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Part of Western Governors University
CAREER GUIDE Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management
WGU creates career growth.
Career guide: medical & health services manager.
Jump to: Career Opportunities Work Environment Salary Stats Go to: MBA Healthcare Management
Today's healthcare managers have myriad responsibilities, from making policies and decisions that govern how their organizations operate to overseeing accounting processes and maintaining patient care standards to meet requirements of an ever-evolving healthcare policy landscape. Medical and health services managers play integral roles in assuring their facilities are run effectively, efficiently, and profitably. It's an important job, and it not only requires familiarity with the healthcare industry but also takes someone with industry-current business credentials.
Fortunately, with the U.S. healthcare industry booming, more and more healthcare managers with specialized knowledge and skills are being recruited for important roles and positions across the country. If you are an experienced healthcare professional ready to pursue an executive-level position in a variety of healthcare-related settings, medical and healthcare management might be just what the doctor ordered for your career!
Job listing growth 2016–2026.
Career opportunities.
If you have management-level skills and an up-to-date understanding of the healthcare delivery system, there's no telling how far your career in healthcare management can take you. Your specialized skillset can help you pursue vital, in-demand positions such as:
Positions in the field.
- Nursing home administrators
- Clinical managers
- Health information managers
- Medical records manager
- Social service manager
- Community service manager
“I truly believe that my MBA and the experience I gained while earning the degree have resulted in me having my dream job.” Jill Howard
MBA Healthcare Management
Job market forecast.
Rapid expansion of the healthcare industry and complex regulations brought about by the Affordable Care Act have created a growing demand for skilled healthcare management professionals. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for medical and health services managers will grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026. If you have the credentials to pursue a career in healthcare management, your professional prognosis is excellent.
Job growth 2016–2026.
Online and surprisingly affordable.
WGU has industry-aligned degrees to help you reach your career goals. A few you may find interesting are:
Work environment.
As you might imagine, healthcare managers work in wide range of environments and facilities, including doctors’ offices, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and government offices that serve the healthcare industry.
For the most part, you can expect to work full time. If you’re employed by a facility that’s open 24/7, your schedule could include night and weekend work. For some healthcare executives, travel might be necessary depending on the roles and responsibilities of the position as well as the size and scope of the employer.
Professional organizations.
If you’re seeking support and guidance for a management career in the healthcare industry, there's no shortage of professional organizations that can provide a wealth of information.
- Health Care Administrators Association (HCAA)
- American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
- American Health Information Management Association
- National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals
- Medical Group Management Association
- American College of Health Care Administrators
- Professional Association of Health Care Office Management
Job search resources.
Building a career in healthcare management depends on acquiring the right skills and tapping into the right resources. Here are a few places to get you started.
Salary stats.
Specialized healthcare management skills can pay big dividends in today's job market. If you have the right background, education, training and experience, it'll be reflected in your earning capacity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for medical and health managers was $98,350 in May 2017, with the top 10 percent earning more than $176,130.
Furthermore, salaries for integrated healthcare managers can vary significantly, depending on the type of facility or organization you end up working for. For example, the Medical Group Management Association reported that in 2012, median compensation for administrators was $87,862 in practices with 6 or fewer physicians; $126,478 in practices with 7 to 25 physicians; and $148,604 in practices with 26 or more physicians.
Average salary of jobs with related titles.
Summary.
The healthcare industry is massive and complex, requiring leaders whose specialized knowledge and credentials are in step with the times and in tune with needs of society. Today’s most sought after medical or health services managers will more than likely have a master’s degree and a resume documenting strong analytical and critical thinking skills specific to a variety of healthcare-related settings.
Your career's next step: Earn a degree.
Ready to jump-start your business healthcare career? The next step could be earning your MBA in Healthcare Management. Accredited, competency-based WGU offers this degree online 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!