Healthcare Management Jobs: How to Start in the Industry

By 2030, the healthcare industry is predicted to add about 2.6 million new jobs. In the past few years alone, we have seen a greater demand for healthcare services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The need for healthcare workers doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. If you don’t want to be a front-line worker, but want to join the healthcare industry to make a change, healthcare management could be right for you.

Healthcare management jobs provide a range of opportunities for employees, but what do you need to succeed? Keep reading to find out how to get started in this industry.

Healthcare Management Jobs

When you pursue a career in healthcare management, you’ll find a variety of job options. Some of the most popular careers include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Hospital CEO
• Hospital CFO
• Human Resource
• Patient care service
• Claims manager
• Medical practice manager

The healthcare industry is consistently growing, so there will always be a need for healthcare management jobs.

Getting Started in the Industry

Before you can snag any of the above jobs, there are certain qualifications you need to have. First, you’ll start by determining your educational path.

Get a Degree

There are different schools and programs where you can study healthcare. Hiring managers prefer that you have a Bachelor’s degree, but it’s also common to have a Master’s degree in the field.

Luckily, management positions require experience to help you navigate your path. You can start with a Bachelor’s degree, gain real-life experience, and then work your way up to a Master’s degree if you choose.

Healthcare management combines business-related courses and healthcare-related courses. You can achieve a healthcare management degree online or in person.

Gain Work Experience

Attempting to find a position in healthcare management with only a degree is difficult because healthcare is a specialized industry.

No matter the position you are striving to get, gaining work experience first will be a part of the process. Some managers start by working in healthcare administration or a hospital’s billing department before moving up.

It is beneficial to choose an education program that offers work experience opportunities for you to take advantage of.

Consider Licensing and Certification

Although not typically required in most states for healthcare management, licensing and certification can help your resume.

If you plan to work as a nursing home administrator before moving into management, a license is required in all states. Certification is becoming more important in these roles as the job requires more responsibilities than before.

Even if licensing and certifications are not a requirement, going the extra mile to receive either can help you stand out as a candidate.

Do You Have What It Takes to Have a Career in Healthcare?

Healthcare is a serious industry that requires a certain type of person to make it into a career.

If you like to work with people, consider yourself a multitasker, and want a variety of job options to choose from, healthcare management could be perfect for you.

Although there are many healthcare management jobs out there, they are not easy to come by without the right education and work experience. Take what you’ve learned from this guide to start your journey in healthcare management.

For more articles that discuss education and careers, check out the other posts on our blog.