According to Portiva.com, Medical and Dental Virtual Assistants earn an average of $13.72 per hour, which comes out to a median salary of $27,360 per year. However, this figure can vary widely depending on factors such as experience level, geographical location, and the type of medical practice where the scribe is employed.
If you’re looking for a career in the medical field that doesn’t require years of schooling or certification, becoming a Medical and Dental Virtual Assistant may be a good option. With the rapid growth of electronic health records (EHRs), there is increasing demand for VAs who can help doctors and other healthcare professionals document patient interactions and track important data. And as technology continues to evolve, VAs are expected to play an increasingly important role in the healthcare industry.
Breaking Down the Numbers:
If you’re interested in becoming a Medical and Dental Virtual Assistants, there are several factors to consider before getting started. Some of these include:
1. Location and type of practice – The first step is deciding where you want to work as a Medical and Dental Virtual Assistant. This factor can make a big difference in terms of salary since medical practices often have different pay scales depending on location and the volume of patients seen each week. For example, Portiva data shows that Medical and Dental Virtual Assistants working at large hospitals generally earn more than those employed by smaller clinics or offices. It’s also helpful to keep in mind that some specialties may be more lucrative than others, such as dermatology or plastic surgery.
2. Certification – To become a Medical and Dental Virtual Assistant, you typically need to take a specialized training course from an accredited institution. The length of the required training will depend on your individual situation (e.g., whether you have any previous medical experience or college credits), but it generally takes between two and four weeks to complete an online course or weekend seminar. After completing this program, you may be eligible for certification through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or other professional organizations such as the American College of Medical Scribes (ACMS). Although employers aren’t legally required to hire only certified candidates, having some sort of formal certification can help make you more competitive in the job market and give patients added confidence in your skills.
3. Curriculum and duties – Whether you’re taking an online or in-person course, it’s important to consider the curriculum carefully before making a decision. Look for programs that will provide you with key skills such as electronic health record (EHR) documentation, data analysis, medical terminology, and coding conventions. In addition to training on these core competencies, it may be helpful to sign up for electives like medical transcription or anatomy and physiology to better prepare yourself for a career as a scribe. Some courses even offer certification through NHA or ACMS upon completion.
4. Specialized training – In addition to the overall knowledge of healthcare systems and patient care protocols, scribes may also need specialized job-related skills. For example, if you’re interested in working in a hospital setting, it’s helpful to have some familiarity with the various medical specialties and procedures performed there. Similarly, scribes who want to work in diagnostic labs may be expected to know how lab results are documented and communicated. Some programs also offer specialized training in areas like anatomy and physiology, coding conventions, and data analysis.
5. Qualifications – Although most scribe jobs don’t require candidates to have previous healthcare experience or certifications such as EMT or Registered Nurse (RN), having these qualifications could give you an advantage over less-qualified applicants. It’s important to keep in mind though that many employers prefer candidates who are currently enrolled in high school or college. Additionally, having some knowledge of how medical records are managed and used to support treatment plans can be helpful if you want to become a scribe.
In summary, there are several factors that should be considered when deciding whether to become a Medical and Dental Virtual Assistant. These include the type and location of practice, training requirements, curriculum and duties, specialized job skills, and qualifications. By weighing these factors carefully before making any decisions about your career path, you can set yourself up for success in this growing field.
More helpful tips for finding a job as a Medical and Dental Virtual Assistant:
1. You can find jobs posted on websites such as Indeed and Monster. However, it’s also a good idea to contact local clinics, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities that you may want to work at directly and inquire about job openings. This approach will help you stand out from the crowd and get noticed by employers who aren’t actively looking for candidates but may be interested in your qualifications.
2. Some employers require scribes to have previous medical experience, especially if they’re working in a hospital setting. If you don’t have any prior work experience but are still interested in this field, consider volunteering at a clinic or taking an entry-level job as a healthcare assistant or medical assistant. These positions will help you develop the necessary skills to succeed as a scribe while simultaneously diversifying your experience, which can be helpful if you want to eventually transition into another area of healthcare in the future.
3. If possible, schedule an informational interview (or at least send out an email) with someone who works in this field. Most people are happy to share their experiences and advice with others who are interested in pursuing similar careers, so take advantage of this opportunity whenever possible! In addition to receiving useful tips on how best to prepare for a career as a Medical and Dental Virtual Assistants, you may have the chance to ask about job openings that aren’t posted publicly yet.
4. To increase your chances of being hired, make a list of your strongest attributes and traits and emphasize them during job interviews. For example, if you’ve always been praised for your customer service skills or ability to remain calm under pressure, be sure to mention this in the interview. Additionally, some employers may prefer candidates who have an interest in pursuing higher education (such as college) rather than immediately entering the workforce. If this is true for you as well, it’s a good idea to include that information on your resume or mention it directly during the interview.
5. Scribes are often compensated per hour or shift depending on their employer’s policies and location, so be sure to inquire about pay rates before accepting any offers. Additionally, most scribe positions require a commitment of at least 1 to 2 years, as it usually takes this long to become fully trained and comfortable in the role.
6. Finally, keep in mind that scribe positions are highly competitive so you may need to apply for several different jobs before receiving an offer. If your last application is unsuccessful, don’t be discouraged! Instead, use the feedback you receive from employers (such as what qualities they’re looking for in candidates) to tailor your resume and prepare for future interviews more effectively. In addition, consider asking any contacts or mentors who know you well if they have any advice on how you can improve your job search efforts moving forward.
In conclusion, although there are some downsides associated with being a Medical and Dental Virtual Assistant, such as the long hours and limited pay, it can also be a very rewarding career choice for those who are interested in pursuing a job in healthcare. By taking these helpful tips into consideration, you can make yourself a stronger candidate for scribe positions and increase your chances of landing one of these jobs soon!
