About Careers in Health Care Management
Careers in health care management involve running the business or administrative side of health care. In addition to knowledge of the health care industry, laws and ethics, individuals in health care management must also be skilled in business management practices including billing and collections, personnel management, insurance policies and practices and database management.
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Job Titles and Duties
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Depending on the size of the medical facility, the health care manager may cover all aspects of health care management or the administration of the facility may be divided between many employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics some job titles may include clinical managers, health information managers and assistant administrators.
Clinical managers develop policies, procedures and budgets and evaluate and manage personnel in their area. Clinical managers also have experience or training in the area they manage. For example, a director of nursing will typically have training as a nurse.
Health information managers maintain patient records and databases. They are also responsible for the security of personal and medical information.
The health care management team will usually have assistant administrators to help managers and handle day to day tasks such as patient admission.
Employers
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Both private and public sector jobs are offered in the health care management industry. Private industry employers include physician offices, private hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities and health insurance firms. Public health care management industry positions are available through public and Veterans Affairs hospitals, public health departments and branches of the United States Armed Forces.
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Education
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care managers typically have at least a master's degree in health care management, public health or a related field. Entry-level positions may be obtained with only a bachelor's degree or certificate, although some employers will hire based on job experience. Additional education may be required and will improve chances for advancement.
There are no standard licensing or educational requirements for health care management positions except for nursing care. Administrators working in nursing care are required to complete a bachelor's degree, pass an exam to obtain a license, complete an approved training program and pursue continuing education according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While not required, certifications may be obtained from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management and the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management.
Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care managers earned a median salary of $80,240 per year as of 2008. The amount earned depends on the size and type of practice. For example, a health care manager in a facility with 25 physicians will earn more than a manager in a facility with only three physicians. In addition, managers in general hospitals typically earn more than those working in a nursing home.
Considerations
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According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care management is a growing profession. The field is expected to grow 16% between 2008 and 2018.
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References
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