From Medical Scribes to Healthcare Leaders
Medical scribes play an essential role in healthcare settings, reducing the burden on physicians by taking care of documentation. While being a medical scribe is a rewarding job on its own, it also serves as a springboard to other careers in healthcare.
Physician Assistant (PA)
Scribes often become Physician Assistants (PAs). They’re uniquely suited for this role because of the extensive clinical exposure gained from working alongside doctors. Scribes become familiar with patient care, medical terminology, and documentation practices. Becoming a PA requires a master’s degree in a PA program, followed by certification.
Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Another popular next step for scribes is becoming a physician. On-site and remote medical scribe jobs allow for an understanding of doctors’ daily responsibilities, challenges, and patient interactions. Scribes often excel in medical school interviews because they can speak from experience about patient care, the realities of clinical work, and the importance of accurate documentation. Additionally, the time spent shadowing physicians gives insight into various specialties, helping to make informed choices about the kind of medicine scribes want to practice in the future.
Nursing
Other scribes choose to pursue careers in nursing, including roles as Registered Nurses (RNs) or Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Scribes can see the coordination, problem-solving, and patient interactions involved in nursing, which can spark an interest in the career path. Medical scribes can complete a nursing program and obtain a license. Becoming an NP requires a master’s degree in nursing. Scribes who pursue nursing bring valuable skills in patient communication, clinical documentation, and understanding the workflow of medical practices.
Administration and management
Scribes who are drawn to the operational side of healthcare may choose careers in administration or management. During their time as scribes, they observe the complexities of running a healthcare facility. Scheduling, record-keeping, and managing staff are all key to providing quality care. Healthcare administrators work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations to oversee operations and ensure everything runs smoothly. A master’s degree in healthcare administration or business administration with a focus on healthcare can help prepare for roles like hospital administrator, practice manager, or healthcare consultant.
Medical coding and information management
Medical coding and health information management offer another career path. Scribes are familiar with medical terminology, EHR systems, and documentation standards – all foundational to medical coding. Medical coders assign standardized codes to procedures and diagnoses, ensuring accurate billing and regulatory compliance. Those interested in health information management may pursue a certification or degree to start a role as a health information technician, medical records coordinator, or compliance officer. Scribing experience helps in understanding the importance of accurate and timely documentation, as well as legal and ethical standards in patient information.
Public health and policy
Scribing jobs can also lead to opportunities in public health and healthcare policy. Roles such as public health specialists, epidemiologists, and health policy analysts often require a master’s degree in public health or a related field. The experiences scribes gain in healthcare provide a foundation for understanding patient needs, system inefficiencies, and areas where policy improvements could help.
Medical writing and education
Scribes who enjoy writing or teaching may choose a career in medical writing or healthcare education. Medical writers write for medical journals, research publications, and healthcare websites. They make complex information accessible to a broader audience, whether they’re writing for other professionals or the public. Writers also work on submissions, protocols, and reports for regulatory agencies, and in legal documentation, drafting contracts and agreements. Healthcare educators teach medical concepts and clinical skills to students, trainees, and sometimes patients. Some former scribes become instructors for future medical scribes, sharing their knowledge and experience to help new professionals prepare for the role.
Research and clinical trials
Time as a scribe can help develop an eye for detail, organizational skills, and a familiarity with medical terminology. Clinical research coordinators manage clinical trials, recruit patients, collect data, and ensure adherence to protocols. Working in clinical trials allows scribes to be part of the process of developing new treatments and technologies that can improve patient care.
There are often new treatments emerging, including for chronic conditions like COPD. For COPD specifically, doctors and researchers are working to develop biologic drugs to target inflammation and stem cell therapy to regenerate lung tissue and reverse damage. Chronic conditions can limit daily activities, affect mental health, and impact relationships. Furthermore, these conditions can influence the sense of self-worth and identity while affecting employment. This, in turn, significantly impacts many people’s lives, so research on new treatments can be incredibly valuable. Additional qualifications such as Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) can help scribes in this field.
