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What is Healthcare Management?
Healthcare management is a useful field of study for anyone who is interested in a career in the medical and health industry but is worried that their only option is frontline care. Instead of being the main carers for patients, healthcare managers are responsible for providing administrative leadership, overseeing operations, managing finances, and ensuring that healthcare providers meet quality standards. There are many excellent colleges and universities across the country that offer degree programs in healthcare management, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees.
Prospective students can find bachelor's degree programs in healthcare administration or management at many traditional four-year universities and online institutions. These programs typically take around four years to complete and can include courses like financial management, human resources administration, health policy analysis, legal issues in healthcare delivery systems, organizational behavior principles applied to health systems, and information technology applications in healthcare. Master's degree programs focus on more specialized topics such as public health administration or long-term care facility management.
Featured Online Programs
Online Healthcare Management Education in Arizona
Typically, a healthcare manager oversees several aspects of a healthcare organization. The role may involve managing staff, conducting reviews, and implementing new systems. The average healthcare manager may be responsible for dozens of employees. Their day-to-day duties vary based on the focus of the facility where they work and its size and location, but they often involve frequent communication and fast-paced activity. The healthcare management field can offer a great deal of job security and a high salary.
Some of the most interesting jobs in this field require advanced education. Healthcare managers may earn a master's degree or even a PhD. They may also be certified in a variety of areas. A certification can help to set you apart from the competition.
A healthcare manager may also work for a medical consulting firm or health technology company. In these settings, they are expected to stay up to date on the latest medical equipment and software, as well as patient care devices. The field may also involve work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, nursing homes, and more.
Healthcare managers are tasked with providing quality patient care while ensuring that the organization adheres to regulations and policies. They also work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to improve quality and reduce costs.
Online Associate Degree in Healthcare Management (AS)
Getting an associate degree in healthcare management is a great way to gain valuable knowledge in the field without spending four years in school or breaking the bank. It can help you prepare quickly for a career in the healthcare industry, though you may not have access to higher-level supervisory positions until you gain some experience.
These programs cover a number of topics including leadership, managerial, and organizational skills.You'll learn about healthcare administration policies and procedures, including privacy and security, ethics, and electronic patient records. Some courses also examine the American health care system and health disparities.
These programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level administrative positions in the healthcare industry. Upon completion, students can work in a variety of areas including emergency rooms, long-term care facilities, and private practices.
Getting an associate degree in healthcare management can be completed in as little as two years. In many cases, you can complete the entire degree online. While these programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions, students also have the option of transferring their earned credit hours and pursuing a bachelor's degree.
National Online Rankings - Top 25 Associate ProgramsOnline Bachelors Degree in Healthcare Management (BS)
Taking an online bachelor's degree in healthcare management is a great way to start a career in this industry. It will equip you with the skills necessary to run a healthcare business effectively, and many employers prefer candidates with bachelor’s-level degrees.
A healthcare management degree can take up to four years to complete, but some programs offer accelerated timelines that can allow students to graduate in two to three years.The curriculum for a healthcare management degree teaches you the essentials of business management, healthcare laws, and data analysis. Your chosen program may also include an optional internship or practical experience, depending on the school and program you choose. Those interested in the field should take the time to learn about the coursework, including its requirements, in order to decide if an in-person or online degree is right for them.
National Online Rankings - Top 25 Bachelors ProgramsOnline Masters Degree in Healthcare Management (MS)
A master's degree in healthcare management provides an opportunity to advance your career in the field of healthcare. A master’s offers specialized knowledge, skills, and expertise that are necessary to succeed in today’s complex and competitive healthcare industry. There are many colleges and universities that offer master's degrees in healthcare management and these programs can provide students with the education and training needed to become successful leaders, innovators, and problem solvers within the healthcare system, even if they are coming in from a different field.
Healthcare management courses at this level focus on topics such as health policy, finance, accounting, human resources management, organizational behavior, marketing and strategy. Students will learn how to develop strategies for effectively managing healthcare organizations while ensuring quality patient care is provided. The curriculum should also cover legal issues related to the healthcare system, including compliance policies and regulations.
National Online Rankings - Top 25 Masters ProgramsOnline PhD Degree in Healthcare Management (PhD)
Obtaining a PhD in healthcare management is a great way to develop your leadership skills and to move into the highest level of management and other roles. It can lead to a variety of career opportunities. You can pursue leadership positions in academia, clinics, hospitals, and other industries related to healthcare. You can also work in research and development, and you may be able to become a postsecondary teacher.
The healthcare industry continues to grow, and there is an increasing need for effective administrators. The demand for qualified healthcare leaders has been increased by the aging baby boomer population, the rising cost of medical aid, and the demand from consumers for better healthcare. In addition, developments in technology must be incorporated into the healthcare system moving forward.
A PhD in healthcare management degree can help you to become a better leader, and it can also help you to improve patient care. These degree programs require a substantial research project that you will complete in order to receive your degree.
Read more resources and scholarships for healthcare managers Get helpful ideas to pay for collegeOnline Healthcare Management Certifications
Healthcare management professionals are responsible for overseeing the operations of healthcare facilities and organizations, and the demand for qualified healthcare managers has grown substantially in recent years due to changes in the healthcare industry and an aging population. Earning a college degree is one route to entering this field, but certifications are also beneficial. There are many certifications available, so you must find the ones that support your career path and work focus.
The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) offers a Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) program that provides high-level certification that is recognized across the country. To qualify, applicants must have earned a master’s degree in healthcare or business administration and have at least five years of experience in a leadership position within the healthcare industry. ACHE also offers Fellowships, which are advanced levels of certification reserved for experienced leaders who have made noteworthy contributions to their organizations and communities. These are just a couple options, and there are also certifications available for those who have completed associate or bachelor’s degrees and are just getting started in their career.
Become a Healthcare Manager in Arizona
A healthcare manager is a critical role that can be filled in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and private practices. It requires a combination of knowledge and skill to become an effective leader in this field, and healthcare management colleges and degree programs provide students with the tools needed to make an impact on the healthcare system. With the right education, you can become a qualified healthcare manager prepared to face the challenges of today’s medical industry. Here are some steps on how to become a healthcare manager in Arizona.
- Step 1: Obtain the necessary education credentials
When it comes to pursuing a career in healthcare management, the first step is obtaining the necessary education credentials. Whether you are looking for an entry-level position or seeking advanced training, there are a variety of college programs available to meet your needs. Healthcare management colleges offer degree programs ranging from associate degrees to doctoral programs and beyond. For those just starting out in the field, an associate degree may be enough to get started in some entry-level positions.
However, bachelor's degrees are often required for higher-level positions and can focus on topics like finance, administration, or information technology within the health care industry. For more advanced positions, a master's degree may be necessary with training focusing on business administration principles as they apply to healthcare organizations and systems. Doctoral-level studies can provide training specific to research methodology or administrative leadership roles within healthcare organizations.
- Step 2: Gain experience through internships and/or volunteer work within healthcare organizations
Internships and volunteer work are an effective way to gain experience in the healthcare industry. With the rapidly changing healthcare landscape, having a well-rounded education is key for success in this field. Earning a degree from a college or university focused on healthcare management is one option for entering this profession, but there are many other routes to gaining knowledge and experience within the healthcare industry. Internships or volunteer work allow students and those considering healthcare management as a career path to get hands-on experience working with experts in the field.
Interns can learn important skills such as developing communication strategies, creating budget plans, and managing teams while navigating the culture of healthcare organizations. This type of real-world application enables individuals to apply their skills learned in school while learning new ones that may not have been taught in their classes.
- Step 3: Join a professional organization
Joining a professional organization can be an important step for those looking to work in the healthcare industry. Professional organizations provide networking opportunities, career advice, educational information, and more. They can also help you stay on top of the latest trends and advancements in the field of healthcare management. A membership with one of these organizations can be invaluable when it comes to starting or furthering your career in this rewarding field. There are many professional organizations that cater specifically to those working in or even studying healthcare management.
These organizations typically offer members access to resources such as job boards and postings, industry news updates, continuing education courses, conferences and seminars held around the country, and mentorship programs by experienced professionals already working in the field. With so many opportunities available through these associations, joining one is often an essential steppingstone for anyone wanting to achieve success as a healthcare manager.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Healthcare Management?
A bachelor's degree in healthcare management is a great way to get a foot in the door of the healthcare industry. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within healthcare systems, as well as how to best manage them. With an education in this field, job seekers can enter into exciting careers with immense potential for growth and advancement.Healthcare managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of medical facilities, ranging from small clinics to large hospitals.
This involves making sure that staff members are providing quality services, patient care is up to standard, and budgets are managed efficiently. And, with a degree in the field, you will be ready to work in a huge variety of entry-level and management roles in small and large facilities all over the country. You may develop new policies or procedures that improve overall operations within the facility or provide guidance on issues such as human resources management, long-term planning and risk assessment. Either way, you will be more than ready to get started in the healthcare management field.
Potential Careers for Healthcare Management Graduates
Administrative Support Specialist:
An administrative support specialist is responsible for providing administrative support to ensure efficient operation of an office. They may answer phones, replace supplies that are running out from inventory, file paperwork, fill out forms, help nurses and doctors find paperwork or medication information, and more.
Necessary Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for medical secretaries and administrative assistants in the US in 2021 was $39,740
- The mean annual wage for medical secretaries and administrative assistants in Arizona is $39,010
Patient Service Representative:
A patient service representative is responsible for providing exceptional customer service to patients, visitors, and other healthcare professionals. They generally are the first person you speak to when you enter a hospital. They may direct you to the correct location, help you find an ill family member, collect payments, and more.
Necessary Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous customer service experience preferred
- Knowledge of electronic medical records systems
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for customer service representatives in the US in 2021 was $36,920
- The mean annual wage for customer service representatives in Arizona is $38,100
Healthcare Finance Manager:
A healthcare finance manager will be responsible for the day-to-day financial management and analysis of a healthcare organization. They will provide financial guidance to senior leadership and coordinate with departments to ensure that the organization meets its financial goals.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in healthcare finance
- Knowledge of financial regulations, accounting principles, and healthcare industry trends
- Excellent analytical skills with an attention to detail
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for financial managers in the US in 2021 was $131,710
- The mean annual wage for financial managers in Arizona is $134,110
Healthcare Consultant:
A healthcare consultant will provide strategic advice and support to healthcare clients in order to improve their performance and profitability.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in healthcare consulting or similar roles
- Knowledge of current healthcare regulations and trends
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $101,340
- The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Arizona is $117,420
Chief Executive Officer:
A chief executive officer (CEO) will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the company's success. The role requires a leader who can effectively manage and build the organization's culture and capabilities, while driving performance and growth.
Necessary Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in business or a related field
- At least 10 years of experience in management roles
- Demonstrated leadership abilities with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for chief executives in the US in 2021 was $98,980
- The mean annual wage for chief executives in Arizona is $150,990
Researcher in Healthcare Administration:
A researcher in healthcare administration may research and develop healthcare policy and management strategies. This individual will be responsible for producing reports, analyzing data, and providing recommendations for healthcare related initiatives.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field
- Previous experience working in a research or postsecondary role in the healthcare industry
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $101,340
- The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Arizona is $117,420
Hospital Administrator:
A hospital administrator is responsible for the overall management and operations of a hospital. They aim to ensure that patients get the best outcomes possible while also focusing on organizational goals, such as income.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in health administration, business administration, or a related field
- At least 5 years of experience in a healthcare administrative role
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $101,340
- The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Arizona is $117,420
Pharmaceutical Quality Manager:
A pharmaceutical quality manager is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. This includes overseeing quality assurance activities and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as pharmacy, chemistry or engineering
- At least 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical quality management or a related field
- Knowledge of FDA regulations, GMP and ICH guidelines, as well as ISO 9001 standards
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for pharmacists in the US in 2021 was $125,690
- The mean annual wage for pharmacists in Arizona is $120,880
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