Healthcare management involves developing strategic plans and making informed decisions in a way that is aligned with the long-term growth objectives of the hospital, clinic or department of a hospital. In other words, healthcare managers focus on the big-picture issues, such as overcoming problems (e.g., declining reimbursements) and working toward goals (e.g., reduced readmission rates).1
Healthcare managers oversee one specific department or area of the facility to align with the organization’s goals and policies. Healthcare managers are responsible for all aspects of that specific department, such as the people and resources. For example, one hospital manager may work with the orthopedics department while another oversees the maternity wing. The specific responsibilities of managers can vary from one organization to the next. In some hospitals, managers are primarily concerned with staffing issues. They may focus on ensuring their department has enough qualified staff members on hand to meet the needs of patients.
Healthcare managers may also work on matters related to professional development and continuing education for staff. They may also handle finances such as the department budget and expenditures.
Other critical responsibilities of healthcare management professionals include:
- Working on initiatives to improve the quality of care and the efficiency of its delivery
- Liaising with C-suite executives, as well as with the media and members of local, state or federal governing bodies
- Handling regulatory issues and compliance concerns
- Coordinating activities and goals between hospital departments
To pursue a healthcare management career, you’ll generally be expected to earn a degree specific to healthcare management. A healthcare management degree at the baccalaureate level is typically the minimum qualification necessary for this type of role.1
After your bachelor’s degree, it may be beneficial to pursue graduate-level studies by enrolling in a master’s degree in healthcare management or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in healthcare or health systems management.1
The MBA with a concentration in health systems management is a business degree that teaches specialized, advanced competencies in this area. These competencies include healthcare policies, health systems finances and ethical issues in healthcare organizations. MBA students can expect a significant focus on business courses that cover topics such as managerial finance, accounting practices, operations management and leadership skills.
