What is Healthcare Management?
Rhode Island boasts several colleges and universities offering programs in healthcare management and related fields. Those who complete these programs generally acquire the knowledge needed to establish and oversee healthcare initiatives in various medical settings including hospitals, health insurance companies, and nursing homes. This major is well-suited for individuals dedicated to supporting medical institutions in delivering high-quality patient care.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers and other healthcare professionals in health care organizations is projected to grow 28% from 2022 to 2032. This is much faster than the average for all occupations and will result in an increase of about 54,700 job openings each year.
Educational services, healthcare administration, and social assistance is the second largest industry in Rhode Island, accounting for $8 billion in revenue each year. Based on data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state employed 1,540 medical health services managers in May 2022. The annual mean wage for these professionals in the state was $147,430. This is significantly above the reported annual mean wage of $64,530 for all occupations in Rhode Island.
Degree programs in healthcare management are offered throughout the United States, with both traditional and remote enrollment options available. Although online programs offer great flexibility, the actual institutional location can significantly influence future job prospects. If planning to work in Rhode Island, it’s sometimes recommended that students give preference to local colleges and universities. These institutions design their curriculum to closely align with state standards, ensuring graduates acquire skills and knowledge highly valued by employers in the region. Moreover, they can offer tailored assistance for individuals seeking various state certifications and licenses.
Healthcare managers, often known as medical and health services managers, play a crucial role in the effective functioning of healthcare organizations. These professionals are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing the delivery of healthcare services across various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
In their multifaceted role, these professionals engage in strategic planning, financial management, and policy implementation. They also collaborate with medical professionals, administrative staff, and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. Additionally, their responsibilities extend to developing and implementing organizational goals, adapting to changes in healthcare laws and regulations, and overseeing the efficient utilization of resources.
Strong leadership skills are a prerequisite for most healthcare managers. They are frequently involved in hiring and training staff, managing budgets, and implementing improvements in patient care. With the evolving landscape of healthcare, these professionals are also crucial in implementing technology solutions, managing healthcare information systems, and ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and regulations.
Overall, healthcare managers are instrumental in delivering quality healthcare services. Their oversight of operational aspects, commitment to regulatory compliance, and involvement in strategic initiatives contribute significantly to maintaining the delicate balance between providing excellent patient care and managing the business aspects of healthcare facilities.
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Online Healthcare Management Education in Rhode Island
Several colleges and universities in Rhode Island offer degrees in health management and related fields. Prospective students have the option to choose from associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. However, it’s important to emphasize that post-graduation success may be impacted significantly by the type of degree(s) acquired. While those with associate degrees may attain entry-level positions, opportunities are sometimes limited. In most instances, professionals in this field will require bachelor's degrees or higher, and more advanced education becomes essential to qualify for supervisory roles.
Online Associates (AS)
Associate degrees in healthcare management generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. In undergraduate programs, there is usually a combination of general liberal arts and program-specific courses. Curriculum specifics may vary, but students can typically anticipate exposure to standard subjects like English communication, mathematics, and social sciences, coupled with classes related to their major. Those enrolled in healthcare management programs are likely to be instructed on topics such as healthcare technology, medical terminology, marketing, and medical office administration. Instruction in popular technologies, data systems, and medical coding methods is also common. This type of education usually provides a comprehensive introduction to the field that allows students to gain essential foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level employment in most medical offices and/or further learning.
Typically, this degree prepares individuals for roles as medical secretaries, medical assistants, and medical records technicians. Opportunities may also be available in other health administration jobs at health-related facilities and health care services. Notably, however, associate degree holders are unlikely to qualify for employment as healthcare managers. This profession generally requires more advanced instruction in the field.
Those aiming to become healthcare managers will need to pursue further education. Fortunately, those with associate degrees may be closer to obtaining traditional four-year degrees than they realize. Credits from undergraduate courses may be transferred and utilized in new degree programs. Many higher education institutions accept up to 60 or 90 hours of previous coursework. As a result, associate degree graduates may need as little as two additional years of education to obtain bachelor's degrees.
National Rankings - Top 25 online associates in healthcare managementOnline Bachelors (BS)
Bachelor’s degrees in healthcare management generally consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. Like with associate degrees, these undergraduate programs usually contain a combination of general liberal arts and program-specific courses. Curriculum specifics may vary, but students can typically anticipate exposure to standard subjects like English communication, mathematics, and social sciences, coupled with classes related to their major. Those enrolled in healthcare management programs are likely to be instructed on topics such as healthcare law, management information systems, and budgeting in healthcare. Other common areas of study include marketing, business law, and ethics.
Furthermore, many educational institutions require healthcare management students at this level to engage in residencies or internships. This allows those enrolled to work in actual healthcare facilities, acquiring and refining the knowledge and skills gained through classroom instruction.
Typically, these degrees prepare individuals for roles as medical office administrators, healthcare human resources managers, health information officers, and community service managers. Business-related positions may also be available. Alternatively, graduates can choose to pursue further education. Aspiring master's degree candidates must be ready to fulfill institutional admission criteria, including minimum grade point averages (GPAs) and satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores.
National Rankings - Top 25 online bachelors in healthcare management easiest college degreesOnline Masters (MS)
Master’s degrees in healthcare management generally range from 30 to 45 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two to three years to complete. With graduate-level coursework, there is usually an absence of undergraduate or general liberal arts classes. However, students often must showcase their expertise in advanced subject matter within the field. For this purpose, many educational institutions require the submission of past transcripts to confirm the fulfillment of particular prerequisite courses.
Graduate degree programs are usually designed to help students prepare for more advanced career prospects in the field. Although the exact course requirements vary, students often learn about management, business, accounting, and healthcare. Those enrolled might also delve into subjects like medical terminology, hospital structure, health information systems, health services management, human resources administration, strategic planning, and health economics. Graduates can find roles dealing with health care finance, health policy, mental health or community health care organizations, and more.
Like bachelor's programs, graduate students in healthcare management usually need to participate in supervised administrative experiences. These experiences often take place in hospitals or healthcare consulting settings, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities. Importantly, graduate-level residencies can extend for a longer duration compared to those available to undergraduates. In certain instances, these internships may even cover an entire academic year.
Typically, these degrees prepare individuals for roles as medical records supervisors, hospital administrators, health information management managers, and healthcare consultants. In most cases, they have more job options available and earn higher salaries than those with associate and/or bachelor’s degrees.
National Rankings - Top 25 online masters in healthcare managementOnline Doctorate (PhD)
Regarded as terminal degrees, these programs signify the pinnacle of education in the field. They usually entail intensive academic exploration, delving into advanced subjects like healthcare management, finance, medical law, ethics, healthcare data, and informatics. Initially, students typically participate in traditional classroom learning and coursework. As they advance, the focus shifts to independent study, research, and writing.
Many doctoral programs also include residencies. Generally, students must present and defend dissertations before completing their studies. Graduates have access to various career paths in healthcare management, research, or academia. They may also secure positions leading large medical teams or serve as hospital CEOs.
Check out our financial aid guide How to Pay for College guideBecome a Healthcare Management in Rhode Island
Pursuing a career in healthcare management generally starts by exploring the wide variety of job opportunities available in the field. There are numerous positions to choose from, each with distinct hiring criteria and expectations. Becoming familiar with these various options and their corresponding requirements is important, especially when establishing your ultimate career goals. After identifying your preferred profession, you can determine how much and what kind of education is necessary. Keeping this information in mind ensures you select the most suitable degree program, as well as relevant elective courses, potential minors, academic focuses, extracurricular engagements, and internship opportunities that align with your objectives.
In this field, not all individuals choose to pursue healthcare management degrees. Depending on the desired career path, opting to major in health administration, nursing, or a related field may also be useful. In some cases, a business degree can also be a suitable option. This is especially true when the program in question places emphasis on various healthcare topics.
Companies set their own specific hiring criteria for healthcare management positions. Typically, bachelor's degrees are considered the minimum education required. Prerequisites do vary, however, from job to job. Some employers, especially those hiring for supervisory roles, prefer or require candidates to have master's degrees. While not strictly necessary for employment, advanced degrees and substantial professional work experience do tend to lead to the most successful administrative or clinical careers in the healthcare field.
Depending on your chosen profession, obtaining licensure may be necessary to gain employment. In the United States, certain roles mandate licensure. Common examples of this are nursing home administrators, registered nurses, and social workers. Credentialing prerequisites typically vary by state, however. If your desired position necessitates licensure, you will need to carefully research the standards and expectations established in Rhode Island. Becoming familiar with these expectations will help ensure you are prepared to meet the specific licensure requirements applicable to your occupation within the state.
Pursuing additional certifications can provide substantial benefits to your career preparation. Achieving at least one credential serves as a demonstration of your commitment to the field and highlights your competence in specific subject areas. They can also enhance your credibility and proficiency.
State boards generally do not mandate which specific certifications are required for healthcare management professionals. This flexibility allows you to choose the credential(s) to pursue based on personal interest and/or professional objectives. While some of the best-regarded certifications available in the field are offered by the Health Information Management Association and the Project Management Institute, there are many other options available.
Popular options include:
- Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
- Certified Medical Manager (CMM)
- Certified Healthcare Administrative Professionals (cHAP)
- Certified Professional in Health Care Risk Management (CPHRM)
- Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC)
- Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CFHP)
- Certified Revenue Cycle Executive (CRCE)
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)
Students and seasoned professionals alike can gain valuable advantages by joining diverse professional organizations and associations. These entities often offer a range of benefits such as access to scholarly journals, chances for continuous education, discounts on services and products, and invites to networking events. Notable organizations and associations in the field include:
- American Health Information Management Association (AAHIM)
- American Association of Health Care Administrative Management (AAHAM)
- The Southern Association of Workers’ Compensation Administrators (SAWCA)
- National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)
- American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA)
- American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administrators (ASHHRA)
Careers for Healthcare Management Graduates
- Administrative Coordinator
Administrative coordinators play a pivotal role in companies, overseeing daily office operations and facilitating efficient workflow. These professionals contribute to the smooth functioning of offices, enhancing productivity and enabling teams to achieve their objectives. They achieve this by ensuring seamless communication between team members, maintaining organized records, and handling logistical aspects of projects. Common responsibilities include scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, and supporting various departments. According to PayScale, administrative coordinators make an average base salary of $50,323 per year. - Assisted Living Administrator
Assisted living administrators oversee the daily operations of assisted living facilities, ensuring the well-being of residents and compliance with all relevant regulations. These professionals play a crucial role in creating a safe and supportive environment for residents, promoting their quality of life. They manage staff, coordinate services, handle administrative tasks, engage with families, address concerns, and implement policies to enhance the overall experience for residents in these residential care settings. According to PayScale, assisted living administrators make an average base salary of $63,500 per year. - Chief Operations Officer (COO)
COOs are high-ranking executives responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of organizations and ensuring their strategic goals are met. They play a crucial role in decision-making, often collaborating with other professionals to develop and implement policies, manage resources, and drive operational efficiency. Their primary areas of focus typically include operational processes, workflow optimization, and organizational growth. They contribute to the overall success of the company by providing leadership and direction to achieve operational excellence and meet business objectives. According to PayScale, chief operations officers make an average base salary of $124,227 per year. - Clinical Manager
Clinical managers oversee various operational aspects of healthcare facilities, ensuring smooth and efficient daily procedures. They collaborate with medical staff to coordinate patient care, manage budgets, implement policies, and participate in strategic planning to improve healthcare services, address challenges, and ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care within the organization. They are also integral to maintaining regulatory compliance, managing personnel, and optimizing processes to enhance patient outcomes. Their leadership contributes to the effective functioning of clinical departments and overall healthcare service delivery. According to PayScale, clinical managers make an average base salary of $75,243 per year. - Health Information Manager
Health information managers play a crucial role in healthcare data management, implementing and overseeing health information systems to streamline data access and retrieval. They are responsible for organizing, maintaining, and securing patient records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations. These professionals also contribute to the efficiency of healthcare services by managing electronic health records and safeguarding sensitive medical information. Their expertise in data management supports healthcare providers in delivering optimal patient care while adhering to privacy standards. According to PayScale, health information managers make an average base salary of $59,038 per year. - Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, ensuring efficient and quality services. Working to improve organizational effectiveness, they manage staff, budgets, and resources, as well as handle strategic planning, policy implementation, and compliance with healthcare regulations. These professionals are also often responsible for addressing challenges, optimizing workflows, and promoting patient-centric care within the healthcare system. Coordinating various departments, their contributions enhance the overall success and functionality of healthcare institutions. According to PayScale, healthcare administrators make an average base salary of $77,530 per year. - Hospice Administrator
Hospice administrators oversee the operations of hospice facilities, ensuring the delivery of compassionate end-of-life care. They manage staff, maintain regulatory compliance, and handle budgetary aspects. By coordinating services, they play a vital role in providing comfort and support to individuals and their families during challenging times. Effective leadership and organizational skills are crucial in this role as they navigate complex healthcare environments to facilitate quality hospice care. According to PayScale, hospice administrators make an average base salary of $94,002 per year. - Medical Secretary
Medical secretaries contribute to the overall functionality and efficiency of healthcare facilities by performing various administrative tasks. Responsibilities often include managing patient records, appointments, and billing, as well as handling correspondence, transcribing medical notes, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. They play a crucial role in maintaining organized and efficient healthcare practices, especially related to facilitating effective communication between healthcare providers, patients, and insurance companies. According to PayScale, medical secretaries make an average base salary of $41,173 per year.
sources:
- Medical and Health Services Managers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on October 11, 2023 from:
- May 2021 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Rhode Island. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on October 11, 2023 from:
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on October 11, 2023from:
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