Appalachian State University Blog

Students who are interested in pursuing careers in health care often want to know what they can do with health care degrees. There are numerous possibilities, from managing small, rural physicians’ offices to performing valuable administrative tasks in major urban health networks. 

A Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management degree focuses on developing bold, innovative leaders who thrive in the evolving medical field. By combining foundational business knowledge with an in-depth look at the health care industry, the program serves as a keystone for several exciting careers.

What Is a Health Care Management Degree?

Health care management can be defined as the management or administration of a health care department, facility, or network. Several types of health care managers exist, and while their roles and responsibilities may vary, they all bear responsibility for maintaining their employers’ day-to-day operations. 

A health care management degree combines the fundamentals of business practice with in-depth knowledge of the health care system. Business-related courses cover business and economic statistics, principles of microeconomics, and professional development. Health care courses cover managing health care organizations, health services financial management, and health law and policy.

Careers You Can Pursue With a Health Care Management Degree

Prospective students who wonder, “What can I do with a health care management degree?” are often pleasantly surprised by the number of opportunities available after graduation. Below are some of the most common career options.

1. Social Services Director

Social services directors create and manage programs or organizations designed to improve public health and well-being. Most work for nonprofit organizations or government agencies, and they spend much of their time organizing and attending community events.

Their most important tasks include offering emotional support to patients and families, particularly patients who have been victims of abuse; providing group counseling sessions designed to help clients overcome addiction; and creating referrals for clients.

2. Assisted Living Director

Assisted living directors are responsible for the day-to-day operation of facilities that provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to live as independently as possible. Their responsibilities include budgeting; interacting with residents and families; accepting new residents; assisting with the acquisition and use of health care plans; and approving resident transfers to and from their homes, nursing homes or hospitals.

3. Health Information Manager

To answer the question “What can I do with a health care management degree?” it’s helpful to consider the more-specific managerial roles available within large hospitals and networks. One of these roles is that of health information manager, whose primary function is to keep accurate and up-to-date patient records.

Health information managers must follow very strict legal and ethical guidelines as they perform their tasks, which include facilitating the transfer of health care data between providers and creating new systems for managing health data.

4. Medical Records Manager

Medical records managers also work very closely with health-related data, but this role primarily involves ensuring compliance with the laws that govern electronic health records (EHRs). These individuals supervise health care providers in facilities or departments to ensure that they’re following the proper laws, ethics, and guidelines.

They may also work independently or for advisory agencies to help organizations develop and implement data storage processes that comply with current statutes.

5. Hospital Manager

Hospital managers oversee the delivery of medical services in hospitals by guiding and supervising staff. These individuals work with the clinical and administrative staff in hospitals, gathering the information required to accurately budget, handle staffing concerns, or allocate resources. They may also participate in community outreach programs designed to improve the way their hospitals deliver health care services.

Hospital managers may also be responsible for improving health care delivery in ways that reduce overall costs while improving patient outcomes, thereby improving the hospital’s performance.

6. Health Care Project Manager

Health care project managers are responsible for developing, executing and overseeing specific projects within health care facilities, such as the implementation of a new department or the development of patient satisfaction programs. Their tasks consist of project-specific budgeting, resource allocation, staff recruitment and equipment purchases.

Ultimately, a health care project manager ensures that the hospital achieves its goals according to its budget and timeline; this improves revenue, reduces overhead costs and improves patient satisfaction.

Career Outlooks for Health Care Management Degree Graduates

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 9% increase in employment of medical and health services managers, which includes hospital managers and assisted living directors, between 2022 and 2032. Rising demand for health-related services will propel these careers forward.

The BLS projects an 8% increase in employment of medical records specialists, which includes health information managers and medical records managers, for the same time period. Increasingly strict regulations that govern the collection, storage and transfer of EHRs will drive growth.

The BLS projects a 9% increase in employment of social and community service managers. The growing number of older adults in community populations coupled with people seeking treatment for addiction and a wider focus on the prevention of preventable disease will drive growth.

Finally, the BLS projects a 6% increase in employment of project management specialists, which includes health care project managers. As more hospitals and medical facilities look for new ways to improve the quality of care they deliver while reducing their overall costs, they’ll rely on these individuals to ensure that such projects meet their time and budget goals.

Explore Education Options for a Health Care Management Career

Aspiring students who ask themselves, “What can I do with a health care management degree?” find that numerous opportunities are available after graduation. From overseeing a team of people who process medical records to managing an entire hospital’s operations, career choices abound to suit your skills and knowledge.

Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management degree program prepares students to take on managerial roles in a diverse range of health settings. By combining time-tested business management knowledge with a solid foundation in health care settings, this degree program is the first step toward a fulfilling lifelong career. Learn more about how you can make a difference with our health care management degree.

Sources:

Indeed, 12 Health Care Management Jobs to Consider 

Indeed, What Is Health Care Management?

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Records Specialists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Project Management Specialists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social and Community Service Managers

Zippia, What Is a Social Services Manager and How to Become One