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The Best-Kept Secret in the Healthcare Industry

By Amelia Gray
Learning & Life Columnist
June 29, 2007

As anyone who's visited an emergency room at 4 AM can tell you, hospitals are bustling places at any hour of the day. As patients cycle through, doctors and nurses starting their shifts need to be briefed. Complex policies govern everything from insurance to meal times, and a warehouse full of files must be maintained properly. For healthcare administrators and managers, it's all in a day's work.

Online Education for Healthcare Careers

The healthcare industry is growing and shows no signs of slowing down, as aging Baby Boomers place more demands on the system. Careers in healthcare are plentiful and lucrative--and you don't have to get a nursing degree and spend long nights on call to reap the rewards. Healthcare administrators generally work regular business hours and have varying amounts of patient contact. And, best of all, you can get the training you need entirely online. Many healthcare centers hire applicants with bachelor's degrees. A master's degree in health administration, however, offers the most comprehensive training and the best potential for career advancement. Either way, earning an online bachelor's or master's degree (or even an associate's degree) gives you the chance to train for a career move while you keep your current job.

Typical Career Options/Salaries in Healthcare Management

• General medical and surgical hospitals: $71,280/yr
• Physicians' offices: $61,320/yr
• Nursing care facilities: $60,940/yr
• Home health care services: $60,320/yr

Essential Healthcare Manager/Administrator Qualities:

• Organization--From task managers to control freaks, this complex job could give you a lot of satisfaction.
• Spontaneity--Some administrative positions are on-call, so if you like a change of pace, they'll fit the bill.
• Diplomacy--Situations involving conflicting information and angry parties require someone with a calm head and a world of patience. Those prone to road rage need not apply.

The healthcare industry is expected to grow much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Training for a great career while it's in demand has long term benefits.

Sources

• BLS Medical and health services managers

About the Author
Amelia Gray is a teacher and freelance writer in San Marcos, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University.

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