What is Healthcare Management?
Healthcare management is a growing field, with many colleges and universities offering degree programs in the subject. These healthcare management degree programs allow students to gain knowledge and skills that can help them secure jobs in the healthcare sector after graduation. Additionally, they provide an opportunity for those already employed to advance their careers by increasing their qualifications and expertise.
Healthcare administration courses typically include topics such as organizational behavior, finance, accounting principles, health policy analysis, economics of healthcare delivery systems, and marketing within the industry. Students may choose to specialize in areas such as clinical or administrative management, public health administration, or long-term care management. Bachelor's degrees are common for entry-level positions in this field; however, some employers require a master's degree for senior positions. It’s important that prospective students research different schools before deciding on one that meets their needs and interests.
Featured Online Programs
Online Healthcare Management Education in Connecticut
A healthcare manager is a person who has a lot of experience in the issues and challenges that might face a healthcare facility or system. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility or department, depending on the level at which they work. This involves working with medical professionals, other leadership, and the public.
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, which means that a good healthcare manager must stay abreast of the latest developments in technology, healthcare, and laws and regulations. In addition, a good healthcare manager should be able to lead, inspire, and motivate teams of employees.
Healthcare managers are usually required to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, though a master's degree can be very beneficial. Many employers prefer a graduate degree because it demonstrates that the applicant has a strong commitment to the field. Typical jobs for healthcare managers include those in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. Some may also work for government agencies or medical consulting firms.
Online Associates (AS)
An associate in healthcare management can provide an ideal starting point for individuals interested in the healthcare industry. A two-year program concentrates on developing an understanding of all aspects of healthcare management including business, finance, and organizational skills. Through hands-on learning experiences, graduates will gain the knowledge necessary to become leaders and decision makers in a variety of health-related settings.
These degree programs are designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of managing a healthcare system or organization. Coursework focuses on core disciplines such as quality assurance, financial management, and health law. Additionally, students learn about human resource management, medical informatics, and leadership development techniques. In most cases, graduates are prepared for entry level positions within hospitals or other healthcare facilities upon completion of their studies.
Online Bachelors (BS)
A bachelors in healthcare management is an ideal way to gain the knowledge and skills required to become a leader in the healthcare industry. Whether you are already working in the field or looking for a career change, this profession offers numerous opportunities for those seeking to make their mark on the healthcare landscape. With a degree in healthcare management, graduates can go on to work in hospitals, private practices, government agencies, and more.
Healthcare management colleges offer various degree programs that cover topics such as financial management, health policy administration, and legal considerations related to healthcare. Students will also be able to explore issues related to public health systems and learn about emerging technologies used by today's healthcare organizations. There are also courses available that focus on communication skills needed for success in the workforce. Upon completion of these studies, students will have all of the necessary qualifications needed to become a successful leader within the industry.
Find Your Online Healthcare Management Program
Online Masters (MS)
A masters in healthcare management is an ideal path for students who are passionate about making a difference in the healthcare industry. For those seeking to become leaders and innovators, this degree provides the necessary knowledge and experience to excel in the field. Through a comprehensive program of study, students will gain an understanding of how to effectively manage healthcare organizations while exploring best practices when it comes to patient care, quality assurance, and financial management.
By obtaining a master’s degree in healthcare management, students can develop the skills needed to work at the executive level of an organization or pursue careers as medical directors or consultants. Opportunities include working for hospitals and medical centers, insurance companies, research institutions, or government agencies. Furthermore, with proper credentials earned from accredited colleges and universities, graduates have access to lucrative job prospects that boast competitive salaries across various sectors within health administration.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD in Healthcare Management is an advanced degree offering students the opportunity to specialize in healthcare and medical administration. With a doctorate, graduates can become experts in management practices, research methods, and leadership development in the healthcare field. This type of degree prepares professionals to take on executive roles within hospitals, healthcare clinics, and insurance companies.
When considering a college or university for this type of program, it’s important that students review accreditation status and curriculum details. Knowing which schools offer the best resources and training will help ensure that students are prepared for success as they begin their career paths. Additionally, some programs provide various scholarship opportunities to assist with tuition costs, so it’s important to know what types of financial aid may be available as well.
Online Certifications
Healthcare management is a rapidly growing field and there are many opportunities for those looking to enter the profession. Earning a college degree in healthcare management is one way to gain the qualifications needed for success, but there are also healthcare administration/management certifications available that can help propel individuals into managerial positions within the healthcare industry.
These certifications provide specialized training in core areas, such as policy development and budgeting, as well as advanced topics like healthcare law and data analytics. Many of these certifications are offered through professional organizations, such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), and they take anywhere from one to two years to complete. Most certification programs require applicants to have prior experience in healthcare administration or finance in order for them to qualify for admission.
Become a Healthcare Manager in Connecticut
Healthcare management is an exciting and rewarding career option in today’s society. As a healthcare manager, you will be responsible for many aspects of the health system, from providing support to patients to coordinating services and managing staff members. To become a healthcare manager, there are several steps one must take.
-
Step 1: Earn a degree in healthcare administration or a related field
With the right education and training, you can become a part of this important field. Healthcare administration and related fields are essential for providing quality services to patients, as well as managing the business side of healthcare operations. Earning a degree in healthcare administration or a related field can help propel your career toward success. A degree in healthcare administration or another closely associated field will prepare you for many different job roles within the industry. You may focus on areas such as patient care, health information systems, finance, public health policy, and more. With an education in one of these fields, you'll gain knowledge on how to effectively manage various aspects of the healthcare system from both a professional and administrative standpoint, and it can be difficult to get into the field without a degree of some kind.
-
Step 2: Gain experience through internships or practicums
Gaining experience in healthcare management can be done through internships or practicums. Those attending a healthcare management college or degree program have the opportunity to hone their skills as they learn the intricacies of managing a healthcare organization through internships or practicums. During these learning opportunities, students are able to apply the theories and concepts learned from classes in real-world settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. Internships and practicums provide valuable experiences that give students insight into how different departments within a healthcare facility work together for successful patient care. These opportunities also allow students to gain professional experience in communication with other staff members, patient interaction, problem solving strategies, and more. Through these experiences, students can also network with professionals working in the field of healthcare management while gaining hands-on experience that is beneficial when applying for jobs after graduation.
-
Step 3: Join a professional organization
Joining a professional organization is a great way for healthcare managers to stay connected with the industry and gain access to valuable resources. Professional organizations can help healthcare managers stay informed on the most current trends in health administration, as well as providing them with opportunities to network with other professionals in their field. Members of these organizations often gain access to discounts and exclusive job postings, enabling them to further their career goals while getting exposure to new ideas. Additionally, members may have access to seminars and conferences where they can meet professionals from around the country, learn about new technologies and management strategies in healthcare, and build relationships that could be beneficial down the road. Many professional organizations also offer certification programs or continuing education courses that are essential for staying up to date on industry standards.
Find Online Healthcare Management Programs
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Healthcare Management?
A bachelor's degree in healthcare management offers an array of career opportunities for individuals looking to pursue a career in the healthcare field. With this degree, graduates will develop knowledge and skills that are essential to managing healthcare organizations including knowing what they’re doing when it comes to finance, administration, operations, and quality management of healthcare facilities. The combination of critical thinking and problem-solving skills developed from this degree program will equip students with the ability to lead hospital systems and other medical facilities efficiently. The job market for those with a bachelor's degree in healthcare management is expected to grow significantly in the next five years. Graduates may find employment opportunities such as health services manager, clinical research coordinator, or information technology specialist. Additionally, a number of certification programs exist for those who wish to specialize within the healthcare field further by focusing on topics such as long-term care administration or patient safety management.
Potential Careers for Healthcare Management Graduates
- Healthcare Administrator or Manager:
A healthcare administrator or manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and activities of a healthcare facility or department.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or related field
- Previous experience in a managerial role in a healthcare setting
- Knowledge of healthcare industry regulations and standards
- Strong organizational, leadership, and communication
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $119,840
- The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Connecticut is $126,790
- Development Director:
A development director will be responsible for developing, implementing, and executing strategic fundraising plans to support the mission of the organization.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in development/fundraising role
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for training and development managers in the US in 2021 was $120,130
- The mean annual wage for training and development managers in Connecticut is $128,870
- Ambulatory Care Manager:
An ambulatory care manager usually oversees a surgery center. They may ensure that the department provides quality patient care and that their employees have a safe work environment.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in development/fundraising role
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $119,840
- The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Connecticut is $126,790
- Hospice Administrator:
A hospice administrator provides leadership and direction in the planning, development, organization, and coordination of hospice services.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in health care administration or related field
- 5+ years' experience in a health care setting or relevant field
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $119,840
- The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Connecticut is $126,790
- Mental Health Facility Administrator:
A mental health facility administrator will be responsible for providing administrative oversight to a mental health facility and may plan daily activities or counseling sessions.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration or related field
- At least three years of management experience in a healthcare or mental health setting
- Knowledge of best practices in administrative management
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $101,340 and social and community service managers earned $74,000
- The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Connecticut is $126,790 and social and community service managers earn $66,530
- Administrative Coordinator:
An administrative coordinator is responsible for providing administrative support to the organization by managing office operations and providing customer service.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field
- At least 2 years of experience in an administrative role
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for administrative service managers in the US in 2021 was $113,030 and medical secretaries and administrative assistants earned $39,740
- The mean annual wage for administrative service managers in Connecticut is $126,660 and medical secretaries and administrative assistants earn $43,790
Search All Programs