Most healthcare managers work for hospitals or other healthcare organizations where they plan, direct and coordinate medical and health services.
The field of healthcare management offers both a competitive salary and strong job growth, making it an attractive career choice for those interested in both healthcare and business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare management is projected to grow 18% from 2018 to 2028, as healthcare organizations strive to adapt to a changing healthcare landscape and keep up with the growing demand for medical services.
A degree in healthcare management can help interested students begin or advance their healthcare careers. Most healthcare managers work for hospitals or other healthcare organizations where they plan, direct and coordinate medical and health services. They might also spearhead new initiatives to improve patient care or create operational efficiencies within the organization. Other responsibilities include supervising staff members, managing finances, preparing and monitoring budgets and keeping and/or organizing medical records.
Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to take the next step, or you are just beginning your healthcare career, a degree in healthcare management can help you unlock the door to many exciting career opportunities.
Here are some of the jobs you can land with a healthcare management degree.
1) Healthcare Department Manager
Healthcare department managers oversee a specific department or team within an organization. They may be in charge of nursing, surgery, or physical therapy departments, for example, and will have different responsibilities based on their specialty. If you already have work experience as a nurse or medical assistant, for example, pursuing a role as a department manager is one way you can advance your healthcare career.
2) Healthcare Finance Manager
Healthcare finance managers are responsible for the day-to-day financial management of a healthcare organization or practice. Specific responsibilities include managing cash flow, designing budgets, tracking and reporting on the financial health of the organization or department, and evaluating compensation. If you are interested in the business of healthcare and enjoy working with numbers, this could be a good fit for you.
3) Quality and Improvement Manager
As a Quality and Improvement Manager, you would be responsible for ensuring that your organization complies with current care standards. You might also be in charge of evaluating current processes and determining areas for improvement. Some quality and improvement managers also lead workshops and training seminars to help other members of the healthcare team stay up to speed with best practices. In addition to earning your bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, you will need several years of experience and additional certification to become a quality and improvement manager.
4) Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators might manage one hospital or oversee an entire healthcare system. They are in charge of ensuring smooth operations and can also play a role in long-term planning for the organization. Healthcare administrators must have at least a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree in healthcare management is often required for continued career advancement.
5) Physician Practice Manager
Physician practice managers lead a healthcare organization’s business strategy. Specific responsibilities include managing budgets, developing new strategies to grow the business, and overseeing day-to-day operations. Many employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree in healthcare or business management for these roles.
But don't forget about these skills..
Being successful in the field of healthcare management requires strong leadership qualities and management skills. As with any leadership position, excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills are also necessary. If you are interested in learning more about the business side of healthcare and enjoy thinking strategically and making important decisions, healthcare management could be the right career path for you.
Herzing offers several degree programs to help you begin or advance your career in healthcare management, including associate, bachelor and master degree options. Students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program can pursue concentrations in leadership or managed care, allowing them to customize their healthcare management degree to their career goals and acquire specialized knowledge.
If you are currently a healthcare professional looking to make the jump from clinical practice to management, an MBA in Healthcare Management is the best track for you. Through an MBA program, you will gain the specialized knowledge and expertise in modern healthcare issues, trends and tools that you need to succeed in upper-management roles.
Students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program can also earn dual credit toward their MBA as they complete their undergraduate degree.
Learn more about Herzing’s healthcare management programs and find out how you can start building your healthcare career today.
