What Is Healthcare Management?
Healthcare managers focus on the efficient, effective administration and oversight of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. This career requires strong leadership and organizational skills, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system’s complexities.
Not only are healthcare managers in high demand, but they play a critical role in helping healthcare organizations run smoothly and provide quality care to those they serve. They’re often responsible for ensuring their facility meets all local regulatory requirements while leading the organization toward increased efficiency through enhanced systems and processes. Additionally, people in this role are tasked with recruiting and retaining top talent. They also manage daily operations to guarantee patient safety and satisfaction at every level within the organization.
Healthcare Management Careers Suited to Your Talents
Healthcare managers should possess a combination of technical, business, and interpersonal skills to be successful in their roles. Some key skills and qualities for healthcare managers include communication and interpersonal skills, leadership and management skills, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and financial expertise. A master’s degree in healthcare administration can help you sharpen all of these traits and prepare you for one of these popular careers:
Health Information Manager
Health information managers play an integral role in collecting, analyzing, and reporting patient data as well as maintaining a secure health information system.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers oversee the daily operations of hospitals, nursing homes, physician practices, and other health services organizations. They coordinate staff resources, develop budgets, and streamline processes.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants specialize in helping healthcare organizations improve efficiency by analyzing business operations and assessing patient data.
Healthcare IT Manager
Healthcare IT managers ensure the organization is leveraging the latest technologies to drive patient care improvement initiatives and better decision-making. Job responsibilities can also include implementing electronic medical record systems or improving the organization’s existing technical infrastructures.
How the Right Degree Can Help You Succeed
At the end of the day, a degree is just a piece of paper. What matters most is the experience you gain and the connections you make while earning your degree.
Azusa Pacific University’s Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program combines the principles of healthcare management with a Christian worldview to help you succeed in all of the previously mentioned roles. The program offers many different pathways, including healthcare finance, healthcare law, healthcare management and operations, and healthcare policy. Some specific examples of concentrations include Financial Management in Health Systems, International Health, and Quality and Innovation in Health Care.
Each class is taught by experienced healthcare professionals and experts who bring real-world knowledge and insight to the classroom, all while keeping the focus on Christ. Hands-on fieldwork is based in Southern California and, for the International Health concentration, across the globe. What’s more, the flexible online format allows students to earn their degrees while working or taking care of their families.
Get Started Today
APU’s MS in Healthcare Administration is designed for those who are called to the field but have limited or no experience in healthcare settings. Learn more about the healthcare administration program to see if it’s a good fit for your passion to help others.