A healthcare career can be quite compelling to anyone interested in the pursuit of knowledge, compassion, and unwavering opportunities. Sir William Osler states the following on healthcare professionals: “Let me congratulate you on the choice of calling which offers a combination of intellectual and moral interests found in no other profession.” As one of the largest and fastest-growing fields in the nation, there’s no question that a career in healthcare can lead to great opportunities. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 2 million new jobs over the decade.
With the increase in demand for careers in the healthcare field, it’s highly imperative for those intrigued by this area of service to not only confirm whether this path is truly for them but also to ensure they’re fully prepared for a role in healthcare. Exploring a career as a medical scribe is a great route to take to be better prepared for an exciting career in the healthcare field.
5 Ways Becoming a Medical Scribe Prepares You for a Healthcare Career
- Clinical Exposure: As a medical scribe, you’re closely involved in patient interactions, documentation of live patient encounters in various settings, and observing various surgeries and procedures. This level of exposure facilitates the conceptualization of the dynamics of patient care and common medical practices.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) Proficiency: Utilizing EHR systems extensively assists with the proficiency of navigating, documenting, and managing patient records. Developing this skill set is crucial in numerous healthcare-related roles, given how accurate documentation is essential.
- Communication Skills: Interacting with patients and other healthcare professionals requires a unique level of communication. Not only must you deliver complex information in a digestible manner to the patients, but there’s also a degree of compassion that needs to be tied to the conversation. As a medical scribe, the development of strong interpersonal skills and medical knowledge allows individuals to convey information clearly and concisely.
- Medical Knowledge: Through involvement in documenting live interactions between provider and patient, a large number of valuable insights are gained in the overall processes of the treatment, procedures, and clinical workflows.
- Multitasking and Adaptability: Healthcare environments can be fast-paced, constantly changing, and unpredictable. The experience as a medical scribe can greatly hone the ability to multitask, handle a variety of clinical scenarios, become comfortable in high-pressure situations, and adapt to changing circumstances, which are essential skills in any healthcare role.
A healthcare career is more than a stable income; it is an honorable duty to society and one that demands the highest level of professionalism. There are many ways to prepare yourself for a career in healthcare, and venturing into a role as a medical scribe can truly provide numerous benefits to prepare for growth in a career in healthcare.