Management positions can be gained by completing a program from the associate's to doctoral level of schooling. Each level of schooling trains students to enter a career as a manager but the level of education earned dictates the position students can enter. This means that someone with an associate's can become a manager inside a local clinic and someone with a master's can become a top-manager inside an organization. The main difference is that an associate's degree gives students the fundamental skills required to be a manager and a master's provides students with advanced knowledge of the industry.
Students that can't dedicate a large amount of time to schooling should consider earning an associate's degree. Programs focus on creating effective leaders that can handle the stresses of the health industry. Some general courses that students may take include:
- Management Concerns in Health
- Medical Terminology
- Public Speaking
- Management Strategies
All fundamental areas are covered leaving students with the skills to use management procedures and apply them to the finances and regulations within a health facility. Many students go on to complete a bachelor's degree program at a later time.
Gaining broad knowledge in business procedures and health issues can be learned inside a bachelor's degree program. A four-year program that encompasses both aspects of the field provides students with the procedural skills to work with medical care technologies, employees, and patients. Bachelor's degree courses typically include:
- Accounting
- Economics
- Health Law
- Health Organization and Administration
Leadership abilities and management skills that are crucial to professional work can be gained. Students will be able to oversee large groups, understand health reforms, and manage projects.
To gain the proper skills to be able to work in all areas of the industry students should continue education at the master's degree level. Education at this level teaches students to manage health operations and facilities according to established standards. Coursework may include:
- Budgeting
- Strategic Planning
- Health Information Systems
- Finance
Students are able to work as administrators and more in nursing homes, health agencies, and hospitals after completing a master's degree program. Coursework will prepare students to assess the needs of a facility and allow them to promptly solve problems and produce solutions for various areas. Further education can be pursued within doctoral study. Education at this level focuses on research oriented procedures to advance the health system.
All accredited training options prepare students to become valuable managers in the health field. To begin education students can determine what level of managing they would like to perform. Once this is established students can enter the appropriate degree level required for their career goal. Students should enroll in a fully accredited program to ensure that they will receive a quality education. Accreditation is provided by agencies like the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools ( www.abhes.org ).