A healthcare management degree prepares professionals in the healthcare sector to administer and manage the business side of the industry. They are in charge of scheduling, budgeting, and finding ways to upgrade patient care. This profession requires people to have strong communication and organizational skills. It will help you create a difference in people’s lives.
What Is Healthcare Management?
Healthcare management is the management of any healthcare facility, such as a hospital or clinic. A healthcare manager has to make sure that all the daily operations are taking place. He is responsible for making sure that the healthcare services are running according to the plan. Students who get a degree in healthcare management learn about maintaining healthcare practices at a clinic or hospital.
A bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available in this field of academia.
What Can You Do with A Healthcare Management Degree?
Healthcare degree graduates can find various options for employment including government agencies, hospitals, and clinics. Some may end up with administrative duties, while others may get involved in managing information technology systems. Since the degree includes various subjects, graduates can choose career paths according to their own personality type and interests. For example, extroverts would prefer to be a health service manager as it involves a lot of communication.
The following are some of the career options for healthcare management degree holders.
Medical and Health Service Managers
These professionals are responsible for monitoring, planning, and directing health services. They schedule and coordinate the activities of the staff and facility, including doctors and nurses. They may be expected to monitor the services and usage of facilities.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $100,980 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 18% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $115,160 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 36,940 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $150,040 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
These technicians review and retrieve patient data for nurses and doctors, etc. Also called health information technicians, these professionals have to make sure that the data maintains its accuracy, quality, and accessibility.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $42,630 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 11% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $46,590 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 40,900 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $59,450 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Financial Managers
Financial managers look after the financial health of a company. They prepare activity reports, financial statements, and forecasts. These professionals help the management in making sound financial decisions.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $147,530 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 16% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $129,890 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 92,060 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New York | $210,240 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What to Expect from a Healthcare Management Degree?
Various colleges offer a degree in healthcare management. Each institute has its own requirements, concentration options, tuition rates, and curriculum. Some schools focus more on the business aspect of the degree, while others focus on improving healthcare practices. Some of the courses taught during this program include healthcare marketing, quality improvement in healthcare, international healthcare, technology application in healthcare, healthcare values and ethics, business project management, and many more.
How to Choose a Healthcare Management Degree?
These are some of the things you should consider before choosing a program:
- Choose an accredited program
- Check if part-time options are available
- Check if they are offering scholarships
- Consider the total time and cost needed to finish the degree
- Check if it is a campus-based or an online program
Healthcare Management Degree Admission Requirements
To pursue a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, students need to have a high school diploma, SAT score, and a letter of recommendation. Those who want to get enrolled in a master’s program should have a bachelor’s degree and a good GRE score.