But, with so many different career possibilities to choose from, how do you know which is right for you?
The first step to a rewarding, successful healthcare management career is choosing the right concentration. Consider how each of these two core knowledge areas can help prepare you for the healthcare job you want:
1. Leadership
The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and healthcare managers are tasked with helping their organizations keep up with the pace of change. If you’re a forward-thinking problem solver, a leadership concentration might be the right path for you.
In order to lead their companies into the future, healthcare management professionals must possess a strong mix of critical thinking, decision-making and communication
skills. In addition to helping organizations meet the growing demand for healthcare services, today’s healthcare managers might oversee how new information systems are integrated into an organization’s existing processes, or lead initiatives designed to improve employee education and enhance the quality of
patient care.
Students who pursue a leadership track in their healthcare management program learn the fundamentals of healthcare management from a business standpoint, from change management to administrative law. Graduates can go on to pursue careers as a hospital administrator, medical practice manager, health and social service manager, and much more.
2. Managed Care
If you’re interested in helping to expand access to healthcare services, you might find yourself at home in the managed care field.
In today’s health insurance market, the majority of insurance providers and healthcare organizations provide some degree of
managed care, which is a means of delivering healthcare services (such as insurance) in ways that improve quality and control costs. Managed care encompasses more than just insurance, though – you can also find
managed care roles in public health, working to fulfill community healthcare needs.
Pursuing a concentration in managed care gives students an advantage in the job market for
management and leadership roles at health insurance companies, managed care providers, hospitals, and more.
What you can do with a degree in healthcare management
No matter where your interests lie, there’s a healthcare management position for you. Building specialized knowledge through a career-focused healthcare degree program is the key to finding the role that’s right for you and ensuring your long-term career success.