Insider insight: five entry-level healthcare careers with a big impact

There are thousands of entry-level roles at HCA Healthcare that make a positive impact on the lives of our patients. Read on for insider insight on five entry-level careers that affect our 31 million annual patient encounters in a big way!

At HCA Healthcare, we have a saying: “If you’re not directly helping a patient, you’re helping someone who is.” So, no matter what job you have here—clinical or non-clinical—you’ll be making a positive impact on patients and fulfilling our promise to deliver superior, patient-centered care.

We’re proud to say that entry-level positions like these, which are available across the country, put our colleagues on a path to success while building skills that add value internally and translate across industries.

Fast facts: 

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare is one of the fastest-growing occupation groups in the nation.
• The BLS projects that one-third of all new jobs through 2026 will be in the healthcare field!
• Opportunity: HCA Healthcare hires more than 70,000 new colleagues each year.
• For more information about HCA Healthcare career opportunities, visit here.

“Whether you’re just graduating from college or changing careers, HCA Healthcare is unlocking possibilities for the next-gen of healthcare,” says Steven MacDonell, AVP Talent Acquisition.

“We’re growing across the company, and it’s an exciting time to be embarking on a career with us,” MacDonell adds. “From clinical roles to customer service to IT, we have a wide-range of entry-level positions available that all work, hand-in-hand, to better our patients’ lives.”

Learn about five entry-level roles, meet three colleagues who got their start there—and consider their insider advice if you’re thinking about applying!

#1

The role: Client Support Analyst

An overview: At HCA Healthcare, our client support analysts provide  best-in-class customer care via phone and email, helping clients with troubleshooting IT and other technical issues across HCA Healthcare’s 184 hospitals and approximately 2,000 sites of care. Reporting to HCA Healthcare’s Information Technology Group (ITG), this is an on-site office position.

INSIDER INSIGHT: Meet Gabriel Vasco

Gabriel Vasco got his start in healthcare as a client support analyst for CereCore, a branch of HCA Healthcare

Hired as a contract client support analyst, Gabriel was promoted to full time associate application business analyst at HCA Healthcare’s technical solutions arm, CereCore (formerly Parallon Technology Solutions)

What previous experience in healthcare did you have before you applied for this role?

I majored in Computer IT Systems at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and did one internship at Genesco. I worked the help desk, helping walk clients through cash register installations, set up and installing hard drives.

Over time I learned to give clear, simple instructions and listen for comprehension. I was able to apply those skills to the client support analyst role at CereCore.

What advice would you give other client support analyst applicants?

Don’t be afraid to go the extra mile. Reach out to others and proactively care about them. When you’re on the phone with a client, that moment is between you and that other person. People really appreciate you trying to solve their problem, so make the most of that connection.

#2

The role: Field Tech Analyst

An overview: HCA Healthcare field tech analysts support facility and division desktop equipment, and are the key technical resource responding to end-user desktop incidents and requests reported to the Service Desk.

#3

The role: Associate Project Manager

An overview: Associate project managers act as the single point of accountability for projects and their objectives by managing efficiencies and team day-to-day activities. Projects include revenue cycle transformation, tool upgrades, and payment compliance.

INSIDER INSIGHT: Meet David Gregory

Colleague David Gregory is an associate project manager for HCA Healthcare’s Parallon.

David is an Associate Project Manager at Parallon, the revenue cycle branch of HCA Healthcare.

What previous experience in healthcare or project management did you have before you applied for this role?

I did not have any prior experience working in healthcare, but I had some exposure to project management. I went to Cumberland University and, while there, Cumberland took on the Papers of Martin Van Buren project. Our goal was to make all of the documents that were sent to or written by the 8^th President more accessible to the public for research. Working on this project gave me a taste of what project management had to offer.

What do you like about the culture at Parallon?

Most importantly, everyone here knows that their work matters. While many of us are not in patient-facing roles, we know that the work we do directly impacts those individuals seeking care. I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that.

What skills have you learned since starting your role?

I have learned a staggering amount about healthcare (both IT and the business) and overall project management methodology. There are several opportunities for professional development at HCA Healthcare, like a course I took in effective communication. Also, our project management organization does an extra level of financial management using a tool that helps manage resources, project burn rate, and the importance of being a good steward of the allocated project money.

What advice would you give other Associate Project Manager applicants?

Dive into the material and learn as much as possible. I usually tell new hires that it can be like drinking water from a fire hydrant, but you will always feel hydrated.  

#4

The role: Environmental Services (EVS) + Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)

An overview: While EVS helps improve patient safety and quality of care by expertly cleaning equipment and environments used for patient-facing services, FNS colleagues raise the bar for patient care by creating and delivering alternative food options for patients who have special diets and by promoting healing through nutritious foods.

Did you know? We will fill 2,400 EVS and FNS jobs in 2019!

#5

The role: Patient Care Tech (PCT)

An overview: Patient care techs support nursing personnel in providing care to patients and assist with providing a safe, quiet, clean, organized environment for healthcare delivery.

INSIDER INSIGHT: Meet Ryan McGann

Ryan McGann started as a patient care technician at affiliate St. David’s HealthCare when he was 17 years old.

Hired as a patient care technician, Ryan’s now working in the lab as a phlebotomist and as a PCT as he attends The University of Texas at Austin.

What previous experience did you have before you applied for this role?

None. I started volunteering at St. David’s HealthCare when I was 15 to gain hospital experience in preparation for college admissions. During my junior year of high school, I got my Certified Nursing Assistant certification. I started as a PCT in June of 2018 when I was 17.

In July of 2018, I started working as a phlebotomist in the lab—I still pick up shifts for both now that I’m in college. This fall I’m transferring to St. David’s South Austin Medical Center to get exposure to their busy level II trauma center, as I have a passion for emergency medicine.

What do you like about the culture at HCA Healthcare?

I love that St. David’s is a great place to learn and work at. My specific branch, St. David’s Georgetown Hospital, is a smaller hospital where everyone knows each other, which makes it very easy to ask questions and learn from people who have lots of experience.

What advice would you give other PCT applicants?

Treat all of your nurses well, because everyone will see that!

Every role at HCA Healthcare has an impact on our patients and you have the opportunity to make a difference. Want to be a part of the team? Visit our careers site here.