For professionals looking to transfer their business skills into a new field, the health care management industry offers numerous opportunities in a variety of public and private health care settings. With an aging U.S. population, health care managers are in demand, filling positions within the fields of information technology, corporate communications, finance, project management and clinical management.
Most healthcare management professionals combine experience and education in a health-related discipline with business skills and expertise to offer the most competitive skill set to prospective employers. An ideal education could be a blend of health care and business studies, as is found in the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management program from Florida Institute of Technology. With this degree in hand, aspiring professionals can enter the health care management field with a competitive edge and the preparation to excel.
Experience and Education Needed for a Health Care Management Career
It is becoming increasingly common for professionals transitioning out of patient care and into a health care management position to secure a specialized education online while remaining employed. Flexible online programs like Florida Tech’s MBA in Healthcare Management are ideal for working professionals, those with family obligations, and military personnel and their families.
Others may secure a health care management job through an entry-level business administration position and move up from there. An associate’s degree may provide limited opportunities at the administrative assistant or data entry level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most medical and health services manager positions require a four-year bachelor’s degree at minimum. Further, some employers prefer a master’s degree, so earning an MBA can be an excellent choice for those seeking improved job mobility.
Depending on one’s interest and professional inclinations, a quality education can include health administration studies as well as courses that focus on subjects like information technology, finance, project management or clinical management. On-the-job experience, teamwork skills and a proven track record of maintaining integrity are additional requirements for positive career advancement.
As noted above, top positions often require a master’s degree and additional work experience with demonstrated leadership and training skills. For professionals seeking longevity in this field, a number of certifications are also available; requirements vary from employer to employer and state to state.
Career Paths and Certifications in Health Care Management
The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) provides opportunities for health care managers to network through forums and conferences, engage in continuing education through certification programs, serve the field through engaging in volunteer work and participate in advocacy. In addition to networking, extensive credentialing opportunities exist for health care managers through the American Health Information Management Association. This organization offers credentialing exams in coding, health information management, health data analysis, health care privacy and security, and clinical documentation improvement.
Professionals seeking new opportunities should consider translating current experience into securing a profitable niche in the health care management field. In addition to continuing education, becoming active in a professional association can provide necessary networking experiences leading to more enriching employment opportunities. With the wide range of specialty areas available to health care managers, there is room to apply current skills to a variety of openings in public, private and governmental health care settings.
The health care management industry offers a variety of opportunities for career changers across a wide range of business specialties. Achieving additional education and securing related certifications can help make the transition smoother as well as provide a wide range of experiences and expertise that top employers are looking for in today’s competitive job market.
Enrolling in an advanced online health care management degree program is a convenient way to increase the probability of landing a great job. Additionally, becoming actively involved in a local chapter of a national association affords professionals the opportunity for increased networking, mentoring and other important involvements such as volunteering and engaging in advocacy on behalf of the profession.
Health Care Management Job Outlook and Salary Potential
BLS projects employment of medical and health services managers will increase 29% from 2023 to 2033, reflecting the high demand for qualified professionals in the field. In fact, medical and health services management is currently the 6th fastest growing occupation in the U.S.
In addition to an excellent career outlook, health care management jobs offer substantial compensation. BLS reports that medical and health services managers made a median annual salary of $117,960 in 2024, with the highest 10% earning more than $219,080. Those with advanced education and upper-level positions in areas like administrative leadership and information management can expect to earn an above-average salary.
What Does It Take to Be a Health Care Manager?
In addition to a strong work ethic and valuable work experience, health care management professionals need effective communication skills and expertise in technology related to their position. With its connection to advancing technologies, the field requires ongoing training to maintain effectiveness and to keep skills current. Working well alone and excelling as part of a goal-driven team are both important to this constantly evolving field.
Despite the challenging economy, jobs in health care management continue to show growth and offer career changers an interesting set of alternatives to a current situation. Assembling the right education, expertise and experience is a step in the right direction toward securing a job that will bring sustainable professional growth for many years to come.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MBA in Healthcare Management program.
