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CAREER GUIDE Healthcare Management Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
Start on your path today.
Career guide: healthcare management.
Jump to: Career Opportunities Work Environment Salary Stats Go to: Healthcare Mgmt - B.S. Business Administration
A business career in which success is built on improving people’s health and quality of life? Healthcare managers work to ensure that today’s extremely complex healthcare systems and organizations run smoothly and provide quality care. In most cases, this includes directing, planning, and coordinating a diverse range of healthcare services and activities across many different types of healthcare organizations and systems. As a result of the Affordable Care Act and other foundational changes in the healthcare industry, the demand for qualified healthcare managers and administrators has never been higher, which translates directly into attractive and stable career opportunities for people with the right skills and qualifications.
Job listing growth 2016–2026.
Career opportunities.
With the rapid, ongoing changes in the healthcare industry, demand for capable and experienced health services managers and administrators should remain very strong for the foreseeable future. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most entry- and mid-level healthcare administration and management jobs, although some higher-level executive positions may require a master’s degree.
Positions in the field.
- Medical and health services manager
- Healthcare administrator
- Hospital administrator
- Nursing home administrator
- Clinical manager
- Health information manager
- Healthcare executive
“After I finished my degree, I was immediately employed in a better organization and doing a lot more with my interests and field of study.” Lauren Vagelakos
MBA Healthcare Management
Job market forecast.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates very strong demand for health services managers through 2026, with an impressive 20% projected growth rate that far outpaces the 7% average for all other occupations. Significant ongoing changes in the healthcare industry will also help fuel demand and create opportunities for experienced managers who understand integrated, outcome-based approaches to healthcare.
Job growth 2016–2026.
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Work environment.
In 2016, there were approximately 352,200 medical and health services managers employed in the United States. With today’s growing and increasingly diverse healthcare system, managers and administrators are needed in many different settings and environments, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, consulting firms, and health insurance organizations. Most health services managers work full time, and about 3 in 10 reported working an average of more than 40 hours a week in 2016.
Professional organizations.
There are a number of healthcare management professional associations that can help give you a better sense for the profession. Here are a few that might be useful as you decide whether a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management is right for you.
Job search resources.
Wondering what today’s healthcare management job market looks like? Check out these resources for more information about current openings, opportunities, and salaries.
Salary stats.
In May 2017, health services managers in the United States earned a median yearly salary of $98,350. The best-paid people in the field brought home more than $176,130. With additional experience, training, and education, health services managers can also move into a variety of related executive roles, such as CEO of a healthcare system or a managed care executive at a hospital.
Average salary of jobs with related titles.
Summary.
The healthcare industry is in the middle of an exciting transformation filled with opportunities for those who are prepared to take advantage of them. As healthcare organizations continue to change how they provide and finance care, they will need talented people with the right skills and knowledge to manage those changes and guide the shift to integrated healthcare. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare management will provide you with the credentials you need to make significant, meaningful contributions—both to the health of your community and to the success of the healthcare organization you work for.
Your career’s next step: Earn a degree.
Ready to jump-start your career in healthcare management? The next step could be earning your B.S. Business — Healthcare Management. Accredited, competency-based WGU offers this degree online for at a surprisingly affordable flat-rate tuition. Flexible enough for a working adult’s schedule with the option to accelerate, your degree may be closer than you think!