Recently, we explored what healthcare administration is, what healthcare administrators do and what jobs you can get with an M.S. in healthcare administration.
Here, we’ll explore one specific career for healthcare administration graduates in detail and take a look at how to become a medical and health services manager.
In this article, we’ll explain what medical and health services managers actually do, consider whether or not it is a good career path, talk about what academic credentials are required to get a job as a medical and health services manager, and explain why you should consider earning your Master’s in Healthcare Administration online from CSU Global.
If you’re a detail-oriented, organized, and logistics-minded professional with a passion for improving the quality of healthcare delivery, then you will certainly want to read this post as you consider starting along the career path towards becoming a medical and health services manager.
After you’ve learned how to become a medical and health services manager, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about our 100% online Master’s in Healthcare Administration program. If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.
Is Medical and Health Services Management a Good Career?
Yes, if you’re interested in the efficient operation of healthcare services, and you’d like to focus on providing positive experiences for healthcare patients, then you may find a career as a medical and health services manager extremely rewarding.
This is also an excellent time to get into the industry, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow by 32% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
With the aging Boomer population heading into retirement, their need for medical services is expected to increase. Highly skilled medical and health services managers will be needed to help meet that rising demand.
Pursuing a career as a medical and health services manager also offers the potential to be quite lucrative, as BLS reports that the median annual pay for these professionals in 2019 was $104,280.
If you’re interested in this career path, one of the best ways to gain the expertise needed to succeed in the industry is by completing an accredited online Master’s in Healthcare Administration program like the one offered by CSU Global.
Getting your degree in the field is one of the best ways to develop the skills you’ll need to be successful as a professional medical and health services manager, and it’s also likely to help improve your prospects for finding a job in this competitive field.
What Do Medical and Health Services Managers Actually Do?
Medical and health services managers work within healthcare facilities such as private or public hospitals to plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services.
As part of their role, these professionals must be aware of, and be prepared to adapt to, changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology.
The scope of responsibilities for medical and health services managers varies, depending on the facility in which they work and on the specific tasks they’re asked to complete, but there are several work duties that virtually everyone working in the vertical will be asked to complete, including:
- Improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare service delivery.
- Recruiting, training, and supervising staff members.
- Developing departmental goals and objectives.
- Managing the finances of the facility, creating budgets, and managing billing.
As you can see, medical and health services managers play a vital role in the efficient operation of our healthcare system.
Without these professionals, doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other facilities would not be able to run and deliver lifesaving healthcare services.
Do I Need a Degree to Get a Job as a Medical and Health Services Manager?
While it may be possible to find employment in this career without a degree, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that most roles in the industry will require at least a bachelor’s degree, while many hiring managers prefer a related master’s, such as a Master’s in Healthcare Administration.
Generally speaking, hospitals and other healthcare employers are patient-focused and looking to hire professionals who are highly skilled, well-trained, and educated.
They want to hire professionals who will contribute to the efficient operations of their facility so that patients can receive the best possible care, and that means looking for new employees who have a deep understanding of best practices and principles.
Earning your Master’s degree in the field is one of the best ways to show these potential employers that you have developed the capabilities to contribute meaningfully to their team.
In short, you’ll want to consider earning your degree before launching your career in medical and health services management, because completing a degree program will help you build the skills you need to be successful, while also making it easier to land a good job in the industry.
Which Degree Should I Get?
The degree program you choose to complete should depend on your education and career aspirations, so when it comes time to choose your program, make sure to pick it based on your educational needs and career goals.
Before making the choice between a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, be sure to take the time to review your current educational credentials, your knowledge and skills related to medical and health services management, as well as your current level of experience in the field.
If you have little to no experience in the field or have not yet attained a bachelor’s degree, then you will probably want to begin with a program like CSU Global’s Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. This fully accredited and well-respected degree program can help jumpstart your career and give you the credentials required to pursue entry and mid-level roles in the field.
If you already have related professional experience in the industry, you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, and you aspire to hold management and leadership roles, then you will probably be more interested in a master’s program, such as CSU Global’s Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration.
If you’re still struggling with choosing between a bachelor’s or master’s degree, consider contacting an Enrollment Counselor by calling 1-800-462-7845, or by emailing enroll [at] csuglobal.edu.
What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration?
Earning your Master’s in Healthcare Administration will prepare you for a variety of roles in management and leadership.
Completing your Master’s in the field will prepare you to meet the daily challenges faced by medical and health services managers, including responsibilities like:
- Creating strategic plans for enterprise-level healthcare organizations.
- Interpreting financial budgets and managing operational costs.
- Competence and understanding of healthcare policy, laws, and regulations.
- Improving the quality of healthcare service delivery.
Most graduates of healthcare administration programs are likely to find employment with the state, local, and private hospitals, but you may also be able to find a job at a variety of other types of healthcare organizations, like nursing or residential care facilities.
Regardless of the type of organization you choose to work for, earning your MHA is a great idea if you want to pursue a career as a medical or health services manager, or in any of the following roles:
- Administrative Services Manager.
- General and Operations Manager.
- Practice Administrator.
- Medical Staff Credentialing Analyst.
- Managed Care Director.
- Program Manager.
- Hospital HR Manager.
Whether you choose to become a medical and health services manager, or you end up pursuing a different career path, earning your Master’s in Healthcare Administration will ensure you have a solid understanding of the core competencies required to drive the strategic evolution of healthcare management within your organization.
Is A Degree in Healthcare Administration Really Worth It?
Yes, earning your Master’s in Healthcare Administration is absolutely worth it, because it is the best way to gain the expertise and academic credentials that healthcare employers look for when hiring medical and health services professionals.
When you complete a degree such as CSU Global’s Master’s in Healthcare Administration, you’ll develop the strategic planning, financial management, human resources, and healthcare quality assurance skills required to make a difference in your future workplace.
With the skills you develop in this degree program, you’ll be able to confidently pursue your chosen career, and your degree may help you stand out in a crowded job market so that you can land that ever-important first role in the industry.
While it might feel like a big commitment of your time and energy, the dedication that you put into your degree will result in new skills, expertise, knowledge, and confidence needed to achieve success as you set out on a new career.
Can I Get My Master’s in Healthcare Administration Online?
Yes, you can earn your Master’s in Healthcare Administration online from a fully accredited and widely respected institution, such as CSU Global.
When it comes to online degree programs, the most important thing to consider is the program’s accreditation, as accreditation signifies the legitimacy of the degree program, and lets you know that the institution you’re attending will fulfill their academic promises.
CSU Global’s online Master’s in Healthcare Administration program is a top-ranked and regionally accredited program that gives you the flexibility to pursue your degree on your own terms.
Our degree programs are designed specifically with online students in mind, with no set class times or locations, monthly class starts, and accelerated eight-week courses to make it easier for you to earn your degree while you work or take care of your family.
What Makes CSU Global the Best School for Studying Healthcare Administration?
CSU Global is one of the best schools for Healthcare Administration because our program is flexible and especially well-regarded, with accreditation, rankings, and positive outcomes such as:
- CSU Global’s MHA is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- CSU Global’s MHA was ranked #2 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration by Best Health Degrees, #4 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration by Best Master’s Programs, and it also received Top 10 rankings from Best College Reviews, The Best Schools, and Top Masters in Healthcare.
- CSU Global’s MHA graduates report an average pay increase of 11.23% one year after earning their degree.
Furthermore, CSU Global’s online MHA can be completed 100% online, with no set times or locations, monthly class starts, and accelerated courses to make it easier to juggle your education, work and family responsibilities.
Finally, CSU Global also offers competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your tuition rate won’t increase throughout the course of your program.
To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online Master’s in Healthcare Administration, please give us a call at 800-462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.
Ready to get started today? Apply now!