10 Non-Clinical Healthcare Careers
When you imagine a healthcare worker, you might picture a nurse starting an IV line, a doctor examining a patient, or a surgical team performing an operation. However, many healthcare careers focus on behind-the-scenes aspects of healthcare, such as information management, medical research, and staff management. While these non-clinical jobs don’t involve direct patient care, they’re essential to the quality, safety, and efficiency of every patient’s journey. Keep reading to explore some non-clinical careers that strengthen healthcare systems without requiring bedside care.
1. Nurse Informaticist
From reducing medical errors to speeding up diagnoses, electronic health records influence nearly every aspect of the patient care process. Nurse informaticists bridge the gap between technology and patient care, ensuring that EHRs and other data are accurate, current, and effectively support higher standards of care and an improved patient experience. Nurse informaticists oversee digital processes, optimize workflows, train staff on new technologies, and analyze data to support decision-making. They earn an average annual salary of $98,409. This role typically requires an active RN license, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and hands-on experience with data systems. Some employers require or prefer candidates with an M.S. in Nursing–Nursing Informatics.
2. Nurse Case Manager
While nurse case managers do interact with patients, they don’t provide hands-on care like administering medications or taking vital signs. These healthcare professionals instead focus on coordinating care, developing treatment plans, and helping patients navigate the healthcare system. As devoted patient advocates, they help remove barriers and streamline communication so that patients receive timely, well-coordinated care. Most nurse case managers have an RN license and a BSN. They earn an average salary of $98,868 a year.
3. Nurse Educator
Nurse educators design, lead, and evaluate nursing training and educational programs. Their leadership ensures that nurses possess the confidence, knowledge, and clinical decision-making skills necessary to deliver effective care in high-pressure situations. Nurse educators can work in a variety of settings, including colleges, hospitals, clinics, and public health organizations. They earn an average annual salary of $102,263 a year. Most nurse educator jobs require an active RN license, several years of clinical experience, and a M.S. in Nursing–Education. Some colleges and universities require a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
4. Patient Safety Officer
If you're a stickler for hand hygiene, infection prevention, or protecting patients from falls, you could play a crucial role in a healthcare facility as a patient safety officer. Patient safety officers develop safety protocols, analyze incident reports to find areas for improvement, and implement plans to reduce medical errors and safety gaps. This role usually requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, public health, healthcare administration, or a related healthcare field. Patient safety officers earn an average annual salary of $67,068, but experienced professionals can earn up to $116,000 a year.
5. Nurse Executive
Every healthcare facility requires capable, dedicated, and hardworking leaders who listen to the clinicians providing direct patient care. Nurse executives oversee nursing operations, manage budgets, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to drive strategic initiatives. While salaries vary significantly depending on the specific role, nurse executives earn an average annual salary of $144,103. Most nurse executives have a master’s degree in nursing, business administration, healthcare administration, or a related field.
6. Clinical Research Coordinator
Before new medications, therapies, or treatments are available to the general public, they’re thoroughly tested through clinical trials. Clinical research coordinators plan, execute, and oversee clinical trials and other research studies. Professionals in this field earn a median annual salary of $73,000 a year, with most salaries ranging from $57,000 to $95,000 a year. To become a clinical research coordinator, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare or science field such as nursing, biology, or public health.
7. Medical Coders
As healthcare becomes more complex, the need for precise medical coding becomes even more critical to financial and operational efficiency. Medical coders translate diagnoses, services, and treatments into standardized codes used for billing, insurance claims, and data reporting. They serve as liaisons between healthcare providers and billing offices to ensure that healthcare costs are transparent and effectively managed. Medical coders earn a median annual salary of $50,250, with the highest 10% of coders earning upwards of $80,000. This healthcare job requires a high school diploma and completion of a certified medical coding training program. Some employers prefer candidates with relevant professional certifications or a bachelor’s degree in health information management or a related field.
8. Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists by processing medication requests, handling payments, and communicating with customers, providers, and insurance companies. The role requires a high school diploma as well as on-the-job training or graduation from a post-secondary education program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Due to the low barrier to entry, many individuals use this role as a stepping stone to higher-level non-clinical jobs. The average salary for pharmacy technicians is $43,460 a year.
9. Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators perform a diverse range of tasks, from managing budgets and ensuring compliance to developing healthcare policies and training staff. These professionals play a crucial role in making large-scale decisions within a department or organization. The average annual salary for healthcare administrators is $117,960. This role usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, with some employers preferring or requiring a master’s degree in healthcare administration.
10. Healthcare Information Technician
Healthcare information technicians are experts in managing clinical data and patient records. They perform quality control audits, uphold compliance with healthcare privacy laws, and ensure that EHRs are complete, accurate, and accessible. Healthcare information technicians earn an average salary of $67,310 a year, with most salaries ranging from $39,120 to $112,130 annually. While many jobs only require an associate degree, employers increasingly prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in health information technology, health information management, or a related field.
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