Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Health Policy Analysis
• Health/Health Care Administration/Management
• Hospital and Health Care Facilities Administration/Management
• Health Unit Manager/Ward Supervisor
• Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator
• Long Term Care Administration/Management
• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Public Health, General
• Community Health and Preventive Medicine
• Health Services Administration
• Nursing Administration
• Nursing Practice

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

Most medical and health services managers have at least a bachelor’s degree before entering the field. However, master’s degrees are common and sometimes preferred by employers. Educational requirements vary by facility and specific function.

Insider Info

Additional Information

High school students should have a solid base in mathematics, English, economics, business and accounting. A second language can also be helpful in some institutions.

Try to find part-time work or a summer job in a hospital or health-care environment. Also keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities in the health-care system.

Start with a bachelor's degree in the social sciences, commerce, public administration or in health science. Postgraduate training in health services administration is then required for students who want to progress to senior positions in the field.

A master's degree in hospital administration, health administration, public health or business administration is the standard educational requirement for this field. Specific requirements vary with the size of institution and the amount of responsibility involved.

Extra Requirements

All states require nursing care facility administrators to be licensed; requirements vary by state. In most states, these administrators must have a bachelor's degree, pass a licensing exam, and complete a state-approved training program. Some states also require administrators in assisted-living facilities to be licensed. A license is typically not required in other areas of medical and health services management. Although certification is not required, some managers choose to become certified. Certification is available in many areas of practice. For example, the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management offers certification in medical management, and the American College of Health Care Administrators offers the Certified Nursing Home Administrator and Certified Assisted Living Administrator distinctions.

For additional information, visit these websites:

• http://aaham.org
• http://www.achca.org
• http://www.ahima.org
• http://www.pahcom.com