If you’re currently working in the healthcare industry, then you might be considering the next steps for your career. Moving up the ladder in healthcare isn’t always easy, and it’s important to start thinking about your options as soon as possible, especially if you eventually want to move into a leadership role. Returning to education to gain further certification is one of the more reliable ways to achieve this – in this guide, we’ll be discussing five of the most exciting career pathways for graduates with a Master of Healthcare Administration, to help you decide if this is the program for you.
What Is an MHA Degree?
Designed for students and professionals, a Master of Healthcare Administration degree allows individuals to expand their horizons in the healthcare industry, opening doors into leadership, delivery and financing roles. People with these degrees have access to a wide range of career opportunities, most of which include the planning and coordination of services and healthcare delivery in settings like hospitals and clinics. Because these programs are tailored towards those recently graduating from a Bachelor’s program, or individuals already in healthcare employment, there are plenty of options for students who need extra flexibility, such as the option to complete an MHA degree online.
Read on to discover five popular career pathways for individuals with an online MHA degree.
Hospital Administration
Hospital administration roles are one of the most popular pathways for MHA graduates. Administration involves a high level of strategic planning and financial management, so if you’re interested in ensuring that the operations of healthcare settings prioritize quality patient care and regulatory compliance then this is a great career to consider.
Healthcare Consulting
Working with healthcare organizations to improve efficiency and performance, known as healthcare consulting, is an exciting career pathway in which no day will be the same – you’ll be advising on healthcare policy, operations, and strategic decision-making, as well as analyzing data and recommending evidence-based solutions – don’t worry if you don’t have all of these skills just yet, as your MHA degree will equip you with everything you need.
Health Informatics
If you’re technologically-minded, then why not consider a career in health informatics after you receive your MHA degree? In this role, you’ll be utilizing health information systems and electronic health records to manage healthcare data analytics and information security. Through this, you’ll be able to help your organization offer patients the very highest level of care.
Executive Leadership
Another highly popular career pathway for MHA graduates is the journey into an executive leadership position. These roles involve developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives for healthcare organizations, as well as managing interdisciplinary teams and driving organizational growth. For individuals with natural leadership abilities and a drive to encourage teams to perform at their best, executive leadership is a great choice.
Healthcare Policy
If your interest in healthcare stretches beyond your current organization, then you might wish to explore career options that involve influencing healthcare policy at local, national, or international levels. Through the analysis of trends, legislation, and regulations, you can make a significant positive impact on the healthcare community, so policy roles are well-respected and provide incredible job satisfaction.
Wherever your MHA degree takes you, you can be certain that you’ll be able to land a role in a reputable organization that encourages your talents to shine. Whether it’s an informatics or operational role, or a policy job that lets you advocate for equitable and accessible healthcare for all, the opportunities that an MHA degree can bring are undeniable.
