10 answers
Evan
Student
Orlando, Florida
1
Question
Asked
1816 views
Is Healthcare the right path and how to get employed in Healthcare (Orlando, FL)?
I'm dropping out of Mechanical Engineering to pursue a career in Healthcare. From what I've learned in this current landscape and job market, healthcare seems to be the last bastion of hope for job security and stability. I've landed on something administrative or business related, and not anything nursing adjacent, also since I wouldn't like to spend a lot of time in schooling. From what I've read, heard, and gathered tech healthcare careers are very competitive are hard to get and nursing is exhausting according to the ones I've talked to ( anyone correct me if I'm wrong, I would like to hear experiences and other perspectives). I'm thinking about doing Medical Office Specialist (MOS) since it seems specialized and quick, at least what Chatgpt can tell me lol. My universities resources for career advice aren't really helpful to me either.
Anyone know what someone in this field needs to do get a job right after a certificate or degree completion? Do you need to go to job fairs, cold DM or calls? Do hospitals have programs or job placement after wards? Do I need a portfolio of experience?
I have experience at a Health Center in medical billing and being a cashier for patients, if that helps. Does anyone know any better alternatives for my situation? What path did you go down and what would you say is best?
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10 answers
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
296
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Healthcare is a steady field, especially for administrative and business roles. If you're not keen on nursing or spending years in school, getting a Medical Office Specialist certificate could be a smart choice. It's quick and focused, and places like hospitals, clinics, and private practices always need people for scheduling, billing, and talking with patients. With your background in medical billing and cashier work, you're already ahead. Employers will see that you understand how things work and know how to deal with patients.
Finding a job often involves networking, showing your experience, and being proactive. Job fairs, especially those focused on healthcare, can be helpful, but many jobs are also found online or by reaching out directly. Some hospitals offer entry-level programs for new grads, and smaller clinics might hire right after you get certified. You don't need a portfolio like in design, but a clear resume that highlights your MOS certificate, past experience, and knowledge of billing software or EMR systems will really help. Sending friendly emails or LinkedIn messages to HR or office managers can also make you stand out.
You might also want to think about roles like insurance billing specialist, patient services coordinator, or medical administrative assistant.
Finding a job often involves networking, showing your experience, and being proactive. Job fairs, especially those focused on healthcare, can be helpful, but many jobs are also found online or by reaching out directly. Some hospitals offer entry-level programs for new grads, and smaller clinics might hire right after you get certified. You don't need a portfolio like in design, but a clear resume that highlights your MOS certificate, past experience, and knowledge of billing software or EMR systems will really help. Sending friendly emails or LinkedIn messages to HR or office managers can also make you stand out.
You might also want to think about roles like insurance billing specialist, patient services coordinator, or medical administrative assistant.
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
137
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
Pretty good question
For sure its worth pursuing
It also depends on once passion and interest.
Health care is a good career path depending on what one is passionate on like caring for the needy and appreciating your efforts when someone smile after your care,it also gives the provider a sense of happiness when their efforts are appreciated and yield results.
As you know currently IT and AI careers are on the rise and health care too hasn't been left behind,we have a lot of IT careers within the health care which includes health system data analytics among other..
I really do appreciate and would recommend that if you're passionate in health care you can proceed and persue it.
In relation to employment it depends on getting internship within the health sector which will improve your skills and employment opportunities in future
For sure its worth pursuing
It also depends on once passion and interest.
Health care is a good career path depending on what one is passionate on like caring for the needy and appreciating your efforts when someone smile after your care,it also gives the provider a sense of happiness when their efforts are appreciated and yield results.
As you know currently IT and AI careers are on the rise and health care too hasn't been left behind,we have a lot of IT careers within the health care which includes health system data analytics among other..
I really do appreciate and would recommend that if you're passionate in health care you can proceed and persue it.
In relation to employment it depends on getting internship within the health sector which will improve your skills and employment opportunities in future
Timothy Nwose
Industrial Engineer
1
Answer
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Timothy’s Answer
Your primary concern is job security over the years to come. And you seem to have preference for lighter energy tasking job role.
We still do not have full understanding of how much AI will change the world 🌎. But it is strongly believed that many jobs we know today will disappear to give way for a new world system and many still unknown job descriptions will appear that works along with the system.
Most Administrative task are considered the first in line to be fully AI automated. This is because most of it are repetitive tasks in predictive order. Most are filling forms and assigning accordingly. Human will then assume the role of reviewing the AI operations
Is Medical office specialist simply hospital administrative tasks role?
If yes, be assured that it won't disappear anytime soon because in the medical industry, it is important for patients to interact with humans. AI will may be implemented to perfect 👌 the task as your copilot.
To make best advantage of every major transformation in human history, we must be a life long learner. The foundation we build now make it easier to keep learn. So don't close your mind to future educational/vocational/business upgrade.
Machinical engineers served as machine operators, repairers, designers, fabricators, assemblers etc. so it is a job that is here to stay. But surely energetic in nature. You don't gym after as an active mechanical engineer!
We still do not have full understanding of how much AI will change the world 🌎. But it is strongly believed that many jobs we know today will disappear to give way for a new world system and many still unknown job descriptions will appear that works along with the system.
Most Administrative task are considered the first in line to be fully AI automated. This is because most of it are repetitive tasks in predictive order. Most are filling forms and assigning accordingly. Human will then assume the role of reviewing the AI operations
Is Medical office specialist simply hospital administrative tasks role?
If yes, be assured that it won't disappear anytime soon because in the medical industry, it is important for patients to interact with humans. AI will may be implemented to perfect 👌 the task as your copilot.
To make best advantage of every major transformation in human history, we must be a life long learner. The foundation we build now make it easier to keep learn. So don't close your mind to future educational/vocational/business upgrade.
Machinical engineers served as machine operators, repairers, designers, fabricators, assemblers etc. so it is a job that is here to stay. But surely energetic in nature. You don't gym after as an active mechanical engineer!
Diane Coles
Limited Licensed Professional Counselor
26
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Diane’s Answer
Dear Evan:
Only you know if Healthcare is the right career path for you. No one else can make that decision for you. Even though there is a shortage in healthcare you have to determine if you like working with people, in healthcare you need to be kind and you must have patience. Have you contacted and Academic Advisor or a Vocational Counselor to help you explore your career path in health care. Also have you done in any informational interviews with other health care professionals to find out what the pros and cons are of working in the health care profession. Remember to take your time, this is your career and you need to work in a career that you enjoy so when you leave work on a daily basis you are not exhausted.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Clinician Coles
Only you know if Healthcare is the right career path for you. No one else can make that decision for you. Even though there is a shortage in healthcare you have to determine if you like working with people, in healthcare you need to be kind and you must have patience. Have you contacted and Academic Advisor or a Vocational Counselor to help you explore your career path in health care. Also have you done in any informational interviews with other health care professionals to find out what the pros and cons are of working in the health care profession. Remember to take your time, this is your career and you need to work in a career that you enjoy so when you leave work on a daily basis you are not exhausted.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Clinician Coles
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
234
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Evans,
You are going through a very interesting experience.
Many factors influence our career choices. Usually, what we are good at and interested in, potentially, can provide a fulfilling career path. Loving and enjoying what we do is equally important.
Mechanical engineering can be a precursor to other specialized courses such as biomedical engineering, robotics (surgery), rehabilitation engineering etc. though it can be pursued in it's own right.
A prudent approach to sustainable employment lies in excellence in the profession you have chosen. You need to be exceptional at what you do both at the level of theory and practice. This influences not only opportunities for employment but also the income you derive from the work you do. More importantly, the impact of what we do, to society, is a powerful motivator - making a difference in the lives of people remains a very noble cause. You need to bear this in mind when choosing a career for yourself.
You are going through a very interesting experience.
Many factors influence our career choices. Usually, what we are good at and interested in, potentially, can provide a fulfilling career path. Loving and enjoying what we do is equally important.
Mechanical engineering can be a precursor to other specialized courses such as biomedical engineering, robotics (surgery), rehabilitation engineering etc. though it can be pursued in it's own right.
A prudent approach to sustainable employment lies in excellence in the profession you have chosen. You need to be exceptional at what you do both at the level of theory and practice. This influences not only opportunities for employment but also the income you derive from the work you do. More importantly, the impact of what we do, to society, is a powerful motivator - making a difference in the lives of people remains a very noble cause. You need to bear this in mind when choosing a career for yourself.
Paul Treuhaft, MD, MA
Retired surgeon who replaced hips and knees
54
Answers
Santa Rosa, California
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I am a retired surgeon with over 50 years of experience in health care. The way you describe your interest seems to have more to do with the nature of the job itself rather than having any direct interaction with the profession of health care itself. If you look at it this way, what you are considering is basically an administrative job at a hospital or a large medical practice which requires the basic business skills any high level job requires. If you have not considered going to business school, I think you might do well to look into it. Also, if you know a doctor or anyone who works in healthcare at a hospital or a large medical practice you would do well to speak with this person so that you understand the nature of the job and what education it requires. If I have understood you clearly, you are not interested in providing healthcare yourself, so concentrating on learning the nature of the business is essential.
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Dan Costigan
Application Engineer
14
Answers
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Updated
Dan’s Answer
I don't have any experience in the Health Care industry, however, since you mentioned the current job market as your primary reason for leaving Mechanical Engineering, it’s worth clarifying a few things about where the industry is actually heading.
The Reality of Engineering and Manufacturing: It’s a common misconception that manufacturing is shrinking or that AI is coming for all the engineering jobs. The reality on the ground in machining and manufacturing is much brighter than the headlines suggest.
The Industry is Booming: Driven by massive reshoring initiatives and investments in infrastructure, the manufacturing sector is actively growing in 2026. Companies are pouring billions into expanding domestic production capacity, and the demand for skilled technical talent is incredibly high right now.
AI is a Co-Pilot, Not a Replacement: Instead of wiping out jobs, AI is becoming a powerful tool to handle data and repetitive tasks. Building AI-powered software applications for the manufacturing space shows firsthand that these tools are designed to optimize processes. They cannot replace the human judgment, physical problem-solving, and complex decision-making that mechanical engineers provide.
Follow What Keeps You Engaged: If you are drawn to healthcare administration because you genuinely enjoy the operational side of medicine, you are making a great choice. But if you are jumping ship purely out of fear for the future of engineering, you might want to reconsider. The best way to guarantee job security in any landscape is to do something you genuinely enjoy. Passion is what fuels persistence. When you care about the work, you naturally adapt, learn the new tools (like AI), and become indispensable.
Again, I don't have any experience in Health Care, however I can give you a couple pointers that are important regardless of the industry you choose to enter:
-Network Proactively: Don't wait for graduation. Reach out to your former managers at the Health Center. Cold calling or sending direct messages on LinkedIn to medical office managers in your area is highly effective. Let them know you are completing your certificate and looking for opportunities.
-Ask About Placement: Many large hospital networks have direct pipelines with local certification programs. Speak with your instructors to see where previous alumni have landed.
Whatever path you choose, lean into the one that actually makes you want to show up every day. Good luck!
The Reality of Engineering and Manufacturing: It’s a common misconception that manufacturing is shrinking or that AI is coming for all the engineering jobs. The reality on the ground in machining and manufacturing is much brighter than the headlines suggest.
The Industry is Booming: Driven by massive reshoring initiatives and investments in infrastructure, the manufacturing sector is actively growing in 2026. Companies are pouring billions into expanding domestic production capacity, and the demand for skilled technical talent is incredibly high right now.
AI is a Co-Pilot, Not a Replacement: Instead of wiping out jobs, AI is becoming a powerful tool to handle data and repetitive tasks. Building AI-powered software applications for the manufacturing space shows firsthand that these tools are designed to optimize processes. They cannot replace the human judgment, physical problem-solving, and complex decision-making that mechanical engineers provide.
Follow What Keeps You Engaged: If you are drawn to healthcare administration because you genuinely enjoy the operational side of medicine, you are making a great choice. But if you are jumping ship purely out of fear for the future of engineering, you might want to reconsider. The best way to guarantee job security in any landscape is to do something you genuinely enjoy. Passion is what fuels persistence. When you care about the work, you naturally adapt, learn the new tools (like AI), and become indispensable.
Again, I don't have any experience in Health Care, however I can give you a couple pointers that are important regardless of the industry you choose to enter:
-Network Proactively: Don't wait for graduation. Reach out to your former managers at the Health Center. Cold calling or sending direct messages on LinkedIn to medical office managers in your area is highly effective. Let them know you are completing your certificate and looking for opportunities.
-Ask About Placement: Many large hospital networks have direct pipelines with local certification programs. Speak with your instructors to see where previous alumni have landed.
Whatever path you choose, lean into the one that actually makes you want to show up every day. Good luck!
L'Marie Armstrong
Behavioral Modification Specialist, Vocational/Avocational Personal & Professional Growth CCHt, MED, NCB, ORDM
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
L'Marie’s Answer
You are standing at a crossroads that many thoughtful people recognize, and the fact that you are asking these questions before leaping speaks to something important in you. You have already done something significant. You identified that your current path does not fit, and you reached out for perspective. That combination of self awareness and resourcefulness will serve you well, no matter which direction you choose.
Let us look at what you have shared, because within it lies clarity about your next step.
You mentioned that healthcare feels like the last bastion of hope for stability. Your instinct here is grounded in something real. Orlando is currently outpacing the nation in healthcare job growth, with the sector representing 13.6 percent of all employment in the city. The region added over 25,500 jobs recently, and healthcare stands as one of the four primary engines driving that expansion. This is not speculation. This is the current landscape of your city.
However, you also expressed concern about nursing being exhausting and tech healthcare careers being competitive. These observations show you are listening to the right sources. Nursing does demand emotional and physical reserves that not everyone wishes to give. Health informatics and healthcare IT, while growing, often require either technical foundations or the patience to build them over time. You are correct to look for a third door.
Here is where we need to pause and look carefully at the Medical Office Specialist pathway you mentioned. There is a distinction that could save you time and direction. Given your existing experience in medical billing and patient interaction, you already possess a foundation that many entering this field lack. You are building on proof of concept.
Your billing experience and cashier work in a Health Center environment is not merely background. It is your portfolio. It demonstrates that you understand patient flow, confidentiality, and the revenue cycle. These are the exact competencies that Orlando Health, AdventHealth, and HCA Florida seek in their entry level administrative hires.
Now, regarding your question about how to actually secure employment after certification. The landscape has shifted, and volume applications are no longer the most effective strategy. Recent job fairs in Seminole County saw candidates submitting 95 applications with minimal response. The more effective approach is targeted presence. Orlando's major health systems host their own recruitment events, and they maintain specific entry level pathways for candidates without traditional healthcare degrees. AdventHealth, for example, offers development programs that transition patient access roles into administrative tracks, and they actively invest in internal talent development.
You asked whether hospitals have placement programs. Some do, particularly through community college partnerships. Valencia College and Seminole State College both maintain relationships with regional health systems that funnel graduates directly into interview pipelines. These partnerships often include the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant or Certified Professional Coder credentials, which carry more weight in Orlando's market than general administrative certifications.
Here is an alternative you may not have considered, and it aligns with your mechanical engineering background in a way that could surprise you. Health Information Technology and Revenue Cycle Specialist roles sit at the intersection of healthcare and systems thinking. They require the optimization mindset you developed in engineering, applied to patient data, compliance, and financial flow. Orlando currently has over 60 entry level openings in healthcare informatics and 14 plus in Health Information Technology. These roles often require only six to twelve months of certification, and they offer clearer advancement trajectories than traditional front desk administration. Your billing background gives you a direct entry point.
You also asked about whether you need a portfolio. You already have one. Your resume should highlight your HIPAA exposure, your patient interaction experience, and your revenue cycle familiarity. These are not soft skills. These are concrete competencies that differentiate you from candidates with only classroom training.
If you choose to pursue the Medical Office Administration route, look for programs that include externships at SoDo District or Lake Nona facilities. These areas concentrate 46.5 percent and 6.9 percent of Orlando's healthcare employment respectively, and they show 26 percent employment growth rates. Being physically present in these corridors during training creates the relationships that lead to offers.
You hold the answers to what is best for you. What I can offer is this. The healthcare administration path you are considering is viable, especially in Orlando's current market. Your existing experience gives you an advantage you may not have recognized. The certification that will serve you best is one that includes medical terminology and compliance training, not just software proficiency. The employment strategy that will work is targeted relationship building within specific health systems, not broad application scattering.
You positively positioned as you are redirecting the momentum you have already built. The analytical skills from your engineering studies, the patient interaction experience from your billing work, and the self awareness to ask these questions before committing. These are the tools you carry forward.
If you would like specific program names in the Orlando area that align with this timeline and your background, those details are available with a soft search. You have more options than you may feel in this moment, and that is worth remembering as you choose your next step.
Let us look at what you have shared, because within it lies clarity about your next step.
You mentioned that healthcare feels like the last bastion of hope for stability. Your instinct here is grounded in something real. Orlando is currently outpacing the nation in healthcare job growth, with the sector representing 13.6 percent of all employment in the city. The region added over 25,500 jobs recently, and healthcare stands as one of the four primary engines driving that expansion. This is not speculation. This is the current landscape of your city.
However, you also expressed concern about nursing being exhausting and tech healthcare careers being competitive. These observations show you are listening to the right sources. Nursing does demand emotional and physical reserves that not everyone wishes to give. Health informatics and healthcare IT, while growing, often require either technical foundations or the patience to build them over time. You are correct to look for a third door.
Here is where we need to pause and look carefully at the Medical Office Specialist pathway you mentioned. There is a distinction that could save you time and direction. Given your existing experience in medical billing and patient interaction, you already possess a foundation that many entering this field lack. You are building on proof of concept.
Your billing experience and cashier work in a Health Center environment is not merely background. It is your portfolio. It demonstrates that you understand patient flow, confidentiality, and the revenue cycle. These are the exact competencies that Orlando Health, AdventHealth, and HCA Florida seek in their entry level administrative hires.
Now, regarding your question about how to actually secure employment after certification. The landscape has shifted, and volume applications are no longer the most effective strategy. Recent job fairs in Seminole County saw candidates submitting 95 applications with minimal response. The more effective approach is targeted presence. Orlando's major health systems host their own recruitment events, and they maintain specific entry level pathways for candidates without traditional healthcare degrees. AdventHealth, for example, offers development programs that transition patient access roles into administrative tracks, and they actively invest in internal talent development.
You asked whether hospitals have placement programs. Some do, particularly through community college partnerships. Valencia College and Seminole State College both maintain relationships with regional health systems that funnel graduates directly into interview pipelines. These partnerships often include the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant or Certified Professional Coder credentials, which carry more weight in Orlando's market than general administrative certifications.
Here is an alternative you may not have considered, and it aligns with your mechanical engineering background in a way that could surprise you. Health Information Technology and Revenue Cycle Specialist roles sit at the intersection of healthcare and systems thinking. They require the optimization mindset you developed in engineering, applied to patient data, compliance, and financial flow. Orlando currently has over 60 entry level openings in healthcare informatics and 14 plus in Health Information Technology. These roles often require only six to twelve months of certification, and they offer clearer advancement trajectories than traditional front desk administration. Your billing background gives you a direct entry point.
You also asked about whether you need a portfolio. You already have one. Your resume should highlight your HIPAA exposure, your patient interaction experience, and your revenue cycle familiarity. These are not soft skills. These are concrete competencies that differentiate you from candidates with only classroom training.
If you choose to pursue the Medical Office Administration route, look for programs that include externships at SoDo District or Lake Nona facilities. These areas concentrate 46.5 percent and 6.9 percent of Orlando's healthcare employment respectively, and they show 26 percent employment growth rates. Being physically present in these corridors during training creates the relationships that lead to offers.
You hold the answers to what is best for you. What I can offer is this. The healthcare administration path you are considering is viable, especially in Orlando's current market. Your existing experience gives you an advantage you may not have recognized. The certification that will serve you best is one that includes medical terminology and compliance training, not just software proficiency. The employment strategy that will work is targeted relationship building within specific health systems, not broad application scattering.
You positively positioned as you are redirecting the momentum you have already built. The analytical skills from your engineering studies, the patient interaction experience from your billing work, and the self awareness to ask these questions before committing. These are the tools you carry forward.
If you would like specific program names in the Orlando area that align with this timeline and your background, those details are available with a soft search. You have more options than you may feel in this moment, and that is worth remembering as you choose your next step.
Kazi Rubayee
Oriental medicine health professional, Acupuncturist, Holistic health practitioner
91
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kazi’s Answer
That can be a challenging, yet thoughtful shift. Especially when healthcare has long-term stability.
What can you do?
Explore healthcare fields such as nursing, physician assistant, and physical therapy, as well as technical fields like radiologic technologist, sonographer, medical lab assistant, and biochemical engineering, in which you have an advantage with a strong math and science background as an engineering student.
Focus on:
• get certificates or education
• volunteer, internship, and shadowing to gain experience
• problem-solving skills, patient interaction
• join the career fair
• build LinkedIn profile
• networking
Now it’s time to apply,
Top employers in Florida
• Orlando Health
• AdventHealth
• VA Medical Center
• HCA Florida Healthcare Hospital
Best of luck,
What can you do?
Explore healthcare fields such as nursing, physician assistant, and physical therapy, as well as technical fields like radiologic technologist, sonographer, medical lab assistant, and biochemical engineering, in which you have an advantage with a strong math and science background as an engineering student.
Focus on:
• get certificates or education
• volunteer, internship, and shadowing to gain experience
• problem-solving skills, patient interaction
• join the career fair
• build LinkedIn profile
• networking
Now it’s time to apply,
Top employers in Florida
• Orlando Health
• AdventHealth
• VA Medical Center
• HCA Florida Healthcare Hospital
Best of luck,
Catrina Vigil
Privacy Engineering
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Catrina’s Answer
Hi Evan,
I have been in healthcare for 18 years. I entered the industry before graduating from college, holding a high school diploma and bringing experience from various starter jobs and a role in a financial services call center. I began my healthcare journey as a Benefit Specialist, then became an Administrative Assistant. As an admin, helping with claims processing led me down the regulatory path.
I moved into Member Appeals (first as a Coordinator, then Analyst) and always volunteered for new opportunities whenever I could, one of which was tech development (business development and UAT). That regulatory background, combined with my tech experience, paved the way for me to be trained as a Privacy Engineering Manager after a stint in compliance. I now have the opportunity to get certified with the support of my company. I am extremely happy in Privacy and wouldn't have discovered this route without just diving in. Experience is invaluable for career advancement and allows you to explore various areas. My advice is to get a job within healthcare now to start gaining experience and discover what is fulfilling to you if you're unsure where to go but feel you can be fulfilled in an area of healthcare admin..
I have been in healthcare for 18 years. I entered the industry before graduating from college, holding a high school diploma and bringing experience from various starter jobs and a role in a financial services call center. I began my healthcare journey as a Benefit Specialist, then became an Administrative Assistant. As an admin, helping with claims processing led me down the regulatory path.
I moved into Member Appeals (first as a Coordinator, then Analyst) and always volunteered for new opportunities whenever I could, one of which was tech development (business development and UAT). That regulatory background, combined with my tech experience, paved the way for me to be trained as a Privacy Engineering Manager after a stint in compliance. I now have the opportunity to get certified with the support of my company. I am extremely happy in Privacy and wouldn't have discovered this route without just diving in. Experience is invaluable for career advancement and allows you to explore various areas. My advice is to get a job within healthcare now to start gaining experience and discover what is fulfilling to you if you're unsure where to go but feel you can be fulfilled in an area of healthcare admin..