A healthcare management degree may provide many students with a versatile career path. This type of education opens the doors for various positions within the industry, potentially allowing you to explore areas that interest you the most. Consider a few of the ways you can use a healthcare management degree.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates those working in this industry had a mean annual wage of $132,180 in 2021 in California. That amount differs based on the type of work that’s done. Here’s a look at some of the different career paths.
#1: Medical and Health Services Manager
A medical and health services manager helps to coordinate the medical and health services within a healthcare setting. That may include a hospital, clinic, or public health agency. Those working in this area may need to complete their master’s degree to continue advancing.
#2: Healthcare Administrator
Working as a healthcare administrator typically involves managing a department in a hospital. Individuals who complete their master’s in this field may even manage the overall hospital and healthcare system. The work typically includes long-term planning for the organization and ensuring operations run smoothly.
#3: Practice Manager
The practice manager position often involves managing the day-to-day operations of a doctor’s office. This includes managing not just the daily operations but also budgeting and marketing. It may also involve creating new strategies to grow the company.
#4: Quality Manager
A healthcare facility quality manager is typically responsible for complying with and managing current care standards. They may oversee the current processes and work to create ways to improve them. This may include leading workshops for teams or hosting seminars to improve staff members’ training. They create and maintain best practices in the industry.
#5: Assisted Living Administrator
Those who wish to work as assisted living administrators will spend time meeting the needs of residents in an assisted living community. They oversee the day-to-day operations at the location and help with things like dietary planning support, budgeting, and creating a positive, healthy living space for those who live there. They work with both employees and residents, and sometimes family members as well.
#6: Health Care Clinic Manager
With some experience in the field and at least a bachelor’s degree, some people may be able to work as health care clinic managers. Their work involves hiring and training team members in typically small to mid-sized health care facilities. They work to conduct staff meetings, maintain the facilities, oversee the billing process and market their services to patients. They typically manage all aspects of the financial operations.
#7: Home Health Care Administrator
Those working with a home health care administrator will typically assist patients in their homes and oversee the management of others in the business. They communicate with families and patients about care and needs. Often, they spend time working through others to ensure that proper care is always given to patients. They also ensure that all regulations are met within the care that’s provided. Their job often involves working with others, including nurses and care providers who visit patients in their homes for medical needs.
#8: Medical Coding Specialist
Some individuals may also work as medical coding specialists. That means they will help with coding of medical services so that proper claims can be made for health insurance. These individuals have to have a careful level of attention to detail and need to be able to understand medical procedures, diagnoses, and specific conditions to ensure proper coding occurs. They also have to have a working understanding of prescriptions. They can provide this type of service in a range of settings, including hospitals and medical clinics.
#9: Healthcare Department Manager
A department manager oversees one component of a larger system, such as one hospital floor or one area of care provided within a larger medical facility. They may work with several doctors and numerous employees to provide overall management of the day-to-day operations of that organization.
#10: Healthcare Finance Manager
One of the things that makes a healthcare finance manager’s job a bit more unique is that it focuses heavily on managing health insurance claims, billing, and other financial aspects of running a company instead of just patient care. These individuals create reports, manage compensation, and design budgets for the organization.
Ready to Take the First Step?
For those who wish to work in healthcare management positions like these, it is necessary to tailor your education to those areas. At Casa Loma College, we offer an Allied Health Leadership and Management bachelor’s degree program that may help you achieve these goals. Learn how to meet the challenges of management in the health care industry and how to work with other people.
Take a few minutes to learn more about our B.S. in Allied Health Leadership and Management programs.
