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What is Healthcare Management?



In the United States, healthcare management is a rising industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in healthcare management are projected to rise by 22 percent in the decade between 2010 and 2020. It makes sense that, as the population ages and life expectancy increases due to medical advancements, the demand for healthcare services and facilities is increasing. The need to manage healthcare facilities for professionals will also rise. If you are considering joining the industry, here are some things to know about healthcare management.


About Healthcare Management

The administration, management or supervision of healthcare programs, public health systems, hospitals, whole hospital networks or other medical services is healthcare management, also referred to as healthcare administration. These practitioners' duties include ensuring that individual departments operate efficiently, hiring skilled staff, disseminating information effectively within the department, Specific results are obtained by the company and resources, among many other obligations, are used effectively. There are general managers in healthcare and others who are called experts.


Required Education

There are different degrees that can lead to a professional role as a manager in healthcare. Students typically follow a healthcare management degree through a public health business school or school. In the healthcare administration sector, there are bachelor's degree programs offered; Nevertheless, most individuals in the profession hold a master's degree, which appears to be the expectation of employing workers for such positions. In order to step into teaching positions at the college level, become a public policy analyst or lead broader organizations at more complex levels, health management practitioners may also advance their education to obtain a doctoral degree in health administration.


The Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education is the overarching accrediting authority that regulates healthcare administration education programs in the United States. Degree programs that come under its auspices include the Administration of Health Care Master, Master of Hospital Administration, Master of Health Administration, Master of Hospital Management Business Administration and Master of Public Health, among other more widespread programs that may contribute to healthcare oversight careers.


Certification, Licensure and Associations

Although standards vary from state to state, most practitioners in healthcare management do not require a license. For those who wish to open their own facility, an exception to this rule might be, as most states require a license for operations such as nursing homes, private hospitals and long-term care facilities. Certification or other qualifications can provide a professional advantage for those who do not need a licence. Credentialing boards offer certificates based on a mixture of qualifications, practice and tests of competence. Two well-respected titles are given to industry practitioners by the American College of Healthcare Executives. Two other accreditation bodies in the area of healthcare management are the National Association for Healthcare Quality and the American College of Medical Practice Executives.


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