Why Telehealth and Digital Health Careers Are Growing Fast

If you’re interested in telehealth jobs, you’re looking at the right place. In recent years, there’s been an explosive growth in telehealth jobs for many reasons.
- The strong usage of telehealth services continued even after the COVID-19 pandemic ended.
- The chronic healthcare workforce shortage fuels the demand for telehealth services.
- The expansion of remote patient monitoring also feeds the demands.
- The integration of AI and digital platforms in healthcare facilitates the use of telehealth services.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also supports telehealth services. In turn, it boosts the long-term growth of telehealth and digital health careers.
Furthermore, it’s a good time to pursue healthcare occupations. Their projected growth is much faster than the average for all occupations (BLS, 2024-2034).
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- Allied Health Careers Rising: Sonography, Respiratory Therapy, and More
What Is the Difference Between Telehealth and Digital Health?
While these terms are used interchangeably, there are significant differences.
- Scope: Telehealth refers to the remote delivery of clinical services. Digital health is a broader category that includes telehealth. Other aspects are apps, wearable devices, electronic health records, and AI tools.
- Function and use cases: Telehealth is the direct provider-patient interaction, but remotely. Digital health supports the diagnosis, management, and prevention of diseases.
Top 10 Telehealth and Digital Health Careers You Can Start Now
Abbreviations
- What They Do: WTD
- Required Education: RE
- Entry-level Pathway: EP
- Median Annual Salary: MAS
- Growth Outlook: GO
Telehealth Coordinator
A telehealth coordinator ensures smooth communication and scheduling between providers and patients. This is among the highest-paid telehealth jobs without a degree.
- WTD: Manages virtual visit logistics
- RE: Healthcare administration certificate (often required)
- EP: Strong opportunities for entry-level administrative or healthcare support roles
- MAS: $48,780
- GO: 8%
Remote Patient Monitoring Specialist
Remote patient monitoring jobs are among the fastest-growing remote healthcare jobs. This is due to the aging population needing more healthcare services.
- WTD: Tracks patient data from home devices and works with chronic care patients
- RE: Certificate or associate degree in healthcare
- EP: Start in healthcare support or technician roles
- MAS: $40,580
- GO: 9-13%
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Remote)
If you want work from home healthcare jobs that you can start within months, consider it. You should complete a telehealth certification program.
- WTD: Handles medical coding and billing
- RE: Certification through AAPC or AHIMA
- EP: Can start within months via certification
- MAS: $47,180
- GO: 8%
Telemedicine Nurse
Being a telemedicine nurse is among the highest-paid telemedicine careers. This is one of the virtual care jobs where virtual triage is part of the job.
- WTD: Performs virtual triage and patient care
- RE: RN license required
- EP: Start as an RN in traditional settings and then transition to telehealth
- MAS: $81,220
- GO: 6%
Health Informatics Technician
This is among the most versatile digital health careers – work is available in diverse settings. Hospitals, outpatient clinics, government health agencies, and telehealth companies are popular.
- WTD: Works with electronic health records (EHRs)
- RE: Associate degree in health information
- EP: Entry via health information programs
- MAS: $58,250
- GO: 16%
Virtual Health Coach
The virtual health coach is among the emerging online healthcare jobs. Opportunities are available in employer wellness programs and health insurance companies.
- WTD: Supports patients in lifestyle change
- RE: Health coaching or wellness certifications
- EP: Certification programs; a health, fitness, and wellness background is a plus
- MAS: $46,480
- GO: 7%
Healthcare IT Support Specialist
Healthcare IT jobs are on the rise due to the digitization of the healthcare industry. As such, healthcare IT support specialists are among the in-demand health tech careers.
- WTD: Supports telehealth systems
- RE: Associate degree; IT certifications are useful
- EP: Entry through IT support roles
- MAS: $59,660
- GO: 6%
Digital Health Product Support Specialist
As a digital health specialist, you’ll likely work for health tech companies. Other popular employers are hospitals, healthcare systems, and telehealth providers.
- WTD: Blends customer support with healthcare knowledge
- RE: Degree or experience in healthcare or tech
- EP: Entry via support or health tech roles
- MAS: $57,000
- GO: 5%
Clinical Documentation Specialist (Remote)
Nowadays, complete, accurate, and compliant medical records are vital for patients and providers. This is where clinical documentation specialists come in.
- WTD: Improves the accuracy of medical records
- RE: Certification-based pathway
- EP: Transition from coding, nursing, or health information roles
- MAS: $77,000
- GO: 8–16%
Telehealth Mental Health Counselor
There’s high demand for their services in virtual therapy platforms.
- WTD: Delivers remote counseling and therapy
- RE: Counseling/psychology degree and state licensure
- EP: Join telehealth platforms after licensure
- MAS: $53,710
- GO: 18%
Entry-Level Telehealth Jobs You Can Start With Minimal Experience
With the right training, you can qualify for these entry level telehealth jobs. Note that every one of these jobs requires at least a high diploma or its equivalent. Many employers require or prefer job candidates with relevant certificates.
| Role | How to Become One | Annual Salary Range |
| Medical Scheduler | Be familiar with: – Administration and customer service – Scheduling software (a plus) | $30,000–$45,000 |
| Telehealth Intake Coordinator | – Earn a certificate in healthcare administration – Get experience in a call center or healthcare front desk (a plus) | $32,000–$48,000 |
| Remote Insurance Verification Specialist | Learn through relevant courses: – Medical billing – Insurance processes | $35,000–$50,000 |
| Customer Support for Health Platforms | – Be familiar with IT / customer service – Get basic tech or help desk training | $35,000–$55,000 |
How to Start a Career in Telehealth
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a career in telehealth.
1. Choose a clinical vs non-clinical path.
Clinical roles (e.g., nurses and counselors) require a valid license to practice. Non-clinical roles (e.g., IT support) focus on tech and operations.
With clinical roles, you can choose between associate’s and bachelor’s degree options. Associate’s degree programs are shorter and cheaper, but the salaries are usually lower. Bachelor’s degree programs are longer and costlier, but their earning potential and job growth are higher.
Non-clinical roles are usually available through short certification programs. You can also attend bootcamps instead of degree programs. But weigh their pros and cons first.
2. Get required certifications or licenses.
Many entry-level telehealth roles require professional certification. Health administration, medical billing, and IT support are examples. Licenses are also a must for certain telehealth roles, such as nursing.
3. Gain basic healthcare knowledge.
You’ll do so during your formal education and training. This is true whether you’re pursuing a nursing degree or a telehealth coordination certification.
4. Build your tech skills.
Learn about EHRs, video platforms, and basic tech troubleshooting for starters.
5. Apply to remote-first companies.
Focus your job search on remote-first companies (e.g., Amwell, Teladoc Health).
Do You Need a Degree for Digital Health Careers?
Not necessarily – it depends on the telehealth jobs you’re aiming for. Again, some roles require licensure, such as nursing and counseling. Other roles require certification only, such as medical billing and coding. Some roles require intensive IT training instead of a degree.
Salary Comparison Table
| Career | Median Salary | Required Education | Growth Outlook |
| Telehealth Coordinator | $48,780 | Healthcare administration certificate | 8% |
| Remote Patient Monitoring Specialist | $48,780 | Certificate or associate degree in healthcare | 9-13% |
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist | $47,180 | Certification through AAPC or AHIMA | 8% |
| Telemedicine Nurse | $81,220 | RN license required | 6% |
| Health Informatics Technician | $58,250 | Associate’s degree in health information | 16% |
| Virtual Health Coach | $46,480 | Health coaching or wellness certifications | 7% |
| Healthcare IT Support Specialist | $59,660 | IT certifications or an associate’s degree | 6% |
| Digital Health Product Support Specialist | $57,000 | Degree or experience in healthcare or tech | 6% |
| Clinical Documentation Specialist | $77,000 | Certification-based pathway | 8-16% |
| Telehealth Mental Health Counselor | $53,710 | State licensure and a counseling/ psychology degree | 18% |
Is a Career in Telehealth Worth It?
Yes, it is because of these benefits:
- Flexible schedule: Part-time shifts and adjustable hours
- Remote work stability: Reduced commuting stress
- Growing industry: Strong demand for telehealth and healthcare digitization
- Lower burnout in some roles: IT support and telehealth coordinators, in particular
- A tech-forward field: Demands being current with your skills
Indeed, a good work-life balance and job security are possible with telehealth careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need for telehealth jobs?
Qualifications vary depending on the role. Clinical roles usually require degrees and licensure. Non-clinical roles often need only certifications or relevant experience.
Can I work in telehealth without a medical degree?
Yes. Medical billing and coding, remote patient monitoring, and telehealth coordination don’t need it.
Are telehealth jobs legitimate?
Yes. In fact, these jobs are a regulated sector. But it’s also important to check prospective employers’ credibility.
What companies hire remote healthcare workers?
Health tech companies, telehealth platforms, hospitals, digital health startups, and insurance companies.
How much do telehealth workers make?
Salaries are based on role, experience, location, and company. Entry-level clinical roles can pay $50,000–$85,000/year or more. Entry-level non-clinical roles usually pay $30,000–$55,000/year.