How to become a healthcare manager
Competitive salary
Job stability - high demand
Career advancement
If you’re looking for a fulfilling career in healthcare management, becoming a certified healthcare manager may be an excellent fit for you. This webpage offers all the information you need to know to become a certified healthcare manager, including online training, certification, essential skills, salary, online schools, and benefits of this profession. Keep reading to learn more and take the first step towards an exciting healthcare management career.
“Are you interested in pursuing a rewarding career in healthcare management that involves managing data related to patient care? If so, then a position as a healthcare manager may be a viable option for you. While a background in healthcare, such as experience in nursing or medical coding, is typically required, the following steps can help guide you towards a successful career as a healthcare manager.”
What does a healthcare manager do?
A healthcare management position is a leadership role in a healthcare organization responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring compliance with regulations, managing finances and budgets, and providing strategic planning for the future growth of the organization.
Healthcare management positions are responsible for ensuring that the healthcare organization operates efficiently, effectively, and within budget, while providing high-quality patient care. They may oversee various departments, such as nursing, clinical services, human resources, finance, and information technology. Healthcare managers also work closely with healthcare professionals, government agencies, insurance companies, and other stakeholders to develop policies and strategies that improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
Some of the specific functions of trauma registrar may include:
Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing long-term plans to achieve organizational goals and objectives, while ensuring compliance with regulations and industry standards.
Financial Management: Overseeing financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and revenue cycle management.
Information Management: Overseeing the management of healthcare data, including electronic health records, health information systems, and data analytics.
Human Resources Management: Managing the recruitment, training, and development of staff, while ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including healthcare laws, privacy and security regulations, and accreditation requirements.
Quality Improvement: Monitoring and improving the quality of patient care and outcomes, while identifying opportunities for process improvement.
Operations Management: Ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of healthcare services, including managing staff, resources, and patient care processes.
Stakeholder Engagement: Building and maintaining relationships with healthcare professionals, government agencies, insurance companies, and other stakeholders to support the mission of the organization.
What is the salary for healthcare manager?
- Salary High $205,620
- Salary Median $101,340
- Salary Low $60,780
The job outlook for healthcare management careers is generally positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 20% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for healthcare services is expected to continue to increase as the population ages, leading to an increased need for healthcare managers to plan and coordinate medical and health services.
In terms of salary, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $101,340 as of May 2021, according to the BLS. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as the type and size of the healthcare organization, geographic location, and level of education and experience. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,780, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $205,620.
For example, healthcare managers who work in outpatient care centers or home healthcare services tend to earn less than those who work in hospitals or government positions. Similarly, healthcare managers with advanced degrees and extensive experience may earn more than those with only a bachelor’s degree and limited experience.
Overall, healthcare management can be a rewarding and lucrative career path for those with the necessary education, skills, and experience.
Healthcare management skills needed
Healthcare managers play a critical role in ensuring that healthcare organizations run smoothly and provide high-quality care to patients. To be successful in this challenging field, healthcare managers must possess a unique set of skills that go beyond traditional management skills. Our page is dedicated to providing you with information about the key skills required for a successful healthcare management career. These skills include:
Leadership skills
Healthcare managers need to be effective leaders who can motivate and guide their teams to achieve organizational goals.
Financial management skills
Healthcare managers need to have a good understanding of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
Analytical skills
Effective communication is essential in healthcare management, as managers need to communicate effectively with their teams, patients, and other stakeholders.
Communication skills
Effective communication is essential in healthcare management, as managers need to communicate effectively with their teams, patients, and other stakeholders.
Strategic thinking
Healthcare managers need to have a long-term vision for their organization and be able to develop and implement strategies that will help achieve their goals.
Interpersonal skills
Healthcare managers need to be able to work effectively with a diverse range of people, including physicians, nurses, patients, and other healthcare professionals.
Organizational skills
Healthcare managers need to be highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
Problem-solving skills
Healthcare managers need to be able to identify problems and develop effective solutions to address them.
Technological proficiency
Need to have a good understanding of healthcare technology and be able to use it effectively to improve patient care and organizational efficiency.
Online healthcare management training and certification
Online training program:
If you’re just starting out, beginning your healthcare management career with an associate degree in healthcare administration or a related field can be the best route to take. This degree program can equip you with the foundational knowledge and skills required to enter the healthcare management field, and it typically takes two years or less to complete.
With an associate degree, you may be qualified for entry-level positions in healthcare organizations, such as medical assistant, medical office administrator, or patient care coordinator. These positions can help you gain valuable experience in the healthcare field and prepare you for future career opportunities in healthcare management.
However, to advance your career in healthcare management, you may need to pursue additional education and experience. Many healthcare management positions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree program typically takes four years to complete, while a master’s degree program can take one to two years or more.
Obtaining relevant certifications, such as the Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) or the Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE), can also demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
Additionally, gaining work experience and developing key skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving will be important for advancing in the healthcare management field. Consider seeking out opportunities for professional development, such as attending industry conferences and workshops or pursuing additional training and certifications.
Certification:
By obtaining certifications in specific areas of healthcare management, professionals can showcase their expertise and knowledge, potentially leading to career advancement and increased earning potential. Some of the available certifications for healthcare management include:
Certifications for healthcare management:
- Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE): Offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), this certification is designed for mid-to-senior level healthcare executives.
- Certified Medical Manager (CMM): Offered by the Professional Association of Healthcare Office Management (PAHCOM), this certification is designed for healthcare managers who work in physician practices.
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM): Offered by the American Hospital Association (AHA), this certification is designed for healthcare professionals who specialize in risk management.
- Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR): Offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), this certification is designed for healthcare professionals who work in revenue cycle management.
- Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC): Offered by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB), this certification is designed for healthcare professionals who specialize in compliance.
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ): Offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), this certification is designed for healthcare professionals who specialize in quality improvement.
- Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP): Offered by HFMA, this certification is designed for healthcare financial professionals.
Top online schools for healthcare management
There are many online schools that offer healthcare management programs at various levels, including certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. Here are some examples of online schools that offer healthcare management programs:
Considering factors:
Accredited or approved
Make sure the school is accredited or approved by a recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation ensures that the school meets certain quality standards and that your degree or certificate will be recognized by employers
Curriculum
Look for a program that covers the topics and skills you need to succeed in healthcare management. Consider the depth and breadth of the curriculum and whether it aligns with your career goals.
Reputation
Research the school’s reputation by reading reviews from current and former students, and checking its ranking on reputable college and university ranking websites.
Student support
Look for a program that offers comprehensive support services, such as academic advising, career services, and technical support.
Cost and financial aid
Compare the cost of tuition and fees across different programs and consider whether financial aid or scholarships are available to help offset the cost.
Flexibility
Online programs offer more flexibility than traditional, in-person programs, but some are more flexible than others. Consider whether the program’s schedule and pace fit your needs and whether it offers asynchronous or synchronous learning.
5 Healthcare management online schools:
By considering these factors, you can select an online training school in healthcare management that fits your needs and will help you achieve your career goals.
Healthcare management pros and cons
Pros
High demand
Healthcare management is a growing field with a high demand for skilled professionals, which means job stability and opportunities for career advancement.
Rewarding work
Healthcare management professionals work to improve the quality of patient care and outcomes, which can be personally fulfilling and rewarding.
Variety of career paths
Healthcare management offers a variety of career paths, including hospital administration, health information management, nursing home administration, and more.
Good salary
Healthcare management professionals earn a good salary, with a median annual wage of $104,280 as of May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Opportunity for Advancement
Healthcare management professionals can specialize in areas such as healthcare finance, healthcare informatics, and healthcare policy, which can lead to higher pay and career advancement.
Cons
High stress
Healthcare management can be a high-stress job, with long hours and a high level of responsibility.
Emotional toll
Working in healthcare can take an emotional toll, as healthcare management professionals may have to deal with the illness and suffering of patients.
Regulatory complexity
Healthcare is a highly regulated industry, and healthcare management professionals must stay up-to-date on constantly changing regulations and laws.
High education requirements
Healthcare management positions often require advanced degrees, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Risk of liability
Healthcare management professionals may be held liable for issues such as medical malpractice or HIPAA violations, which can be financially and professionally damaging.
A career in healthcare management can be a great fit for someone who is interested in healthcare, but not necessarily interested in providing direct patient care. It can be personally fulfilling, financially lucrative, and offers a variety of career paths and opportunities for specialization.