Healthcare positions are some of the most stable in the country, with five million healthcare jobs projected to be added throughout the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This job security is one of the appealing benefits of working in healthcare.
But who says you have to choose between stability and flexibility? There are a handful of work-from-home healthcare jobs that allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds!
Pete Metz is the founder of Skip the Drive, a job site for telecommuters. He says he’s noticed a huge demand for telecommuters in a range of healthcare positions. He notes UnitedHealth Group, WellPoint and Aetna as three major companies offering work-from-home healthcare positions.
Now you’re aware that there are legitimate work-from-home jobs in the healthcare field. But how do you know if this option right for you? Read up on some pros and cons below before making your decision.
Advantages of work-from-home healthcare jobs
There are countless benefits of working from home. The idyllic picture of sipping coffee in your pajamas in your peaceful home office might not be exactly accurate especially if you have a toddler to get dressed, fed and ready for preschool. But not having to iron your shirt, curl your hair and a sit in rush hour traffic definitely sound appealing. Work-from-home professionals in many industries also report fewer interruptions, higher productivity and even saving money.
Healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics can expose you to germs and potentially dangerous situations. These jobs also tend to have long, in-flexible hours. In contrast, work-from-home positions are reported as more productive and less distracting in Forbes’ recent survey.
Telecommuting means you can enjoy a more predictable and flexible schedule. Some common work-from-home healthcare jobs include being a support services coordinator, a clinical research associate or clinical advisor, all of which operate under standard business hours for the most part.
If you want the flexibility of working from home but still wish to interact with patients, you could work as a pharmacy technician or medical administrator. If you want a job that can be done at any hour, you could look into medical coding or medical writing.
One of the biggest advantages of work-from-home healthcare jobs is the variety of career options you can choose from, especially as the industry continues to grow.
Disadvantages of work-from-home healthcare jobs
As great as those benefits sound, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of these opportunities. The previously mentioned Forbes article also noted that managers tend to perceive remote workers differently than those who work on-site.
In fact, telecommuters may be less likely to receive promotions. Some managers don’t feel as comfortable with an employee they don’t see on a regular basis and some have the perception that telecommuters don’t work as hard or aren’t available as much. While these misconceptions are often untrue, working from home may mean you will have to work harder to prove yourself.
Working from home means you will likely be spending most of your time in isolation, missing out on friendly day-to-day conversation you might experience in the office. For a healthcare professional, that separation could also translate to fewer people to reach out to when you encounter a question or concern.
Time management is often another concern for those who consider working from home. Without the structure of an office job, you may find your work slipping on your list of priorities. If you have a sick child or you’re preparing for a dinner party, it’s easy to forget about your work responsibilities. Telecommuting requires a lot of discipline in sticking to your schedule; a skill that not everyone possesses.
What’s the right choice for you?
Work-from-home healthcare jobs are on the rise. This is a benefit for students with degrees in areas like health information technology, because it means you will have more ability to control your schedule.
Before accepting a work-from-home position, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of job itself, but also the advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting. It is possible to balance your personal life with your professional life but it will take a bit of practice.
Think a work-from-home healthcare job is the right option for you? Start to narrow down your options by learning the difference between healthcare administration and health information technology – two fields that offer several exciting options for telecommuters!
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