Due to the continuous growth of the healthcare industry and the immediate need for improving healthcare quality, the demand for workers in the healthcare industry is at an all-time high. Not only is the demand for physicians and nurses at the forefront is increasing. The need for qualified people behind the scenes managing healthcare administration and management is also snowballing.
According to the US bureau of labor statistics, jobs in healthcare administration will increase by 28% through 2031, opening 136000 new employment opportunities. Healthcare administrators and managers are a necessary part of the healthcare industry. They are responsible for managing the business profitably and ensuring that high standards of department and services at the healthcare organization are maintained. A person can pursue multiple roles and positions in healthcare administration. They can take on various roles in different workplaces, Such as administrators or healthcare IT professionals in hospitals and nursing homes, marketing managers in healthcare organizations, and many other positions. Because of the diverse roles and assured increasing demand, many earnestly seek an administration career in the healthcare industry.
Besides business and healthcare knowledge, there are specific skills an individual must possess to pursue a Career in healthcare administration. They must be willing to learn new trends continuously and innovations in the industry, be successful in a fast-moving environment, and have good communication skills.
Suppose an administrative position in the healthcare industry is the right fit for you. In that case, you can pursue an online master of health administration to start your career.
To further assist you in your decision-making, we have listed the benefits of a career in healthcare management below.
- Rewarding Work
A career in the healthcare industry is emotionally rewarding as it directly impacts the life of people and their health for the better. Healthcare managers are essential in improving the community by implementing and making policies to enhance the healthcare system. The level of job satisfaction is high amongst healthcare managers because they see their work’s positive impact on patients’ great medical care. This knowledge keeps them going during tough times.
- High Income and Benefits
One of the most attractive aspects of a job in the healthcare industry is the high salary. Although the pay is different across various fields for roles requiring a different level of education and experience, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that as of May 2021, the median salary for a health and service manager is $101340. Besides the high income, employees are also provided excellent life, dental and health insurance in healthcare organizations. In addition, employees are provided with retirement packages to ensure a safer future with additional income after retirement.
- Higher potential jobs
As the healthcare industry’s demand increases, it struggles to run day-to-day activities effectively and provide quality care. That is why people performing managerial and administrative tasks such as conducting health data analysis and quality control are becoming necessary for running healthcare systems efficiently. Besides this, the shift of services being performed at physicians’ offices instead of hospitals has increased the need for medical practice administrators. Also, the need for technologically skilled managers has grown with the shift toward virtual appointments. Even in the volatile economy, a healthcare career is valuable as there will always be a need for administrators and managers.
- Each day is different
As a healthcare administrator, you don’t need to worry about brainless activities on the job. You will face new challenges in the ever-changing healthcare industry. To solve problems, you will need to think quickly on your feet, provide practical solutions and build expertise in your specific field. Also, to do your job effectively, you need to continue your education to know about the new trends in the industry and other organizations. It is essential to keep updated on new policies, technological innovations, laws, and research about the changing population.
- Teamwork
Managers must work in teams comprising healthcare professionals such as nurses, physicians, surgeons, and housekeepers. In some managerial positions, they might have to work in cross-functional teams with managers from other departments. In administration, you will interact with people from diverse backgrounds belonging to different religions, ethnicities, and social classes. Working in teams will help you learn communication skills and be open-minded to the perspectives of other employees and ultimately will help you grow professionally and take on leadership positions in the future.
- Typical Working Hours
Some managers in the financial side of management can work in a hybrid. Compared to healthcare professionals who work long shifts and perform physical labor, most healthcare management jobs don’t require any physical labor. They are in an office setting during regular hours from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. At the same time, administrators must come to the office physically to provide people with leadership and management. The administrative job is easily done when people are present physically.
- Different Job settings
Healthcare management is for you if you are looking for a profession with various career opportunities. Healthcare managers can work with various job titles with different day-to-day tasks. They can work in the capacity of healthcare manager to administrator, public health educator, clinic director, and health coordinator and diverse workplace settings like hospitals, clinics, long-term nursing home facilities, and insurance and pharmaceutical organizations.
Conclusion
Healthcare is a continuously growing sector that offers a rewarding career, high income, and various employment opportunities in the business and management side. With a degree in healthcare administration, you get to learn the different aspects of running a healthcare organization. The administrative roles are intellectually stimulating and will provide challenging situations throughout your career. To be successful, you need to work hard, be passionate, continuously learn and stay updated about changes in technology and innovations through formal education, research, and seminars. So besides evaluating the benefits of a career in healthcare management, think about where your passion lies, as it is a long-term commitment and will require significant effort.
