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Behind-the-Scenes Healthcare Careers That Are the Least Stressful

When you think about an industry full of low-key, low-stress jobs, healthcare probably isn’t the first one that comes to mind. We think about fast-paced hospitals and emergency situations where you always feel on edge. However, there are many medical careers are not stressful. Challening, but not nearly as fast-paced.

You shouldn’t let the idea of high-stress situations deter you from a job in medicine. No matter what you want to do as a specialty, there is likely a job that needs filling. And, it doesn’t require a lot of excitement.

Much of what makes the health care system work so well is all of the behind-the-scenes jobs. You can be an introvert and have a successful career in medicine. There are also healthcare jobs for people with anxiety.

The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing in the nation. Due to an aging population and advancements in technology, medical careers are in high-demand. Knowing what to look for and how to find these jobs can make it easier for you to feel comfortable with your search.

Best Medical Careers That Are Not Stressful

This article will go through several of the least stressful jobs in the medical field. These positions are perfect for people with anxiety, or people who are looking for something a bit more fun. The least stressful medical specialties are a great way for people to get into this field without having to worry about anything too strenuous. There are also hospital jobs that don’t need a medical degree.

Whether you’re looking for a post-retirement job, or stress-free careers for women, you can find it in this ever-growing industry. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best low-key jobs to consider.

1] Medical Records Technician

Medical technicians are a great example of behind the scenes work that is crucial to patient care. A medical records technician is responsible for managing patient information through records. They keep these records organized, manage them regularly, and dispense them as needed.

One of the biggest benefits of becoming a medical record technician is that you do not have to attend medical school. However, it is preferred that you obtain some certification as a Health Records Administrator. Many employers may also require an Associate’s Degree from an accredited school.

least stressful medical specialties

This is one career path that has seen and will continue to see exponential growth within the next several years. The recent change in healthcare insurance policies in the United States has dumped a lot of resources into this particular field. It continues to grow rapidly and has a lot of room for advancements (and salary increases). It’s one of the best stress-free careers for those who don’t want to spend years training in medical school.

If you have strong organizational skills and can pay attention to detail, this is one field to consider seriously. Finding a job as a medical records technician should be relatively simple if you have the right qualifications. Consider looking at area hospitals or clinics for the best opportunities.

2] Medical Laboratory Technician

Another behind the scenes healthcare career without patient contact is a Medical Laboratory Technician. Like a records technician, this job allows you to work comfortably and privately in a quiet space. Many times, you get to work independently without facing customers, too.

A lab is typically a very quiet and controlled setting, even if it’s in the center of a busy hospital. It’s a hands-on job that is all about helping others. You can help save lives by performing lab tests and sharing your findings with physicians.

There is a growing need for qualified lab technicians throughout the country. Because of advancements in technology, new tests are emerging at a rapid pace. We can find out more than ever before from blood work, cell research, etc. More tests continue to develop all the time. The more tests there are, the more lab technicians are needed.

If you don’t want to interact with patients, but you still want to be able to help them directly, this is a great option. Plus, it only takes an Associate’s Degree and keen attention to detail to be successful within this career. If you want to lower the amount of stress further, you should try finding a job in a smaller hospital or clinic.

3] Pathologist

Becoming a pathologist may take more work than most of the other careers listed in this article. But, it’s one of the best career paths for those who want a high-paying job in the medical field without directly having to work with patients.

A pathologist is considered to be a medical doctor. Therefore, the education required can take a long time. You’ll need four years of college, plus medical school. From there, completing a residency is required. So, it’s a career that takes commitment, but it’s perfect for those who prefer a behind the scenes role in medicine. It is one of the least stressful medical specialties.

Pathologists are responsible for examining tissue samples and overseeing lab tests on bodily fluids. They analyze different samples to make a final diagnosis. It can be a gratifying job for those who enjoy examining and collecting data. You may be able to save lives with your diagnostic results, without having to perform surgeries or work regularly with patients. Plus, pathologists can make around $175,000 each year. Even though it may take some time to immerse yourself in this career, the salary and benefits are well worth it.

4] Surgical Technician

You don’t have to be a medical surgeon to be directly involved in surgical procedures. Even better, you don’t need to go through years of schooling to be involved in the surgical field.

Top 10 Least Stressful Health Care Careers

It takes a team of professionals to make each surgery a success, and that starts with a surgical technician. Surgical technicians work to prepare both the operating room and the patient for an upcoming surgery. They are responsible for gathering the proper equipment necessary and making sure all tools are in place for the surgical team.

During surgery, a tech will hand tools and instruments to the surgeon. While this might seem like an easy task, it means that the tech needs to know the names and functions of each tool the surgeon is working with. It takes a lot of concentration, a steady hand, and the ability to pay close attention for long periods of time.

Most surgical tech jobs only require two years of schooling, typically at technical schools. You’ll mostly find work in busy hospitals or surgery centers. While it may not be a glamorous job, successful surgeries couldn’t be possible without this position. It’s a great way to directly impact a patient’s life while remaining behind the scenes.

5] Phlebotomist

A phlebotomist does work with various patients every day. However, it is still considered a ‘behind the scenes’ job for several reasons. Often, a phlebotomist is the first face a patient will see as they go through a diagnostic process or physical examination. So, while you may need to be a ‘people person,’ the importance of the work you do is very much under the radar.

A phlebotomist draws blood from a patient and is responsible for transporting that blood to the lab for analysis. They don’t test the blood themselves, and they don’t diagnose the patient. If you’re good with people and still want to be able to work with patients on a daily basis, this is an excellent career to consider. It is also a career that continues to see exponential growth, due to many tests that can now be done with blood.

You can become a certified phlebotomy technician in less than a year. It’s considered an entry-level job, but there is room for growth within the field. There are also many job opportunities for qualified phlebotomists. It’s not just limited to hospitals. Qualified individuals can work in private practices, outpatient centers, clinics, nursing homes, or even for different organizations like the American Red Cross.

6] Cytologist

If you’re more productive when you work independently and have a knack for science, you may want to consider a career as a Cytologist. Cytologists don’t ever work directly with patients. Instead, they receive cell samples from physicians and other medical professionals. It is then their job to analyze the sample and determine whether or not there are any abnormalities.

Cytologists will report their findings back to a medical professional. They can help to diagnose conditions such as cancer, bacterial infections, etc.

A Bachelor’s degree in Cytology or a similar field is required for this career path. However, there are multiple career opportunities. Many Cytologists work in hospital labs, but you might also be able to find a job in a research center, or with the government. Because technology continues to make advancements, the responsibilities of what a Cytologist does (and can do) continues to grow, too. Those who choose to work in research may be able to discover cures for diseases or new strands of bacteria.

Even though you don’t deal directly with patients, you could be saving their lives on a regular basis through your analysis.

7] Medical Transcriptionist

If you’ve always been skilled with the written word, you may want to consider becoming a medical transcriptionist. It is the job of a medical transcriptionist to interpret, edit, review, and convert both written and vocal recordings and documents. It’s one of the most important healthcare careers without patient contact.

It is incredibly important to have excellent attention to detail in this job. Not only will you have to point out any inconsistencies, but it’s your responsibility to make sure medical records and documentation are 100% accurate at all times. This requires extensive knowledge of medical terminology. It’s a job that is so behind the scenes that most patients don’t even realize how important it is. However, without transcriptionists, medical records could easily be disorganized, with incorrect information.

types of medical careers that aren't stressful

Becoming a transcriptionist requires either an Associate’s Degree or certification. Typically, certification in this field only takes a year to obtain. Transcriptionists often work independently. It is even becoming a favorite ‘freelance’ job for those who wish to work from home. However, the proper training is still required.

8] Orderlies

If you’ve ever wondered how hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, etc. are always fully stocked with medical supplies, you can thank Orderlies. As the name suggests, Orderlies are responsible for stocking supplies, sterilizing equipment, and making sure facilities are clean. Without them, many healthcare facilities wouldn’t be able to run smoothly.

Only a high school diploma is required for this position. It’s a fun career for women that pays well. It’s also great for students, or people who have high levels of anxiety and stress, and want to work on their own. While it does require some organizational skills, once you learn how to manage everything at your particular facility, this is a very low-key job that you may even find relaxing. How stressful it is will much depend on where you choose to work. The smaller the facility, the less stress you’ll likely experience.

What is the Best Low-Stress Job in the Medical Field?

If you’ve ever considered a career in the healthcare field, but don’t necessarily want to be where the ‘action’ multiple career options are low-stress. You can still make a huge difference in the lives of patients without necessarily working with them directly.

Furthermore, many of these behind-the-scenes healthcare jobs are really what keeps the industry running smoothly. Without many of them, hospitals and clinics couldn’t function properly. There is such a need for qualified workers in many of these specific jobs, waiting to be filled. There are also some unusual medical careers that you may not have considered yet.

Whether you have anxiety, you’re introverted, or you prefer to stay out of chaotic situations, you can still have a successful career in healthcare. Now is the time to get involved in this booming industry. Many of these jobs have growth opportunities and excellent salaries. Plus, many don’t require extensive schooling so that you can get started quickly. If you want a long, successful, and helpful career without all the attention, consider one of these positions.