What skillset is most in demand? According to the US Department of Labor, it's a medical office manager, running a practice for private physicians. The need is also acute for managers in the home healthcare and outpatient services fields.
Other executives are needed in clinics, consulting firms, health insurance firms, public health departments, hospitals and many other healthcare settings.
As phrases like "skyrocketing medical costs," and "soaring health insurance premiums" become clichés in news stories, it's obvious that the need is acute for those with good skills in health care financial management.
What Do Managers Do?
Health care managers, according to the American College of Healthcare Executives,- Ensure that their organizations have strong medical, operational, and financial footing to serve the needs of patients, their families, and the communities
- Help in educating community members about important health issues
- Are skilled, trained professionals, who care deeply about the quality of care patients receive. They partner with physicians, nurses, and other professionals to provide care
- Ensure that hospitals and other healthcare organizations serve as "safety nets" in their communities by providing emergency and ongoing care, as well as accurate and timely information about public threats in times of crisis
What are Average Salaries?
According to the American College of Healthcare Executives, salaries typically are about $30 - $40K at entry level. After 8-10 years they can average $50-80K. After 20 years they can top $100K.Sources
- Medical and Health Services Managers. <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos014.htm>
- American College of Healthcare Executives. <http://www.healthmanagementcareers.org/whatis.cfm>; <http://www.healthmanagementcareers.org/careers.cfm>
