Healthcare is one of the most vital organizations in any economy. With affordable, quality-based, and accessible healthcare services, the population is likely to lead healthier lifestyles. Over the years, the healthcare industry has experienced growth in the US. Medical advancements, technology, and changing demographics have pushed the need for improved healthcare services.
Healthcare management is an important part of the industry. With increased demand in the field, managing healthcare services and enhancing the delivery process is necessary. It mainly focuses upon the administrative and leadership aspects of the industry. Hospitals, clinics, and other institutions require skilled professionals who are able to manage healthcare delivery systems, and ensure that care is provided accurately and systematically. This program offers many different job opportunities at entry-level, managerial level, senior level, and even executive level. Individuals who wish to work at the administrative level may prepare themselves with the help of healthcare management degrees.
Healthcare Management Online Degrees
Degrees in healthcare management are designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the healthcare delivery system. Students will learn about various theories and concepts. It is critical to understand the various components of healthcare delivery to be able to apply management techniques.
Students will learn about the issues faced by healthcare institutions and how to overcome them. The curriculum will focus upon many different subjects relevant to the field. Some of the core areas covered in healthcare management degrees may include:
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Medical Terminology
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Ethical and Legal Considerations of Healthcare
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Project Management
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Healthcare Quality Management
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Coding and Classifications Systems
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Health Promotion
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Healthcare Data Management
Students will learn about human resources functions, financial operations, communication issues, and management needs of healthcare. It is important to remember that the curriculum will vary slightly from school to school, and will also depend upon the level of degree being pursued.
Associate and bachelor's degrees focus upon fundamental areas; whereas, master's degrees cover a wide range of advanced topics. Students are now able to pursue their degree. Individuals who are unable to attend classes at a campus may choose to earn a healthcare management online degree. This mode of learning has proved to be accessible and is suitable for working individuals. Students could manage their career and studies without compromising on either one. Online degree programs may also be more cost-friendly, flexible, and convenient.
Career Opportunities
With a degree in healthcare management, individuals may pursue managerial and administrative job roles in diverse healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and medical research institutes. The need for skilled administrators and service managers is high. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for health service managers is growing at a faster than average rate. The median annual income was approximately $88,580 in the year 2012. The main job role is to improve healthcare delivery services, increase efficiency, and manage facilities. It is important to remember that the income level may vary from place to place and will depend upon many other factors such as location and employer organization.
The MBA in leadership degree primarily focuses on various managerial and leadership techniques to efficiently lead a team or a group of people in a business environment. This MBA program sheds light on various disciplines such as new technology, management courses, and the theory of policy making. Most students who undertake this MBA program are working professionals. Typically, students take two to three years to complete this program, but this may depend on if they are full-time students or part-time students.
Admission Requirements for a MBA in Leadership Program
Several universities offer the leadership MBA program, but there may be differences in their admission requirements. Typically, business schools ask for some similar requirements before considering a student's admission application:
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A bachelor's degree from an accredited program
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Typically, a GPA of 3.0 or above is required by the admission office for admission to this program
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Official academic transcripts from previous educational institutes attended
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Some international students are required to provide TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS test scores as a proof of English language proficiency
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Two or more letters of recommendation
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A resume
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Two or more personal essays
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Some universities or colleges may ask you to come in for an interview
Some schools may also ask you to list your professional experience, and explain in detail what you learned and what challenges you faced, responsibilities, and accomplishments.
Curriculum and Coursework
The coursework of this program is designed so that students learn how to bring value to their company, effectively lead corporate teams, how to innovate, and make and implement strategic decisions. The curriculum may differ for each school, but core courses normally include the following (exact course titles may also differ :
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Ethical and Leadership Decision Making
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Business Statistics
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Strategic Decision Making and Management
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Marketing
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Financial Management
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Supply Chain Management and Business Operations
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Advanced Leadership Models and Global Business
Certifications
Acquiring a certification is not mandatory, but it may display your professional knowledge and ability. The Institute of Certified Professional Managers provides the Certified Manager certification for top executives in leadership positions. Management analysts may acquire the Certified Management Consultant designation from the Institute of Management Consultants USA. These certifications are awarded after the applicant fulfills the respective body's requirements, and this may include written examination(s) and years of professional experience.
Career Outlook
Individuals who enroll in this MBA program are normally working professionals, typically, in managerial positions in their companies. A leadership MBA degree will help provide you with the tools to become an effective and efficient manager, which may in turn help you in career advancement to leadership positions in your firm. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median yearly salary of top executives in 2012 was $101,650. The BLS estimated that the number of people working as top executives would rise by 11 percent from 2012 to 2022. The bureau also stated that the median salary of management analysts, also calculated annually, in 2012 was $78,600. The department also projected that the number of professionals working as management analysts would rise by 19 percent from 2012 to 2022; this rate is faster than the average employment growth rate of all occupations.