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Healthcare management can be a career choice for those interested in working in the industry in a nonclinical role. Helping clinicians, streamlining processes and building health-related programs ultimately support better patient care and satisfaction as well as overall population health. Here we'll take a closer look at some healthcare management jobs.

Healthcare management jobs vary widely in responsibility and scope. Positions in the field may include everything from making sure there are enough medical and office supplies for a medical practice to developing policies and programs for an entire hospital system.

Healthcare organizations need managers to oversee the deployment of technology and new equipment and to ensure accurate billing and record-keeping practices. Overall, such contributions help ensure that patients receive the care they need and that healthcare organizations stay financially healthy.

Knowing what health information management and healthcare management jobs exist can help plan an education. These are job categories to expect to be prepared for with a healthcare management degree. Here are some potential career paths in this field.

Medical office managers work behind the scenes to ensure medical facilities run smoothly. This administrative position is typically not patient-facing but directly affects patient care. Office managers handle hiring, manage inventory and equipment purchases and maintenance, and oversee administrative and billing staff in a medical facility.

In a large hospital, an office manager may oversee a specific wing or department. In a smaller clinic or doctor’s office, the manager typically oversees the entire facility and ensures it has the staff, equipment and support services needed for daily operations. A bachelor’s degree may be preferred to ensure a familiarity with healthcare processes and requirements, but it’s not always required.

Practice managers oversee day-to-day operations at a medical facility. in large hospitals, clinics, healthcare networks, independent practices and surgery centers.

In addition to managing administrative and financial aspects of daily healthcare operations, these non-patient-facing managers also ensure compliance with healthcare laws and adopt practices to ensure quality patient care. Compared to office managers, practice managers play a larger role in long-term strategies, policy adoption, talent acquisition and the establishment of standard procedures.

Practice managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare management, administration or a related field. 

Rather than overseeing an entire facility, program managers focus on specific initiatives. Program managers create plans, set benchmarks and come up with a budget for programs focused on wellness, diet and nutrition, stress management, disease prevention and other health topics. Though this job can involve hiring employees, it may also focus on selecting and deploying existing workers to provide healthcare to the target population through the program.

The specific qualifications for this profession can vary depending on the program. A degree in public health or healthcare administration may be necessary for overseeing community health programs. Studies in health information management or a more tech-oriented field might serve you better for projects involving the implementation of technology or building an EHR system.

Program managers have a direct impact on healthcare quality and outcomes, so they play a pivotal role in organizations and facilities. 

Medical and health services managers use tools like data analysis, healthcare policy evaluation, and procedure and policy planning to improve care and patient outcomes. They evaluate different components and personnel involved in diagnostic and treatment processes and outline how to deploy them for maximum efficiency, value and benefit.

In addition to planning and overseeing healthcare service processes, health managers often oversee hiring, staff scheduling, performance evaluation and use of equipment and supplies.

A degree in healthcare management or a related subject provides a knowledge base in medical practices and management techniques. Most health services managers hone their skills in entry-level administrative roles before moving into a leadership position.

As of May 2024, medical and health services managers , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to . About 61,400 openings for medical and health services managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Assessing your knowledge of and experience with these hard and soft skills for healthcare management jobs is a part of the job interview process. In fact, screening for such skills often informs common healthcare interview questions:

• What drew you to a career in healthcare?
• What makes you stand out as a healthcare practitioner?
• How do you see the future of healthcare?
• How do you stay informed on current events and advancements in healthcare?
• How do you handle difficult or scared patients?
• How do you communicate bad news to patients and their families?
• Describe a time you went above and beyond for a patient.

An MBA is not required to succeed in a healthcare administration management career. An MBA could, however, help those with an existing healthcare degree or a background in the field by providing skills and expertise in business processes. Some students opt for a dual Master of Health Administration/Master of Business Administration, which provides an in-depth education in both healthcare management and business operations. Knowing which jobs you can get with a healthcare management degree can help you decide if you want to earn an MBA.

������ý offers multiple degree programs in health administration and management for various interests and goals, ranging from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees. The online format allows you to pursue your educational goals from wherever you are in a way that aligns with your personal and professional obligations.

If you’re seeking an undergraduate program, consider the online healthcare administration degree���ǰ� online healthcare management degree. If you already have your bachelor’s degree, you might consider the Master of Health Administration or the Master of Health Administration/Master of Business Administration.

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