The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving and just as with many other industries, remote work is becoming an increasingly viable option for professionals seeking greater flexibility. If you’re looking to enhance your work-life balance or if you simply want to escape the daily commute, remote work offers a compelling solution.
Given its connotations as a very hands-on sector, it may come as a surprise that there are an array of remote healthcare jobs tailored to different skill sets and interests. This article outlines five remote healthcare roles and some potential pathways towards these positions.
Can You Work Remotely in Healthcare?
With the shift towards remote work reshaping so many industries, healthcare is no exception. If you’re drawn to the flexibility of remote work, you’re in luck — opportunities in this field are expanding and becoming more accessible due to several key factors:
Increased Demand: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which drove many professionals to work remotely, the healthcare industry continues to expand its offerings of remote and hybrid positions to meet growing needs.
Talent Retention: Clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and even healthcare education institutions face mounting pressure to leverage top talent by expanding their reach beyond local listings. By offering remote work, these organizations not only become more attractive to prospective hires but can also improve job satisfaction for their current employees.
Cost Efficiency: Shifting to remote work can lower healthcare facilities’ overhead costs by reducing the need for large office spaces. For some organizations, this could mean saving hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars annually on rent while also avoiding the complexities and costs associated with managing multiple physical locations. Remote work also gives healthcare workers the chance to skip lengthy commutes.
Telemedicine/Technological Advancements: Remote healthcare relies on innovative technology. Tools such as telehealth platforms and electronic health records (EHRs) are essential for delivering exceptional care and safely managing patient data from home, making remote healthcare both feasible and effective. Providers who learn to skillfully navigate these technologies can stand out in the competitive remote workforce.
Examples of Remote Roles in Healthcare
If you’re seeking more flexibility in your professional life, there are a variety of remote healthcare jobs available today. The below list can give you a sense of the diversity of these roles in terms of skill set and niche. Here are five remote roles in the field of healthcare:
1. Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants advise hospital administration on various operational improvements, such as redesigning patient intake processes to reduce wait times or guiding the integration of telemedicine. You’ll need a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration, ideally with a focus on strategic management. However, a Master of Business Administration may set you up for more leadership opportunities.
Some consultants also opt to specialize in a specific field. One of the most common specializations is legal nurse consulting, where general healthcare consultants train to become legal nurse consultants (LNCs). These professionals guide organizations, offering valuable medical consultations by analyzing and reviewing medical information. They also assist with matters such as malpractice claims and other healthcare-related legal issues.
Because healthcare consulting does not require working directly with patients, it can be conducive to remote work.
2. Remote Pharmacist
Pharmacists provide essential services such as medication management, patient counseling, and immunizations. While pharmacy work is traditionally an in-person role, some pharmacies now offer remote consultations. The role of a remote pharmacist centers primarily around medication therapy management, patient counseling, and prescription processing.
To pursue a career as a remote pharmacist, you’ll need a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Additionally, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and obtain state-specific certifications. If you’re looking to provide remote consultations across multiple states, you must be licensed in each state where you offer services.
3. Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat communication disorders, such as speech, language, and swallowing difficulties. While this role has traditionally been in-person, remote consultations via video calls are becoming increasingly common.
To enter this field, you’ll need a Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) and must pass the Praxis Examination to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Additionally, state licensure is required. For those providing remote services across multiple states, it’s required that you obtain licensure in each state where you practice.
4. Licensed Therapist or Mental Health Counselor
Mental healthcare providers are essential for lending a helping hand to individuals looking to navigate their mental health challenges. It could be something as simple as providing tools to cope with issues like a sudden divorce, financial stress, or providing a compassionate ear to help them heal from the traumatic loss of a loved one.
The rise of teletherapy has expanded the reach of therapy, allowing many professionals to offer their services through virtual platforms, providing greater accessibility and flexibility for their clients.
You must hold a minimum Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related degree. You’ll also need national and state licensure, with specific requirements varying by state, including obtaining licensure for each state where you wish to practice.
5. Telehealth Registered Nurse
If you’re a registered nurse (RN) looking to transition from bedside nursing to telehealth, you have the option to work remotely — meaning you can deliver care from the comfort of your own home.
While this format limits your ability to address major health concerns, you can consult patients on minor issues such as colds or mild allergies and refer them to a doctor for additional care if it’s beyond your scope of practice.
Moreover, telehealth is particularly helpful for patients who may be immunocompromised and need to visit a clinic regularly. Most organizations require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in addition to your nursing license. If you’re already an RN, consider enrolling in an RN to BSN program to build on your existing knowledge and experience.
What Skills Do You Need to Work Remotely in Healthcare?
Excelling in remote healthcare roles necessitates a few of the following skills:
- Technical Proficiency: Mastery of digital communication tools, electronic health records, and telehealth platforms is essential. You might run into a few electronic health records systems such as Epic, Cerner, Allscripts, Athenahealth, and/or Meditech. For telehealth, you’ll likely use platforms like Amwell, Zoom for Healthcare, and/or Teladoc to facilitate remote consultations​.
- Communication Skills: As a remote worker, clear and concise communication — both written and verbal — is vital for meaningful collaboration with patients and colleagues.
- Time Management: Demonstrating self-discipline and the ability to remain focused while working independently is key. Consider creating a detailed calendar to ensure you’re adequately pacing your workload and fulfilling your commitments.
- Problem-Solving Abilities: Strong problem-solving skills are crucial when working remotely, as immediate support may not always be available. A structured approach to troubleshooting and effectively leveraging available resources is important for overcoming challenges and maintaining a consistent workflow.
Prepare for a Rewarding Career With WCU’s Healthcare Programs
West Coast University offers a broad range of healthcare programs — including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral degrees, and post-master’s certificates — designed to fit your needs. WCU’s programs offer you the hands-on experience needed to succeed in today’s healthcare roles, with several programs available through a fully online format.
Consider attending an information session to learn more about our programs.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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