Are you interested in a management role within the healthcare field? Perhaps you're looking for a type of graduate degree that will help you attain this career goal.
Why not pursue a master's degree in healthcare management?
In this article, we'll answer common questions about this type of degree program, including what it is, the career paths it can lead to, and how it differs from a healthcare administration degree.
What Is a Master's in Healthcare Management Degree?
A master's degree in healthcare management is a degree program that prepares students to take on various management or leadership roles within healthcare organizations.
There are various types of healthcare management master's degrees. The most common are the Master of Science and Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management.
Regardless of the degree's focus, healthcare management degrees teach advanced business management skills and how they specifically apply to healthcare settings.
You will learn and build on your existing communication and leadership skills while also learning how to manage finances and streamline operations efficiently.
These degree programs frequently pair classroom learning with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities to help students put what they learn into practice.
What Careers Can You Have With a Master's in Healthcare Management Degree?
A master's degree in healthcare management enables you to pursue a variety of advanced career paths. Those holding this degree often become managers of individual departments within a facility.
Here are some career options to consider.
Health Information Manager
Health information managers serve as the head of a facility's health information department. Their job involves protecting patient records and other types of information.
They manage and oversee the interaction between patients, providers, and insurance companies, ensuring patient privacy standards are maintained and no errors are made.
Health information managers commonly work for hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, private practices, and other facilities where patient information is kept.
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts are tasked with reviewing existing healthcare policies and amending them or creating new ones as necessary.
Their job involves conducting a great amount of data analysis and determining what changes and updates to make based on the data.
Policy analysts typically work for government agencies, as well as insurance companies and other private research organizations.
Hospital CEO
Hospital CEOs manage and oversee all operations within a healthcare facility. They are ultimately responsible for all individual departments in the facility.
Hospital CEOs perform a variety of administrative duties, from creating budgets to hiring staff to ensuring all state and federal regulations are met. They also serve as the public face of the facility.
CEOs work not only for hospitals but other large healthcare facilities as well, such as nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities.
What Is the Difference Between Healthcare Management and Healthcare Administration?
Many people use the terms 'healthcare management' and 'healthcare administration' interchangeably. However, there are some notable differences between each type of role.
Those in healthcare management roles are often involved in the day-to-day operations of a facility. They typically manage individual departments within that facility.
Meanwhile, those in administrative roles typically take on more big-picture tasks. They may be in charge of an entire facility, not just an individual department.
With this in mind, healthcare managers commonly report to healthcare administrators. Though their job duties overlap quite a bit, administrators typically perform these duties on a larger scale.
Those with a master's degree in healthcare management typically work in a management role, though they are sometimes hired for administrative positions.
What Schools Offer Master's in Healthcare Management Degrees?
For those interested in a master's in healthcare management, here are some great options to consider.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is a private school in Baltimore, MD. It offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Management.
This degree program is for full-time students planning to attend classes on campus. It features a world-class curriculum and various experiential learning opportunities.
The program consists of 36 credit hours and is completed within one year.
Atlantis University
Atlantis University is located in Miami, FL. This private school offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Management.
Students can complete this degree program either online or on campus. It combines business administration and healthcare management classes for a well-rounded education.
The program comprises 30 credit hours and runs for 20 months.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a regionally accredited, private, and fully online school headquartered in Millcreek, UT. It offers a Master of Business Administration in healthcare management.
The online classes are flexible and new start dates are available monthly, allowing students to move at their own pace and get their degree on their schedule.
The degree consists of 11 total courses and is usually completed within one year.
Pursue Your Dream Career With a Master's in Healthcare Management
Whether you're looking to be a department manager within your current healthcare facility or move into a new career, a master's in healthcare management can help you attain your goals.
