The healthcare sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and is one of the largest industries in the nation. Technology, changing healthcare needs, and a growing population have pushed the need for more healthcare services. Various healthcare institutions have streamlined their processes and delivery systems to cope with the high demand, and have added more managerial experts into their administration departments.
The role of management has gained more importance in the healthcare sector. The integration of technology requires technical experts who are able to manage information systems, and coordinate various activities to increase service delivery as well as efficiency. The growth rate for medical and health service managers is expected to grow at a fast rate in the coming few years; opening up many challenging career opportunities for management and business majors.
MBA in Healthcare
This degree is popularly pursued by students, and is a leading academic field. Many universities have combined MBA programs with healthcare education to allow students to fully grasp healthcare concepts, and understand the complex managerial workings of healthcare institutions.
Students acquire management skills and build a solid foundation of management disciplines in a MBA program. The program provides dual-knowledge by emphasizing business-related subjects and also highlighting healthcare specialization courses. Throughout the program, students will be able to build strong management skills, and will learn how different social, political, and economical factors are transforming the healthcare industry.
The curriculum may vary from school to school; however, general business topics such as principles of management, project management, finance, and accounting are covered. In addition to these topics, the program will cover healthcare related courses that may include:
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Healthcare Economics and Policy
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Healthcare Quality Improvement
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Healthcare Marketing
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Medical Devices and Life Sciences
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Healthcare Information Technology
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Healthcare Law and Regulation
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Healthcare Delivery Organizations
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Managerial Finance
Each course in the program will strengthen a student's theoretical understanding of the field, and will enhance skill sets. Students will develop strong managerial skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and analysis skills.
However, not everyone finds enrolling in a college feasible or convenient. This may be due to costs, employment responsibilities, or any other constraint. To enable such individuals to pursue their academic goals, schools are now offering MBA healthcare online degrees. This mode of learning requires no traveling or textbooks. Students may easily study from their home at any time. Online Master of Business Administration in healthcare courses are conducted through videos, presentations, online lectures, online conferencing, and slideshows.
Career Prospects
Ranging from private hospitals to rehabilitation centers and from clinics to nursing homes, the demand for management experts is high in almost every kind of healthcare facility. The need for a smooth delivery system is important and is the main framework of the industry. Healthcare managers make sure healthcare organizations are complying with laws and are offering quality services. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers were making a median annual income of $88,580 in 2012. With a Master of Business Administration in healthcare, individuals may pursue challenging careers in this sector, and qualify for dynamic job roles in administration.