What Exactly Is A Healthcare Management Degree?

 
 We are all familiar with the field of healthcare in regards to nurses, doctors but what exactly is a Healthcare Management Degree? Healthcare managers, also called healthcare executives and healthcare administrators, manage the way healthcare is delivered. These individuals are responsible for all aspects of how healthcare is implemented in the everyday practices of hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics and nursing homes/long term care units. There are degrees at Bachelor’s and Master’s Level.

Where Do Individuals With Healthcare Management Degrees Work?

A degree in health care management can lead to exciting future opportunities. Many people think of healthcare as primarily Medical Staff including doctors, nurses and medical staff. However, there are many professionals who keep healthcare organizations running efficiently. Healthcare managers are talented individuals that make positive changes within the healthcare environment they serve. Those with a healthcare management degree are the men and women who manage hospital and healthcare organizations. They are equipped to understand changes in healthcare laws, regulations and technology and are responsible for overseeing all operations including human resources, finance and marketing within the healthcare system.

The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics identifies that 39 percent of healthcare manager’s work in hospitals while 26 percent work in ambulatory health care positions. Another 11 percent work in nursing and Residential Care facilities and 8 percent work for the government.

The aging population has created more healthcare jobs in areas such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, physician practices, insurance and pharmaceutical companies and healthcare administrators for private Companies. Healthcare Managers plan, direct and implement quality healthcare while working to provide effectiveness and profitability.

The Right Education for a Healthcare Management Degree

Degree programs are available at both a Bachelor and Master’s Level in both a traditional classroom environment or through online universities. Courses for this program include healthcare planning, healthcare operations, financial management, compliance and risk management and healthcare systems. They learn to handle real life healthcare delivery situations. Bachelor’s degrees in healthcare management may include courses in public health care regulations, medical ethics, marketing and information technology as well as operations management. With a bachelor’s degree most positions are at an entry level. A master’s degree in Healthcare Management may include course work in healthcare policy and law, marketing, organizational behavior, healthcare financing, human resources, and other healthcare topics and prepares the student for top levels of management.