(310) 436-7000
Planning the course of your future is intimidating. There are a lot of factors to consider, including cost, income, time in school, and the day-to-day life that you will likely live within your chosen career. If you’ve come this far, you are probably interested in a career within the medical field. The question is, which area is the best fit for you?
At Montes HealthCare College, we offer several programs – each focused on a different aspect of the medical profession. Here, you can choose between becoming a medical coder and biller, a medical assistant, and a phlebotomy technician. Let’s explore each option and find which fits your needs best. Once you’ve chosen, we welcome you to schedule a tour of our Gardena campus.
Medical Coding and Billing
Medical coders and billers are behind-the-scenes operators. These professionals act as liaisons between medical offices and insurance providers. Unlike the other professions in this article, coding and billing specialists have little to no patient interaction. Instead, they spend their time performing clerical duties. If you are an introvert more interested in administrative and clerical tasks, this profession may be right for you.
Duties Include:
- Compiling medical claim forms.
- Following up on unpaid claims.
- Arranging appropriate payment plans.
- Addressing claim discrepancies.
- Confirming patient eligibility.
- Requesting and receiving pre-authorization.
- Reviewing medical bills and fees.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are often asked to wear multiple hats. These professionals represent the backbone of medical offices and clinics. They provide assistance to doctors, handle patient intake, handle appointment scheduling, and more. As a medical assistant, you’re a jack of all trades. This career choice may be an excellent fit if you thrive in a fast-paced environment and prefer dynamic workdays.
Duties Include:
- Maintaining patient records and scheduling appointments.
- Interviewing patients during intake.
- Educating patients on what they can expect.
- Performing certain clerical duties.
- Assisting doctors during patient exams.
- Changing patient dressings, removing sutures.
- Drawing blood, collecting lab specimens, and taking patient vitals.
Phlebotomy Technician
Phlebotomy technicians are specialists in the art of blood draws. As a phlebotomist, you can expect a great deal of patient interaction and the handling of samples. In this role, you will be at the forefront of the clinic or medical office. Your job is an essential component of preventative care and keeping patients healthy. This position may be right up your alley if you are an extrovert who enjoys regular interaction with others.
Duties Include:
- Drawing blood and preparing specimens.
- Regularly working with patients.
- Centrifuging blood samples (dependent on state law).
- Organizing phlebotomy carts and stations.
- Labeling and organizing vials with names and dates.
- Practicing blood draw techniques and approaches.
- Maintaining infection control standards.
Take the First Step in Your New Career at MHCC
Whether you have a career in mind or you’re still weighing the options, we can help. At MHCC, we offer comprehensive courses in the fields above, giving you the tools you need to prepare for a long and rewarding future. To connect with our office, dial (310) 436-7000 or click HERE.
Along with campus tours, we also offer students the opportunity to experience a real class before committing to a tuition payment schedule. Get in touch and attend one of our class sessions to see if our programs are right for you. No payment is necessary; simply contact us to request a pre-enrollment class audit.