If you are interested in healthcare but not as a doctor or nurse who directly interacts with patients, healthcare management could be for you. A healthcare manager works alongside doctors, nurses and administrative staff members in ensuring the smooth running of medical facilities for everyone involved.
An education in healthcare management can open a wide array of roles. While a bachelor’s degree may suffice, having either a master’s or doctorate degree will set you apart from other applicants for these jobs.
Healthcare management degrees often lead to department manager jobs. This position oversees individual departments within larger healthcare facilities, such as physical therapy or radiology. Responsibilities of this healthcare manager position typically include scheduling, training and overseeing employees in their particular department of responsibility. It often requires strong problem-solving abilities; making this career well suited for individuals who enjoy the challenge of making sure their department runs efficiently.
As part of their healthcare management degree, those with degrees can often be seen acting in administrative and supervisor roles in hospitals and healthcare facilities, to ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly while adhering to all relevant regulations. Administrators or supervisors also frequently have the authority to hire additional employees or adjust policies as necessary.
As healthcare demands continue to rise, so does the demand for skilled administrators and managers capable of overseeing its facilities. Individuals holding degrees in health care management may find employment with hospitals, private practices or government agencies.
An advanced degree in healthcare management can help your career, providing opportunities to advance from lower-level roles into management roles as you gain experience. When considering pursuing such a degree, it is important to carefully consider your interests and career goals; usually a bachelor’s degree suffices for entry-level positions while earning either a master’s or doctorate can open more opportunities and increase earning potential.