Education Plays Pivotal Role in Healthcare Career Advancement
Liz Perry for Leaders in Healthcare – Feb. 12, 2008
According to the 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook produced by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, education plays a large role in career advancement for healthcare’s fastest growing sectors. These include healthcare administration, informatics, and long term care.
Healthcare Administration
According to the publication, a master’s degree is the standard credential for a medical or health care manager A bachelor’s degree can be sufficient for entry-level positions in smaller facilities and departments. Typically, those with graduate degrees start as department managers or as supervisory staff, while bachelor’s degree holders usually begin as administrative assistants or assistant department heads in larger hospitals.
To succeed as administrators, healthcare professionals need experience in addition to education. For clinical department head positions, industry experience and a master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field may be required to advance. As the report cites, nursing administrators usually are chosen from among supervisory registered nurses with graduate degrees.
Previous administration training is not required. The handbook notes that though some graduate programs seek students with undergraduate degrees in business or health administration, many graduate prefer students with a liberal arts or health profession background. This gives candidates with previous work experience in health care an advantage.
In order to advance, professionals should look for graduate studies that prepare them to make effective decisions, analyze information, have a broad understanding of finance and information systems, and interpret data. These degrees should also address leadership abilities and communication skills.
Healthcare Informatics Management and Long Term Care Administration
Two quickly growing specializations within healthcare management are informatics and long term care. Contrary to many administrator positions, a bachelor’s degree is adequate for health information management. Health information managers with a bachelor’s degree or post baccalaureate from an approved program and who pass an exam can earn certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator from the American Health Information Management Association.
Licensure is an important element for those considering long term care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that nursing care facility administrators are required by all states and the District of Columbia to have a bachelor’s degree, pass a licensing examination, complete a state-approved training program, and pursue continuing education.