Expand in page Navigation
universityhq
By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
Learn more about our editorial process

What is Healthcare Management?

Healthcare managers are healthcare professionals who work in the healthcare industry, with their primary role being to oversee and manage the operations of healthcare facilities, organizations, or health systems. These individuals may be responsible for managing nearly all aspects of a healthcare facility including financial performance, patient care delivery systems, staffing levels, and regulatory compliance.

To become a healthcare manager, a formal education is typically required. Many colleges and universities offer healthcare administration degree programs specifically designed for aspiring healthcare managers. These programs often cover topics such as healthcare economics, public health policy, organizational behavior, and leadership. You may also choose to specialize your education in order to allow you to move quickly into a specific role or part of healthcare. For instance, those who understand the financial side of management and have knowledge of the healthcare system may be able to jump right into a financial management position in a hospital or other medical facility.

Upon graduation from a healthcare management program, individuals can pursue careers in various settings within the healthcare industry. Some common job titles include hospital administrator, nursing home administrator, clinic manager, or health information manager. These professionals must possess strong communication skills and be able to adapt quickly to changes within the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Featured Online Programs

Online Healthcare Management Education in Michigan

Healthcare management is a rapidly growing field, which is responsible for the administration and management of healthcare systems, hospitals, clinics, and other related organizations. It’s also a highly specialized field, which requires a combination of business and healthcare knowledge.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2020 there were 406,100 employed healthcare managers in the US, and this number is expected to grow at an expected 32% rate from 2019-2029 - much faster than other occupations.

The BLS reports that state, local, and private hospitals account for 36% of health management positions; outpatient care centers, medical and diagnostic laboratories, as well as physicians' offices also represent significant employers of healthcare managers.

Healthcare management is a rewarding, fulfilling, and growing career path for individuals with a passion for helping people but maybe not for direct care positions. With the industry continuing to grow, the demand for skilled health management professionals is expected to increase. If you are interested in pursuing a career in health management, obtaining the necessary education and training and gaining experience in the field can help you achieve your career goals.

Online Associates (AS)

An associate healthcare administration or health sciences degree provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter the field of healthcare administration, though it might not allow you to move into the most advanced roles without plenty of experience. These programs typically take two years to complete and cover a range of subjects including healthcare regulation, financial management, medical terminology, and ethics. Students also gain practical experience through internships or other hands-on learning opportunities.

Graduates with an associate degree in health management or health sciences can pursue entry-level positions such as medical office manager or assistant administrator in hospitals, clinics, or physician offices. They may also transfer their credits to a four-year institution to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration.

There are many colleges and universities that offer associate degrees in health management both online and on-campus. However, it’s important for prospective students to research each program thoroughly to ensure they choose one that meets their career goals and fits their schedule and budget. With the demand for qualified professionals in this field expected to grow significantly over the next decade, pursuing an associate healthcare administration or health sciences degree can be a smart investment for those interested in working in the health industry.

Best 25 Online Healthcare Management Associate Schools

Online Bachelors (BS)

If you are considering a career in healthcare management, one of your first steps might be to obtain a bachelor's degree in health management. This is the most commonly required degree for those who are looking to hire professionals into health management roles. These programs provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage healthcare facilities effectively and efficiently. Students learn about various aspects of healthcare management including financial management, human resources management, and healthcare delivery systems, as well as plenty of business management knowledge.

There are numerous colleges and universities that offer bachelor's degrees in health management. Some schools offer online programs that allow students to complete coursework at their own pace while working full-time jobs. Other institutions offer on-campus programs that provide hands-on experience through internships and other experiential learning opportunities.

When choosing a school for your bachelor's degree in health management, it’s essential to consider factors such as accreditation, reputation, cost, and available resources. It’s also crucial to research job opportunities after graduation since different regions have different needs when it comes to healthcare administration professionals. With these factors considered carefully before selecting an institution or program that best suits your needs and goals can help set you up for success post-graduation.

Best 25 Online Healthcare Management Bachelors Schools

Find Your Online Healthcare Management Program

Online Masters (MS)

A master's degree in health management is a popular choice for professionals or qualified students interested in advancing their careers in the healthcare industry. Today, more and more people are looking for experienced and qualified individuals to manage hospitals, clinics, and other organizations in health care systems. This degree focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively lead teams of medical professionals in delivering high-quality patient care.

There are various healthcare management colleges that offer a master's program in this field, and these programs provide an interdisciplinary approach that includes topics such as finance, leadership, policy analysis, ethics, human resources management, strategic planning, and marketing within the field of healthcare. Students will also learn about health informatics which is critical given how much technology has transformed the industry.

Overall, earning a master's in health management can help individuals position themselves for management or executive-level positions within the healthcare field. Graduates of these programs can find work managing hospitals or clinics, working as consultants for pharmaceutical companies, or even working with government agencies to develop healthcare policies that benefit patients nationwide.

Online Doctorate (PhD)

Health management colleges offer a range of options for students seeking a PhD in healthcare management. These programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in leadership roles within the health care industry. They are typically interdisciplinary, drawing on fields such as management, economics, policy, and public health.

One key benefit of pursuing a PhD in health management is the opportunity to engage in research that addresses real-world challenges facing health care organizations. This may include examining the impact of new policies or technologies on patient outcomes, exploring innovative approaches to improving care quality and safety, or analyzing the factors that contribute to disparities in access to care.

Overall, earning a PhD in this field can open doors to exciting career opportunities both within and beyond traditional healthcare settings. Graduates may go on to work as hospital administrators, health system executives, policymakers, consultants, or academics. As the demand for skilled leaders in healthcare continues to grow alongside rapid changes in technology and policy landscapes globally, it makes sense for ambitious individuals who want to make positive impact through their careers consider this option seriously.

Online Certifications

Health management certifications are becoming increasingly valuable in today's complex health industry. These certifications equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage health care organizations, improve patient outcomes, and navigate complex regulatory environments. Healthcare management colleges offer a variety of certification programs that cater to different levels of experience and expertise.

At the undergraduate level, colleges offer certification programs for individuals looking to jumpstart their careers in health management that may also focus on preparing students to earn certifications. However, much of the choice of certification is not focused on your degree, but rather on your professional goals and career path. Thus, no matter what you learn in school, a certification can take your knowledge in new directions.

There are several benefits to obtaining a health management certification. First and foremost, it can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries within the field. Additionally, these certifications demonstrate an individual's commitment to professional development and lifelong learning - qualities that are highly valued by employers in today's competitive job market. As such, pursuing a certification program at one of many established healthcare management colleges can help individuals take their careers in this field to new heights.

Become a Healthcare Manager in Michigan

Health management is an extensive field that encompasses an array of skills. Healthcare managers play a vital role in providing healthcare services to communities; therefore, their ability to oversee operations, finances, personnel management, and stakeholder communications makes them indispensable in Michigan healthcare services delivery. If you want to pursue health management as a career goal in Michigan here are some steps that can help.

  • Step 1: Acquire a Bachelor's Degree

    Step one toward becoming a healthcare manager is earning a bachelor's degree in healthcare management or related field. A comprehensive knowledge of healthcare law, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior will be gained during such degree programs.

  • Step 2: Acquire Professional Experience

    Once you have earned your undergraduate degree, it’s best to gain some experience in the health care industry through working as an administrator, manager, or supervisor. Such work experience will enable you to better comprehend healthcare system's complexities as well as develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. However, you may not be able to jump right into one of these positions. You should be prepared to spend some time in an entry-level role before you move into a more advanced position.

  • Step 3: Earn Your Graduate Degree

    At entry-level positions, a bachelor's degree may suffice; for more advanced roles, a graduate degree such as an MHA or MBA with a concentration in healthcare may be required. Graduate programs often provide the chance to specialize in particular aspects of health management such as policy and regulations, financial management, or informatics.

  • Step 4: Acquire Professional Certifications

    Certifications may not always be required in healthcare management, but professional certifications can demonstrate your expertise and dedication to the profession. Examples of such certifications are Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP), Certified Medical Manager (CMM), or Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM).

  • Step 5: Stay Up to Date with Industry Developments

    As healthcare is ever-evolving, new technologies, policies, and practices emerge all of the time. If you want to remain current as a healthcare manager, you should stay abreast of these developments to adapt your operations as necessary. Consider attending healthcare-specific conferences, workshops, or webinars; joining professional organizations related to health management; subscribing to industry publications; and other options - these can all help keep you abreast of these shifts and stay informed.

Find Online Healthcare Management Programs

What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Healthcare Management?

With a bachelor's degree in health management, you have a wide range of career opportunities. You can work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, or public health organizations. Healthcare managers are responsible for planning and directing the delivery of healthcare services to patients while ensuring that operations comply with laws, regulations, and policies.

Some possible career paths include hospital administrator or manager, where you would oversee daily operations such as staffing and budgeting; health information manager, where you would maintain electronic medical records; policy analyst, where you would analyze healthcare policy trends; practice manager, where you would manage the business side of a physician's office or clinic; or even pharmaceutical sales representative, where you would sell drugs to physicians and other healthcare providers.

To succeed in this field, it is essential to have strong communication skills along with knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare policies. A bachelor's degree in healthcare management provides a solid foundation for pursuing advanced degrees such as an MBA or Master's in Healthcare Administration. Overall, if you're interested in combining business principles with your passion for helping others lead healthier lives, then a career in health management might be just what you're looking for.

Potential Careers for Healthcare Management Graduates

  • Nursing Home Administrator:

    A nursing home administrator is responsible for managing the daily operations of a nursing home, ensuring the highest level of care for residents and compliance with regulations. They oversee staffing, financial management, and facility maintenance to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for residents.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or related field
    • State licensure as a nursing home administrator
    • At least five years of experience in healthcare administration, preferably in a long-term care setting
    • Strong leadership skills and ability to manage staff effectively
    • Knowledge of regulatory requirements for nursing homes

    Estimated Salary

    • The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $127,980
    • The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Michigan is $116,790
  • Healthcare Clinic Manager:

    A healthcare clinic manager's primary role is overseeing daily operations at their healthcare clinic. This involves managing staff, assuring compliance with regulations and policies, and providing high-quality patient care.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration or related field
    • Minimum of 5 years of experience in health management
    • Strong leadership skills necessary for team leadership, knowledge of healthcare regulations
    • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, including both written and verbal correspondence
    • Able to multitask efficiently while prioritizing tasks effectively
    • Possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

    Estimated Salary

    • The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $127,980
    • The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Michigan is $116,790
  • Chief Executive Officer:

    A chief executive officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of the company. The CEO provides leadership, direction, and guidance to the senior management team and ensures that the organization achieves its goals and objectives.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Proven experience as a CEO or in a similar executive leadership role
    • Strong strategic planning and execution skills
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
    • Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team
    • In-depth knowledge of industry trends, market dynamics, and customer needs
    • Bachelor's or Master's in a relevant field; MBA preferred

    Estimated Salary

    • The mean annual wage for chief executives in the US in 2021 was $246,440
    • The mean annual wage for chief executives in Michigan is $312,710
  • Healthcare Administration Consultant:

    As a healthcare administration consultant, your primary responsibility will be providing strategic guidance and support to healthcare organizations. Working closely with teams within healthcare, you will identify areas for improvement while implementing new processes and procedures and devising plans to optimize operations.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • A Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration or a related field
    • Experience working within healthcare administration or consulting
    • Knowledge of healthcare regulations and compliance requirements
    • Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills
    • Being able to work both independently and as part of a team and finally having strong project management abilities

    Estimated Salary

    • The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $127,980
    • The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Michigan is $116,790
  • Clinical Informatics Administrator or Manager:

    A health information manager is accountable for organizing patient health information and maintaining its accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality. They oversee collection, storage, analysis, and dissemination.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Information Management or related field
    • Certification as either a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Technician (RHIT)
    • Knowledge of federal and state laws related to health information management
    • Experience with EHRs and other health information systems
    • Strong analytical skills with attention to detail
    • Exceptional communication abilities both verbally and written

    Estimated Salary

    • The mean annual wage for database administrators in the US in 2021 was $102,530 and computer and information systems managers earned $173,670
    • The mean annual wage for database administrators in Michigan is $86,470 and computer and information systems managers earn $147,940
  • Healthcare Risk Manager:

    A healthcare risk manager's main responsibility is recognizing, assessing, and mitigating potential risks that arise in healthcare settings in order to minimize harm to patients, staff, and the organization as a whole.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Bachelor or Master's degree in healthcare administration, nursing or related field
    • With minimum 3 years experience in Healthcare Risk Management
    • Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to healthcare risk management
    • Furthermore knowledge of federal and state regulations related to Healthcare Risk Management
    • Strong communication and interpersonal abilities is also desirable
    • Ability to collaborate effectively with other departments

    Estimated Salary

    • The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in the US in 2021 was $127,980
    • The mean annual wage for medical and health services managers in Michigan is $116,790
  • Business Administrative Coordinator:

    An administrative coordinator will be responsible for providing administrative support to various departments within the organization. They may create schedules for employees or for conference rooms, manage budgets for supplies or specific departments, help plan office birthday parties or events, reach out to staff or clients who need help, and more.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field preferred
    • Minimum of 2 years of experience working in an administrative role
    • Excellent organizational and time management skills
    • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
    • Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
    • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
    • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

    Estimated Salary

    • The mean annual wage for administrative services managers in the US in 2021 was $115,640
    • The mean annual wage for administrative services managers in Michigan is $109,700

Sources:

Search All Programs