What is Healthcare Management?
Healthcare management, or healthcare administration, is a growing field that provides students with the opportunity to pursue a career in the administration of healthcare at all levels. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, including in management positions rather than only in patient-facing positions, obtaining a healthcare administration degree can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this ever-changing industry. Healthcare management colleges and degree programs offer prospective students an array of options to choose from when selecting their desired program type and educational setting.
From universities offering comprehensive healthcare administration degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, to specialized schools focusing on medical office management courses, a healthcare management degree program offers something for everyone looking to enter the profession. Whether you're just starting out or seeking advanced training in health policy, public health, or health care systems, there's sure to be healthcare administration programs that fits your needs. Common areas of study include professional medical practices, health information technology, reimbursement systems, health informatics, human resources management, and business administration.
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Online Healthcare Management Education in Hawaii
Healthcare managers have the job of overseeing the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility. They are responsible for the finances and personnel of the organization, as well as the quality of care provided to patients. As the medical industry expands and aging populations become more prevalent, the need for qualified and experienced managers is on the rise. This is part of why a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as health administration or business, is usually a requirement. In addition, many managers also pursue a master's degree.
A typical role for a healthcare manager is to oversee the operations of a hospital, clinic, or rehabilitation center. The duties will vary depending on the organization. However, successful managers have to be able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. In addition, they will need to be a detail-oriented person. These people will need to be able to work with other healthcare professionals and insurance companies to ensure quality patient care at every level, as well as being able to make functional health policy and support public health administration programs across healthcare systems.
A typical day in the life of a healthcare manager involves constant communication. It may involve making decisions about staff expectations and budgeting, as well as other responsibilities, such as ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Online Associates (AS)
An AS in healthcare management can provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful healthcare administrators. Degree programs in this field and at this level involve coursework in topics such as medical terminology, business administration, health law and policy, budgeting and finance, and information systems management. In addition to classroom instruction, students may also complete an internship or practicum experience at a local healthcare facility to gain hands-on experience with real world situations. Upon completion of the program requirements, graduates will be equipped with the tools needed to manage day-to-day operations within a clinical setting or work in administrative roles overseeing staff members and resources. However, you should expect to need to earn quite a bit of experience to move into a higher management role unless you are willing to continue your education with a bachelor’s degree.
Online Bachelors (BS)
A BS in healthcare management is an ideal choice for students looking to enter the world of healthcare administration and be able to move right into leadership roles. These degrees offer an extensive education in health services, business ethics, and medical law, preparing graduates for a variety of management roles in the healthcare industry. Healthcare management colleges offer a range of specialized degree programs that can help aspiring professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to become successful leaders and healthcare administrators in the field today.
Those interested in a career managing people and projects within hospitals or other medical settings should consider earning a bachelor’s degree specifically tailored toward healthcare management. Through these programs, students can learn how to evaluate financial information, develop strategies for improving patient care delivery outcomes, manage risk assessment activities, analyze legal compliance issues related to health care operations, design quality assurance systems, create effective marketing plans for health services organizations, and more.
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Online Masters (MS)
A MS in healthcare management can be a great way to take your career to the next level. With the healthcare industry continuing to grow, now is the perfect time to consider pursuing a degree in this field. By gaining an understanding of how to manage and lead a healthcare organization, you will be well-positioned for success in this specialized field.
Earning a master's degree in healthcare administration requires dedication and commitment, but it’s worth it when you consider the potential benefits. Students learn how to develop strategies that improve patient outcomes, manage staff and resources, measure performance levels, and ensure quality control standards are met. You will receive detailed instruction on finance management, human resource management, and legal issues related to health systems management. Additionally, many degree programs include an internship or practicum so students can gain real work experience before graduation, though this may not be necessary for you as many students already work in the field before earning a master’s.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
Pursuing a PhD in Healthcare Management can be a great way to deepen your understanding of healthcare policies and practices, as well as gain valuable skills for leading complex organizations. If you want to make a difference in the field of healthcare management or to get into an academic role, then this educational path is one that will benefit you greatly.
At this level, there are many colleges and universities offering degree programs in healthcare administration. These programs provide students with the knowledge to develop their own theories on effective healthcare policy implementation and management. You can expect to take courses in strategic planning, finance, human resources management, information systems, marketing, and legal issues related to healthcare administration. As part of your coursework, you may also be required to undertake research projects or internships in a hospital setting or other healthcare organization.
Graduates often move into roles either in the highest levels of hospital and other large healthcare provider management or into academic roles, where they teach classes and engage in research.
Online Certifications
Healthcare management is an increasingly popular field, as the number of medical facilities continues to grow and the demand for trained professionals increases. For those interested in joining or getting ahead in this fast-growing industry, earning a certification in healthcare management is an ideal way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful manager or to expand your skillset so that you will be considered for a new promotion. There are a variety of certifications that you can choose between offered by a school or healthcare association.
Accredited healthcare administration colleges offer certificates along with their degree program options. One of these might be just what you need to prepare for roles such as assistant administrator or director in hospitals or other organizations. Or you might choose to earn a certificate from a professional association that is well known in the industry. Regardless of where you get your certification, the programs are likely to be similar. Certificate programs are typically short-term courses lasting around 6 months while more advanced degrees require several years of study.
Become a Healthcare Manager in Hawaii
Becoming a healthcare manager requires the right education and training. Healthcare management colleges offer an array of degree programs to prepare individuals for advancing their career in this field. For anyone looking to become proficient in this profession, there are certain steps they can take to ensure they are ready.
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Step 1: Earn a degree in healthcare administration
Earning a degree in healthcare administration can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities in the field. It is an ideal choice for individuals interested in managing healthcare organizations such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes but it might also be a good option for those who have worked in hands-on patient care and are looking into moving away from those roles. Individuals who wish to pursue this type of degree can do so through accredited colleges and universities that offer healthcare management degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. At undergraduate level programs, students will be taught essential topics such as healthcare system organization and management, healthcare policy, health economics, epidemiology, human resources management, legal/ethical issues related to healthcare systems, computer information systems, budgeting, and finance principles applied to medical systems. Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree, students will have gained the knowledge needed to pursue entry-level positions in the field.
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Step 2: Obtaining practical experience through internships or practicums
Internships and practicums provide students with an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field. Students enrolled in healthcare management degree programs can apply for these experiences, which give them the chance to work in their chosen field, build professional relationships, and develop important skills. By participating in an internship or practicum program offered by a hospital, clinic, physician’s office, or other healthcare institution, students have the chance to put into practice what they are learning while being supervised by experienced professionals. Internships and practicums also often lead to job offers; employers may use these opportunities to observe a student’s performance before making hiring decisions. Healthcare management colleges and degree programs increasingly offer internships as part of their curriculums so that students can acquire practical knowledge and experience prior to graduation.
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Step 3: Earning certification from a professional organization
Earning certification from a professional organization is an important step for those looking to advance their career in healthcare management. Certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills required for the job. There are several organizations dedicated to certifying professionals in this field, so it’s important to do your research before committing to any particular program. Healthcare management degrees offered by accredited colleges and universities can help prepare students for success in their chosen profession, but obtaining certification from one of these organizations can set them apart from other candidates. Not only will the certification give you an edge over the competition during the job search process, but it also shows employers that you are a dedicated and qualified professional who is committed to staying up to date on industry trends. With careful consideration and planning, earning certification from a professional organization can lead to long-term success in healthcare management.
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Step 4: Get involved in professional organizations
Professional organizations in the healthcare field are an important way for students and professionals to stay informed about the latest industry trends, network with other healthcare professionals, and find job opportunities. Joining a professional organization is one of the best ways for healthcare management students to get connected to the profession. By becoming involved in a professional organization, individuals can gain access to exclusive resources such as seminars, workshops, and conferences that offer valuable insight into current topics relevant to their field. Additionally, members receive discounts on certification programs and textbooks which can provide added knowledge in various areas of healthcare management. Furthermore, networking opportunities are available through local chapters and national meetings which often feature keynote speakers from various sectors of the industry.
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What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Healthcare Management?
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare management is an ideal way to start a career in the field. With this degree, individuals can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to manage hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or other medical facilities. Healthcare management colleges allow students to earn their degrees through online or on-campus curriculums that provide comprehensive preparation for a successful career. Graduates of healthcare management college programs may pursue a variety of positions within healthcare organizations. These roles can include everything from hospital administrators to insurance executives and beyond. Students who complete their program often find themselves well qualified for jobs in billing and coding, health information technology, regulatory compliance, financial analysis, and system design/management. With a bachelor’s in healthcare management from an accredited university, individuals will have the credentials needed to enter this rapidly growing industry with confidence.
Potential Careers for Healthcare Management Graduates
- Healthcare Finance Manager:
A healthcare finance manager is responsible for managing the financial operations of a healthcare organization. This includes developing and monitoring budgets, forecasting financial performance, and overseeing the financial operations of the organization.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field
- Proven experience as a finance manager in the healthcare industry
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations
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 Hawaii is $123,300
- Chief Executive Officer:
A chief executive officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall success of an organization. This position is the highest ranking executive in a company and reports directly to the Board of Directors.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in business or related field, master’s degree preferred
- Proven experience in senior management roles
- Extensive knowledge of business operations and processes
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
- Strong financial acumen and strategic thinking capabilities
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for chief executives in the US in 2021 was $213,020
- The mean annual wage for chief executives in Hawaii is $289,860
- Hospital Administrator:
A hospital administrator is responsible for managing the daily operations of a hospital, ensuring that the facility runs smoothly and efficiently.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or related field
- Minimum of 3 years of hospital administrative experience
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem solving skills
- Strong understanding of healthcare regulations and laws
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications
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 Hawaii is $130,930
- Patient Service Representative:
A patient service representative is responsible for providing customer service to patients by scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, and handling inquiries and complaints.
Necessary Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous customer service experience preferred
- Knowledge of medical terminology and procedures
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks efficiently
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for customer service representatives in the US in 2021 was $36,920 and healthcare support workers (all others) earned $37,740
- The mean annual wage for customer service representatives in Hawaii is $40,890 and healthcare support workers (all others) earn $44,810
- Postsecondary Professor or Researcher in Healthcare Management:
A postsecondary professor or researcher in healthcare management will be responsible for teaching and conducting research related to healthcare administration and management. They may teach classes at the undergraduate or graduate level, depending on their education and experience.
Necessary Requirements:
- Ph.D. degree in a relevant field (e.g., Healthcare Administration, Management, Public Health, etc.)
- Previous teaching experience at the postsecondary level
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for postsecondary business teachers in the US in 2021 was $105,720 and postsecondary health specialties teachers earned $133,310
- The mean annual wage for postsecondary business teachers in Hawaii is $72,300 and postsecondary health specialties teachers earn $127,520
- Pharmaceutical Quality Manager:
A pharmaceutical quality manager is responsible for ensuring company compliance with applicable good-manufacturing practices and quality standards. This includes developing, implementing, and reviewing quality assurance processes, systems, and procedures.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field such as pharmacy, chemistry or biology
- Proven experience in a similar role in a pharmaceutical or healthcare setting
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for quality control inspectors in the US in 2021 was $38,580 and pharmacists earned $128,570
- The mean annual wage for pharmacists in Hawaii is $128,080
- Administrative Coordinator:
An administrative coordinator is responsible for overseeing the daily administrative activities of the company and supporting the executive team with a variety of tasks.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field
- At least 3 years of experience in an administrative role
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for administrative service managers in the US in 2021 was $113,030
- The mean annual wage for administrative service managers in Hawaii is $105,390
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