Can Parents Train Online for Flexible Healthcare Jobs?

Taking the first step toward a healthcare job isn’t always easy for busy parents. After all, you may already have a job plus responsibilities at home that don’t leave a lot of extra time. Fortunately, it is possible to make a career shift into the healthcare industry through online training programs. And for parents already used to juggling multiple responsibilities at once, you’ll be equipped to find success in a new and meaningful role. 

If you’re looking for a positive career move, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s look at how parents can train online for flexible healthcare jobs and find the right program for their needs. 

The Value of Healthcare Support Roles for Parents

Most people think of doctors and nurses when they picture a medical environment. And these positions usually come with lots of training and long shifts that may not align with the realities parents face. Behind-the-scenes administrative and support roles can be a better match. And with a record of reliability and success, many parents can find hybrid or remote roles that suit their schedules while providing for their families.

Healthcare support roles are ideal for parents because of the work-from-home potential. But that’s not the only perk. These roles typically offer regular schedules that won’t require piecing together a new schedule each week. Over time, parents can upskill and move into higher-paying roles if they desire to do so. And, in the healthcare industry, parents can know that they’re making a difference by helping patients find compassionate and efficient care. Best of all, they can complete necessary training in a matter of months. With the flexibility of both the training and the job itself, parents can find time to focus on being more present at home.  

Optimal Roles for Busy Parents

What types of jobs can you pursue? While there are lots of options, a few roles stand out. Some of the best options for busy parents include medical office assistants, billing and coding specialists, and patient access representatives. 

As a medical office assistant, you’ll help with anything from checking in patients to maintaining patient records. Other duties can include answering phones, helping with patient forms, and verifying insurance coverage. Individuals in this role need to be good communicators who can tackle multiple tasks at once. Unitech’s Medical Office Assistant program can equip parents with the essential technical and soft skills to do this job well in as little as six months. 

Billing and coding specialists play a key role in ensuring that patients are billed appropriately for the services they received. Specialists must enter the right codes into insurance systems based on the type of service, whether a patient had an annual exam or elective surgery. Specialists also must be prepared to submit claims and reach out if there are denials. Individuals in this role can complete training in under a year, and they can apply many of the skills gleaned from childcare responsibilities. Billing and coding specialists must be able to work under pressure and communicate promptly. 

Patient access reps provide an immediate voice for patients entering a clinic or hospital. Representatives may schedule appointments or answer questions about procedures. They can help with billing and update patient records, as well. These individuals need to be warm, empathetic, and responsive since they are often the first point of interaction. And, like roles as a medical office assistant or billing specialist, these individuals may be able to secure hybrid or remote positions. 

Realistic Time Commitment Expectations

Any parent considering pursuing a new educational path will want to know what to anticipate from a time commitment standpoint. After all, parents will be juggling childcare and potentially an existing job.

In general, parents can expect to spend at least ten hours per week working on their educational program. This includes both review of online content and completion of homework. While most content will be available online, students may need to complete some elements in-person through a partnership with a nearby clinic. Ultimately, you’ll need to pass the relevant exam for your intended job, too, as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC). While this may sound like a lot of time investment, the flexibility of today’s healthcare instructional programs make it easier to complete necessary tasks and studying during nighttime hours, lunch breaks, or nap time. 

What to Look for in Online Programs

Not all programs are the same when it comes to healthcare training. You’ll want to do some investigating and comparing before paying tuition to attend one. First, be sure you’re considering accredited programs that are deemed legitimate by national standards and industry professionals. 

How many graduates land jobs in the field? Choose a program with strong program outcomes, which can indicatate that the program is thorough enough to prepare graduates for job placement. Instructors should be real-world professionals with experience in your chosen area. Look for financial aid options if you’re not planning to pay for everything upfront. And choose a program that permits some flexibility from a completion standpoint. Life happens, and you may need to take a hiatus if family needs to be your priority. 

Start Training

Jumping into training for a new career in healthcare support can sound daunting. But for many parents, training can be a positive opportunity to chart a new path. With an online program, you’ll gain access to essential training resources, and you won’t need to commit as much time to training as you would in a more traditional academic setting. 

Instead, you’ll have a flexible educational path that helps you land a better job to support your family and find work-life balance.