ideal career field. Whether you work with tiny babies or people nearing the end of life, there are so many ways you can help and improve their quality of life.

Except there is one problem: You’re one who can’t even handle the sight of a drop of blood, never mind other bodily fluids. The idea of having to stitch up a gaping wound or clean up bodily fluids makes you want to pass out. So you have pretty much resigned yourself to working in a different field, which may not offer the job security, earning potential, and benefits of health care, so as to avoid dealing with anything potentially gross or unpleasant.

You don’t have to do that. There are actually many careers in health care that are just as fulfilling as direct patient care that have an almost nonexistent chance of encountering blood and guts. In fact, many of these careers offer comparable salaries to the practice of medicine as well as challenging and meaningful work.

Health Informatics

Modern health care is more data driven than ever before. With health care reform requiring a greater emphasis on quality and accountability, there is a growing demand for individuals with the skills necessary to develop data collection and management tools, and to provide data analysis that allows providers to make more informed decisions for better patient care.

The field of health informatics is expected to see significant growth in the coming years, as the amount of data increases, so there are plenty of opportunities for those who have an interest in computer science and IT, as well as data analysis and leadership.

A background or degree in health IT, computer science, or analytics is the best starting point for a career in this specialization; you can also earn an advanced degree in health informatics to improve your career prospects and earning potential.

Health Care Administration

Health care administration is a broad term, encompassing everything from practice management to hospital CEOs and everything in between. Many facilities have administrative teams, with leaders overseeing different aspects of the health care experience, including clinical, financial, public relations, legal, and more.

Most people working in health care administration have at least a bachelor’s degree; senior leaders generally have more advanced degrees and experience in accounting, finance, ethics, and human resources functions. Because the range of positions is so broad, salaries can vary — an entry-level administrator might earn in the $40,000 range, while hospital leaders can earn well over six figures. Either way, it’s projected that the demand for medical and health  services managers will increase by 17% from 2014 – 2024 according to Maryville University.

Medical Billing

Medical billing might seem simple, but it’s actually a complex, highly regulated process that requires an in-depth knowledge of not only billing procedures, but also insurance rules, basic medical terminology, and billing software. Medical billing specialists not only handle patient billing and insurance claims, but also assist with fraud detection and investigations. Education requirements vary, but certified medical billing professionals can earn around $50,000 per year.

Dietician

With so many chronic illnesses directly attributable to or exacerbated by the foods we eat, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for dieticians and nutritionists to increase by more than 15 percent by 2022. Thanks to their advanced knowledge of nutrition, dieticians are called upon to provide education and support for people who want to lose weight, manage a disease, or maintain good health.

Many dieticians work in health care facilities, like hospitals and nursing homes, but schools, public health agencies, fitness centers and the government also employ dieticians to improve their food offerings and education. It’s possible to become a dietician with only a bachelor’s degree, but many people are seeking advanced degrees; some states also require dieticians to become certified or licensed. The median salary for a dietician is about $57,000 per year.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists play an important role in the delivery of health care. While they do not diagnose or treat patients, they help counsel patients on the side effects of their medications and make recommendations to help alleviate those effects, make their treatments more effective, and avoid harmful interactions.

Pharmacists also work with pharmaceutical manufacturers, helping ensure that the drugs the reach market are safe. While pharmacy technicians can work with just high school diploma, pharmacists generally have to complete a five-year education program; the payoff is a salary well into the six figures.

These are just a few of the health care careers ideally suited for the squeamish. So if you want to work in the field, don’t let your fear of blood hold you back. There are plenty of options for you.

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