The Master of Business Administration degree has become so vast and varying as it has evolved over the years, that it is no longer just one specific degree but a bigger umbrella program full of concentrations, specializations, majors, and certificates. These specialization niches will focus on a particular business sector or specialty, and give MBA students more guidance and experience for their future careers. Students can pursue MBAs in Economics, Marketing, Healthcare Management, Business Analytics, HR, IT, and more. Online MBA Today explores different specialization and concentration options in order to give students information about the fields and degrees available.
Let's explore the exciting field of Healthcare Management!
Healthcare Management
The Healthcare Industry has a history that shows incredible growth and development, from being the main caretaker of the poor or the dying, to being large, complex organizations powered by technology and innovation at the cellular level. As the healthcare industry has grown to these large organizations, healthcare management has emerged as an integral role. The American College of Healthcare Executives describes the role of healthcare management as a "hidden career." This position is not in the front lines of patient care like doctors, nurses, MAs, and other medical staff, but also not the front faces in the customer care positions dealing with check in or billing. Healthcare managers and executives "work behind the scenes, they have a tremendous effect on the availability, accessibility, and quality of health services in our communities."
This role bridges the gap between the business and the medical functions of healthcare organizations. These managers must be adept at communication, managing staff, change management, loss prevention, technology and information systems, law and ethics policies, and conflict management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the job market for healthcare managers will grow by 17% from 2014 to 2024, well above the average growth of all occupations that sits at 7%. This increase in demand for knowledgeable and skilled managers in the healthcare industry has significantly impacted the education community.
Online MBA in Healthcare Management
The very first degree in hospital administration started in 1922 at Marquette University in Wisconsin. While this degree had a rocky start, healthcare management has become one of the most popular specializations in MBA programs. MBAs and Online MBAs have become a great way to equip professionals with business fundamentals and immerse them in healthcare-related business and management topics. An Online MBA in Healthcare Management is a great option for professionals looking to advance their career to management and executive roles. Most administrative roles in healthcare organizations are looking for professionals with experience and knowledge needed to manage large organizations in this sector. An online MBA in Healthcare Management allows students to gain those two credentials at the same time. Courses within these degree programs cover important topics in the role of healthcare management, including: Healthcare Finance, Healthcare Ethics and Law, Healthcare Policy, Strategic Decision Making, Health Information Systems, and Managing Organizational Change.
Based on our latest ranking of Online MBA programs Healthcare Management, here are the top three programs in the country:
#1 University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Management – Amherst, Massachusetts
#2 Northeastern University D'Amore-McKim School of Business – Boston, Massachusetts
#3 Drexel University Bennett S. Lebow College of Business – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Action Item
If you are a professional looking to enter into the exciting field of healthcare management, it is time to assess where you are and what you need to advance into your future career. Are you lacking in healthcare experience? It is time to pursue a position in a healthcare organization. Are you lacking in business and management training? It is a great time to start researching programs for the fall. Are you lacking in both? An online MBA in healthcare management could be a great choice for you.