Healthcare executives are just as important to patients as are the doctors and nurses. Running a hospital or medical clinic takes great attention to detail, organizational skills, and a love of helping people. Doctors and nurses have enough to do without also having to supervise the day-to-day tasks of running a health care business. A health and safety executive can take over these concerns and free up the doctor's time to concentrate on patients.
The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) estimates that in America alone, there are 100,000 permanent and interim healthcare executive jobs. Although some industries are shrinking, all aspects of the healthcare industry are expanding. ACHE states that the average beginning salary of health care executives is $35,000. There are just as many opportunities for executive women in healthcare as there are for men.
More Than Paper Pushing
Healthcare executives are often portrayed as the "enemy" by medical dramas, movies or books. For example, in Maeve Binchy's best-selling "Heart and Soul" (2009), the doctors in a new cardiac unit have to constantly fight with hospital administrators for the slightest expense. Although budget-keeping has become a huge part of the healthcare industry, real healthcare executives will move heaven and earth in order to get patients the care they need.
There are many places other than hospitals or clinics that offer healthcare executive jobs. These include medical or business consulting firms; universities that need help with research; medical websites and publications that need the help of someone in the healthcare industry; and government agencies looking for ways to help make society healthier and safer. Healthcare administrators are asked by politicians for their help in creating healthcare reform.
Desired Qualities
ACHE lists a number of qualities a person needs before deciding to enroll in an administration care health executive program. You need to be flexible and not flustered by new changes in rules or paperwork. You need to be an excellent communicator, able to write papers and give speeches. You need to dive right into negotiations between two cantankerous sides; you also need to be dependable enough to show up for work regularly. You should also be able to conduct yourself professionally even in difficult situations.
To prepare for healthcare executive positions, you should pursue business courses with an accredited university. A number of online universities offer online business degree programs where you can get a Bachelor’s in health care administration or a graduate-level MBA healthcare management degree. Find the program that suits your interest and degree needs; your education can be done on your own personal schedule.
Insider Tip
Because of the demand for hospital administrators and other healthcare executives, once you’re in the field you should be prepared to move if the job offer is right. One great tip is to join ACHE and subscribe to "Managed Healthcare Executive" magazine. Not only is this a way to keep up with latest trends in health care and network with professionals, but it’s the best way to find a healthcare executive position or health care executive recruiters. They have access to healthcare systems that are hiring almost anywhere in the United States.
Doctors and nurses experience a high degree of burnout. One way they can continue in the medical field and help people is by joining a healthcare consulting team or becoming a healthcare executive. Although doctors would have to take business classes, their experience knowing what their colleagues need from their administrators is priceless.