Wilma Kpohanu said when most people think of the most important jobs in health care, they imagine doctors and nurses. While these jobs are important, they need the support of competent health management to ensure the best possible patient care. For many, health management and other jobs in the healthcare industry are attractive choices, because health care is in demand in economically uncertain times.
Without a good health management system, health facilities will not be able to care for patients, retain good staff and make a profit. With advances in medical technology, doctors need fewer health managers than ever. The near-continuous evolution of medical technology - including changes to health data systems and regular changes to healthcare laws and regulations - means that hospitals and other medical centers need experts in the field to ensure smooth operations.
This profession uses your outstanding organizational and communication skills to make a difference in the lives of others. Now that we have your attention, let us take a closer look at how a degree in health management can help you transition to the career you aspire to. Health managers and administrators are at the heart of the business side of healthcare, as they are responsible for budgeting, scheduling, and finding ways to improve patient care. They spend their days managing and coordinating health services in clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. It is work that is both physically and mentally rewarding.
In a role of health management, you work with doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to deal with patients. They are part of an administrative team that ensures that health services run smoothly for patients and the staff who run them. Management is a growing field, according to BLS. If you are interested in health care and you are in a leadership position or a practical role in the operating room, a career in health management could be something for you.
For example, health information managers are responsible for patient records and data and need to know health information systems and laws. Clinical managers, on the other hand, supervise certain departments (e.g. physiotherapy or nursing) in a large hospital or health organization. Nursing home administrators commission nursing staff, finance admission, and building maintenance.