Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Veterinary Administrative Services, General
• Veterinary Office Management/Administration
• Infectious Disease and Global Health
• Health Policy Analysis
• Health/Health Care Administration/Management
• Hospital and Health Care Facilities Administration/Management
• Health Unit Manager/Ward Supervisor
• Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator
• Long Term Care Administration/Management
• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Regulatory Science/Affairs
• Disease Registry Data Management
• Healthcare Innovation
• Pharmacy
• Pharmacy Administration and Pharmacy Policy and Regulatory Affairs
• Pharmacoeconomics/Pharmaceutical Economics
• Clinical, Hospital, and Managed Care Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management
• Public Health, General
• Community Health and Preventive Medicine
• International Public Health/International Health
• Health Services Administration
• Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
• Public Health, Other
• Arts in Medicine/Health
• Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities, Other
• Nursing Administration
• Nursing Practice
• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
• Research and Development Management
• Science/Technology Management

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

Medical and health services managers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation; however, educational requirements vary by facility and specific function. Prospective managers also typically need work experience in an administrative or clinical role in a hospital or other healthcare facility

Insider Info

Additional Information

High school students should have a solid base in mathematics, English, economics, business and accounting. A second language can also be helpful in some institutions.

Try to find part-time work or a summer job in a hospital or health-care environment. Also keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities in the health-care system.

Start with a bachelor's degree in the social sciences, commerce, public administration or in health science. Postgraduate training in health services administration is then required for students who want to progress to senior positions in the field.

A master's degree in hospital administration, health administration, public health or business administration is the standard educational requirement for this field. Specific requirements vary with the size of institution and the amount of responsibility involved.

Extra Requirements

Some medical and health services managers need a state-issued license and some positions may require candidates to be licensed as a registered nurse or social worker. Although certification is not required, some managers choose to earn a professional credential. The American Health Information Management Association and the Project Management Institute offer certification specific to their areas of focus.

For additional information, visit these websites:

• http://aaham.org
• http://www.ahima.org
• http://www.pahcom.com
• http://www.pmi.org/certifications