Are you a veteran searching for a meaningful job in the healthcare field? What about working as a healthcare contractor? Working as a healthcare contractor will allow you to gain experience in a wide range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The good news is that veterans may take advantage of several VA educational perks to help them become healthcare contractors. The VA provides several opportunities for education and training in the healthcare industry, including healthcare management, nursing, and medical coding.
This post will discuss the educational perks offered by the VA and how they may assist you in your pursuit of a career as a healthcare contractor. We’ll go over everything from the Post-9/11 GI Bill to the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Programme for veterans interested in the medical field. If you want to start a successful and rewarding career in healthcare, then keep reading!
Pay for Health Care Independent Contractors
As of May 2020, the median annual salary for medical and health services managers, some of whom work in contract healthcare, was $104,280, as reported by the BLS. Earnings ranged from less than $60,810 for the lowest 10% to more than $195,630 for the richest 10%.
As of May 2020, the BLS reports a median annual salary of $75,330 for registered nurses, some of whom work as independent healthcare contractors. A tenth of the population brought in less than $52,080, while a tenth of the population brought in more than $116,230.
Location, level of training, years in practise, and the specifics of the healthcare organisation all have an impact on salary.
Common Healthcare Contractor Services
1. Coding and billing for healthcare:
Medical billing and coding services provided by independent contractors are vital to the healthcare system. They make ensuring that medical invoices are filed to insurers or the government on schedule and that they are correct and comprehensive. Independent contractors that handle medical coding and billing must hold relevant certifications.
2. Medical Care:
Nurses who work as independent contractors in the healthcare industry may work in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, and residential care facilities. Healthcare contractors can include a wide variety of medical professionals, including registered nurses (RNs), licenced practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
3. Medical Administration:
Independent medical practitioners who have pursued further training in healthcare administration may find work in a wide range of healthcare institutions. Some of their responsibilities may include leading their team, creating and enforcing regulations, and controlling expenses. A degree in healthcare administration or a closely related subject is often needed by healthcare management consultants.
4. Therapeutic Transcribing:
Medical transcriptionists are independent contractors employed by healthcare facilities to transcribe audio or video recordings made by medical practitioners into textual reports. Medical records might consist of anything from patient histories to accounts of recent treatments. Independent contractors that perform medical transcribing must have completed rigorous training and certification programmes.
5. IT and Technology Services :
Support for electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical imaging systems, and patient monitoring systems is provided by IT and technology service providers who specialise in healthcare. Technology setup, upkeep, and problem-solving are all tasks that might fall within the purview of these freelancers.
These are only some of the many healthcare services that may be provided by independent contractors. Contractors in the healthcare industry may provide a wide range of services tailored to the specific requirements of the healthcare organisation for which they are working.
How to Start Your Own Healthcare Contracting Business
Identifying your area of expertise
The healthcare market is enormous, with several opportunities for contractors to focus their efforts. Coding and billing, nursing, healthcare administration, transcribing, and information technology are all examples of related fields. Your chosen area of expertise should reflect your knowledge, interests, and professional aspirations.
Obtaining Formal Education and Experience
Most healthcare contractor jobs need advanced degrees and certifications. The expected degree of education could shift from job to job and field to field. Some healthcare management contractors may need a degree in healthcare administration or a related discipline, whereas medical coders and billers often only need to finish a certification programme.
Obtaining a Permit
In order to work as a healthcare contractor, you must first have the appropriate credentials. A history check, application, and examination may all be required before a licence is issued. Here’s the lowdown on each stage:
Performing a History Search
A background check is often required before a licence application can be processed. A background check may be conducted, along with an examination of your academic and professional credentials.
Electronic fingerprinting services must be obtained from a vendor recognised by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) in order to satisfy this requirement in the state of Florida. One of the most often utilised authorised suppliers is the Florida Electronic Fingerprinting Service. A health screening may also be required of you, depending on the nature of the healthcare contracting you’re interested in.
Licence Application
Apply for your licence only after you have passed the required background check and medical examination. A completed application and associated fee are required for this. It’s possible that you’ll also need to submit proof of your skills, degrees, and employment history.
Getting Ready for the Test
There is testing involved with getting a licence. Depending on where you live and what kind of licence you’re trying to get, the specifics of the examination may change. You may get yourself ready for the exam by studying the subject and doing several practice exams.
Acquiring One’s Permit
If you pass the test and fill out the necessary paperwork, you will get your licence. Maintaining a valid licence in your state may need participation in continuing education or renewal processes.
Obtain Relevant Work Experience
Employment as a healthcare contractor often necessitates previous expertise in the field. Internships, volunteer opportunities, and entry-level jobs in the healthcare sector are all great ways to get your foot in the door and acquire experience.
Obtaining Credentials in Your Field
Some jobs for healthcare contractors need formal training or accreditation. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and certified professional coders (CPCs) are two examples of professionals that are in high demand among healthcare outsourcing companies. Certification needs might range widely among industries and occupations.
Make connections and apply for jobs.
Finding work as a healthcare contractor requires extensive networking. You may expand your professional network by engaging with people in your field through events, membership in professional groups, and casual conversations. Job boards, temp agencies, and medical facilities are additional avenues for seeking employment.
Become a healthcare contractor and embark on a successful and satisfying career in the healthcare business by following these steps.
Are you a veteran searching for a meaningful job in the healthcare field? What about working as a healthcare contractor? Working as a healthcare contractor will allow you to gain experience in a wide range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The good news is that veterans may take advantage of several VA educational perks to help them become healthcare contractors. The VA provides several opportunities for education and training in the healthcare industry, including healthcare management, nursing, and medical coding.
This post will discuss the educational perks offered by the VA and how they may assist you in your pursuit of a career as a healthcare contractor. We’ll go over everything from the Post-9/11 GI Bill to the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Programme for veterans interested in the medical field. If you want to start a successful and rewarding career in healthcare, then keep reading!
Using Your VA Education Benefits, You Can Become a Healthcare Contractor
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides several educational incentives for veterans who are interested in a career as a healthcare contractor. Medical billing and coding, nursing, healthcare administration, transcribing, and information technology are all fields that might profit from these benefits. The VA offers educational perks that can help you become a healthcare contractor, and we’ll go through a few of them below.
- Veterans who served for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001, are eligible for education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Up to 36 months of tuition and fees, housing assistance, and a book and supply stipend are all covered by this benefit.
- Veterans who have served in the armed forces and paid into the Montgomery GI Bill can use their benefits to further their education. You have up to 36 months to utilise these funds as you like: on college courses, trade school, an apprenticeship, or in the workplace.
- Additional assistance for veterans attending a private or out-of-state college or university is available under the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s Yellow Ribbon Programme. When a student’s tuition and fees exceed the amount reimbursed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, participating institutions typically cover the difference.
- Rehabilitation and Employment in the Workplace: Veterans with a handicap related to their military service can get training and education through the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Programme. Veterans can get money for school, a housing stipend, and other programmes to help them go where they want to go in life.
- Financial Aid for College Top-Up: Tuition Assistance is a programme that helps active-duty service personnel pay for college. This perk covers up to the full cost of tuition and fees at an approved school. Tuition assistance is available to some reservists and National Guard troops through the armed forces.
- These are just a handful of the many educational opportunities accessible to veterans who are interested in working as independent healthcare providers via the VA. Veterans may make the most of these opportunities to further their education and prepare for a successful future in the healthcare field.
In Conclusion
There are a number of VA educational perks available to service members who would like to pursue a career as a healthcare contractor. These include, but are not limited to, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) programme. Veterans may further their careers in the healthcare sector by taking advantage of these programmes, which will provide them with the training and education they need. Veterans who work as independent healthcare providers may make a significant difference in people’s lives and improve local economies.
