What are some careers in the medical field without direct patient contact?

Health/Medical careers that don't deal with patients much but pays good?

• I want to be in the health/medical field working in an hospital. I live in Flint, MI. I will be attending Baker College. I don't think I'm strong enough to deal with patients, so what are jobs that are in the background or office setting of dealing with patients that pays good and only requires a certificate or Associates Degree? I was looking at one of the hospitals in my area and there were positions for Patient Services Representative, Unit Clerk, and Administrative Assistant what are the duties of these jobs and what are the pay for them or other jobs in a hospital setting without dealing with patients much except for on paper? Also I was looking at surgical technician. Would that be a good career? Some programs offered at the college are Health Information Technology, Medical Administrative Assistant, and Medical Insurance Specialist, is that billing and coding? What is the salary for that? What are the duties of those careers? Thanks. I'd appreciate any feedback.

• Answer:

  Medical insurance specialist might be a good choice. Talk with the advisors at the college you will be attending. They will have great advice for you. By the way, another person suggested, nutritionist/dietitian. I worked in a hospital for 6 years and the nutritionist/dietitian worked VERY closely with patients (diabetics, post-surgery patients, rehabilitation patients, ICU, cardiac care, ...) and required at least a 6 year master's degree program. Don't base your life decisions on the answers people give on an open forum such as this one. Investigate the question yourself by calling or visiting a hospital human relations department. They are always looking for intelligent, motivated folks and will give you advice on needs of the hospital. Good luck with your decisions.