Get the App Apply Now
Allegiance Staffing
Back to Blogs Mastering the Interview: Balance Is Key

Here’s How to Get a Job in Healthcare or Medical Administration

June 17, 2019 | Career Blog

Entering into a new industry can be daunting. There are many reasons why everyone dreads being the new kid on the block. Before you can even prove yourself as being competent and a good fit for the job, you also need to be confident enough to put yourself out there and apply for the position.

First of all, it is great that you have a passion for healthcare. Still, before you can get that job you have been pining after, there are some preliminaries you will have to cover first. We want to make sure you go about it the right way.

Take a look at the advice we have to offer and how we can help you get on your way to interviewing and landing a job in healthcare or medical administration.

Taking All The Right Steps

Before you can apply for the job, make sure you have covered all of the necessary requirements. In case you are just beginning to look into what that entails, we have made a list of what employers will be looking for. Here are the ways you will get yourself in the door and seriously considered.

1. Know What You’re Applying For

First and foremost, it’s important that you are fully aware of what such a job entails and whether or not it is truly something you want to do. Do the duties of medical administration or secretarial work sound like something you would enjoy doing for years to come? Furthermore, your interviewer will ask you why you are interested in the job, and they will be expecting that you know exactly what it is that you are applying for. Here are some examples of what your potential responsibilities would be:

  • Verifying and updating patient insurance.
  • Greeting patients, checking them in, and obtaining all necessary documentation.
  • Scheduling all patients, including follow-up appointments.
  • Answering phones and taking messages.
  • Distributing forms to patients.
  • Discharging patients in the office.
  • Obtaining and copying results of laboratory tests and scans.
  • Maintenance of office equipment and supplies.
  • Obtaining pre-authorizations for various image testing.

2. Consider Getting a Certification

There is no degree required for medical administration or medical secretaries. However, some basic education can help you stand out in the application process. Check with your local community college or similar programs to find out what training is available near you. Some community colleges and other academic institutions do offer certificate and associate degree programs designed for medical office receptionists, which can be completed in less than two years. The coursework in these programs usually includes:

  • Medical office software
  • Medical terminology
  • Business communication
  • Stand office procedures
  • Transcription
  • Confidentiality practices

Some other areas to consider include:

  • Business Administration
  • Medical Administration
  • Communications
  • Medical Office Management
  • Health Records Management

3. Gain Experience and Make Connections

Whether or not you choose to get a degree, having some sort of background related to the job you are applying for always helps. Most medical secretaries have one to two years job experience. Jobs in other industries can be considered enough experience if they require you to possess a similar skillset. Here are some examples of the skills your interviewer will be looking for:

  • The ability to talk to others and convey information effectively.
  • Motivation to help others find what they are looking for.
  • Active listening skills, such as giving another your full attention for the amount of time that it takes for their point to be made.
  • The ability to read and fully comprehend the types of documents and terminology that you will encounter within the position.
  • Communicating effectively through writing in ways that will be most comprehensible for your audience.

Also, consider getting involved with organizations within the industry, attending conferences and events, and reading articles that will keep you in tune and up to date with trends within the industry. Keeping yourself informed will allow you to hold educated conversations in your interviews and show your potential employer your dedication to healthcare work.

Reach Out to a Staffing Agency

Staffing agencies, like Allegiance, work for the employers to find people that match their ideal candidates. They need people like you who are looking for positions in their client’s industry. Allegiance will help you find a job by:

  • Perfecting your resume.
  • Pairing you with companies that are looking for people with your exact skill set.
  • Helping you prepare for the interview.
  • Not charging you a dime for the assistance.

For more information on how Allegiance Staffing can help you find a job in healthcare administration, reach out to our team here.