Access to health care is a necessity for everyone. But as patient expectations evolve and the demand for health services grows, we need more in command. As a result, this has led to a significant uptick in career-switchers showing interest in the healthcare field. The days when the healthcare field was exclusively governed by medical graduates are no more.
The surge towards healthcare industry from other professions isn't a hasty or uninformed decision. It's about the thrill of working in a field where innovation reigns supreme and the fulfillment of making a tangible difference in people's lives. Plus, job security is not something to be overlooked either!
Our Healthcare Administration concentration at a glance
What is healthcare management?
So, what is healthcare management? According to the article “Healthcare Management Vs. Leadership: What’s the difference?” healthcare management is the daily coordination of all the moving parts in healthcare operations. From private practices to large scale hospitals, there are a ton of administrative processes that need to be performed for healthcare organization, whether they are clinics or a large-scale hospital, to function smoothly.
To put it in simpler terms, we can reference the insights of Russ Moran, an Executive Adjunct Professor at both the D’Amore-McKim School of Business and the Bouve College of Health Sciences. With more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, his expertise focuses on organizational leadership, provider network contracting and strategy, service operations and technology, and service innovation. He sees the field as the bridge between administration and executive decision-making.
“There isn’t a big difference between healthcare management and administration. Administration is overseeing multiple departments and functional areas, where managers are the people that get the work done.”
Issue? Challenge? The health services managers have got it covered! As Moran quips: “If you talk to a senior administrator or executive in the healthcare organization and ask them, how's everything going? You'll generally get "we're dealing with challenges". They are dealing with the challenges because of the managers in the organization. When you talk to the managers directly, they know what's going on, where the problems are, and how to fix them”.
There's a whole lot you can do with a healthcare management degree!
How to become a healthcare manager
Becoming a healthcare manager isn't an overnight journey. It starts with the traditional secondary education path, acquiring a bachelor's or associate's degree, and often continues through to a master's or even a doctoral degree. Fancy working at the C-suite? You might want to consider that master's or doctorate.
To clarify, simply depending on classroom studies alone will not be enough. You need to exhibit leadership qualities while showcasing your affinity for problem-solving and a knack for organization.
Top requirements in healthcare management
Foundational Education
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree isn't just a piece of paper. It's your ticket to enter into the world of healthcare management. Degrees in health administration, public health, business, or nursing are the classics in the field.
Master's Degree
If you're eyeing up the plush corner offices, a master's degree may be your best bet. A Master’s in Healthcare Management or Healthcare Administration can open up those higher-level opportunities.
Consider this for added insight: whether you come from a busies or clinical background, Russ Moran recommends opting for a master’s program that offers courses on public health, healthcare technology, finance, clinical foundations, and business. Dive into those courses through Northeastern’s Online MS in Management program.
Specialized Certifications
Have you ever encountered the idea that diversity and variety are essential in life? Well, the same principal applies to healthcare management certifications. From organizations like the Professional Association of Healthcare Office Management to the American Health Information Management Association and the American College of Healthcare Administrators, there’s a wide range of certification available to choose from, including a graduate certificate option through Northeastern’s Online MS in Management.
And if hospitals are your primary area of interest, Moran recommends a peek at the American Hospital Association’s certifications. “American Hospital Association has some certifications that are available to hospital administrators, and depending on your desired career you may want to take a look at some of those,” Moran advises.
Additionally, project management certifications can further enhance the value of your already distinguished master’s degree.
Professional Network
Speak with any experienced healthcare management professional, and they will emphasize that achieving success is not only about your knowledge but also about your professional network.
"From my knowledge of talking to folks in healthcare administration and management, those people are often being promoted or hired as a result of connections with organizations”, Moran affirms.
So, if you're a healthcare professional eyeing management, your contacts within organizations could help you achieve your end goal. And remember, having expertise in a healthcare field and mastering clinical practice aren't optional, they are essential!
Industry Knowledge
Healthcare isn't all white coats and stethoscopes. It's a complex ecosystem and to thrive, you need to understand its nuances.
"People need a good understanding of the various, what I would call the 'healthcare ecosystem,' and how the various players compete and interrelate to each other,” says Moran.
Bear in mind, this ecosystem isn't static. It’s rapidly shifting from traditional paradigms to incorporate competitors like CVS's minuteclinics and Walmart's physician clinics. Understanding these new battlegrounds, and how to compete or collaborate, can be incredibly beneficial.
Transferable Skills
Here's a secret for those thinking about a switch to healthcare management: you're not starting from scratch. In fact, you may already have a lot of the skills needed!
"I think if you're interested in moving from a different industry it’s important to think about what skills you use in your current role and how those skills can be transferable to healthcare,” Moran makes clear.
But choose a program that prioritizes skill development over alphabet soup of degree titles. Updating your skills toolkit is what counts.
And guess what? The key skills to flaunt are not always the obvious ones. Understanding the impact of processes on culture, resilience in the face of change, and polished communication skills, including listening to trends and market shifts, can distinguish you in this field.
Start your career in healthcare management
Taking the plunge into healthcare management is not just about picking a new career. It's a commitment to real impact, better outcomes, and a more efficient health ecosystem. And like every worthy endeavor, it needs prep work.
Enhancing your resume with business and healthcare management skills is a sensible choice and a matter of practicality.
Looking for a good place to start? The Online MS in Management program at Northeastern is designed to make industry-fit professionals. Through it’s collaboration with the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, you can build the right blend of credentials, connections, and industry acumen to make your career transition a grand success. Embrace the knowledge, embark on the journey, and see how you can contribute to improving the healthcare sector, one management solution at a time!
Are you ready to take the journey from being a health enthusiast to a healthcare manager? Learn more about the Northeastern Online MS in Management program by attending our next info session. You can also check out the program page.
