April 24, 2024

I Am Just Starting College. Why Should I Pursue Healthcare Management?

Healthcare mangers are those decision makers who will plan, direct and manage in hospitals, doctor’s practices, clinics, public health organizations, long-term care and other medical settings. Although job opportunities are available in some areas of Healthcare management with a Bachelor’s Degree, many executive positions are requiring graduate degrees. Opportunities for employment are available in large Metropolitan areas of the country as well as rural communities.

Healthcare Management is a Highly Respected Career

If you are looking for a career that is highly respected within the community, a career in Healthcare Management will provide the opportunity to make significant changes and contributions to the overall quality of health in the community and beyond. CNNMoney lists Healthcare Management as one of the Best Jobs in America 2010.

Strong Job Outlook for the Future of Healthcare Management

Even in a slow economy, Healthcare has continued to expand and is the single largest industry in the county and the second largest employer in the United States. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts the employment of Healthcare Managers will grow at least twenty three percent until the year 2020. This is considerably higher growth than any other occupation in today’s economy. With the growing age of the population (baby boomers) and with the tendency for people to remain active and healthy longer, the demand for trained Healthcare professionals will continue to grow. With over eleven million current positions, almost all new jobs within the private sector of the job marketplace are in Healthcare. This means there will be a plethora of job opportunities for those with the education and skills in the thriving healthcare market.

Pay Scale for Healthcare Managers/Executives

Although salaries will differ based on the type of job, area of employment and educational levels, Healthcare managers are paid anywhere from $30,000 to upwards of $140,000 annually. The median salary in May 2012 annually for Healthcare managers was $88,580. Senior Healthcare Executives with experience can earn upwards of $200,000. Healthcare facilities and clinics have recognized the growing need for trained employees to fill management roles and are willing to pay top salaries for those skilled employees. Larger cities tend to pay higher salaries than smaller communities. Hospitals and clinics tend to pay higher salaries, often because they involve higher degrees of responsibility.

Areas of Employment for Healthcare Managers

Those with an education in Healthcare Management have many opportunities for employment including Hospitals, Health Insurance Organizations, Pharmaceutical Companies, Long Term Care organizations, state and federal organizations and academia as managers, planners, administrators and CEO’s.

If you are a good decision maker, have strong leadership and motivational skills, are organized, and have strong communication skills a career in Healthcare Management can provide a rewarding and exciting career path. As an Administrator or Manager in a healthcare setting, you will have the opportunity to help improve the quality of healthcare to the patients, their families and their communities in which you will serve. Although the demands at the executive level of Healthcare Management can be demanding, the financial and personal rewards can be outstanding.