Educational Requirements

          Educational Requirements in Hospital Management

    Although a graduate degree may not always be a requirement to work in hospital management, many employers prefer applicants with extensive educational training in healthcare administration. Many employers and professional certification associations require applicants to graduate from an accredited healthcare management degree program. The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education ( CAHME ) has recommended four degree options for students interested in healthcare management, including Master's of Business Administration (MBA), Master's of Public Health (MPH), Master's of Health Administration (MHA) and Master's of Public Administration (MPA). According to CAHME, more than 95 colleges and universities in the U.S. offer accredited graduate degree programs in healthcare management.

Coursework often covers a variety of subjects related to business administration, public health and the healthcare industry. Programs can include study in accounting, hospital systems, healthcare regulations, patient privacy rights and hospital management.

Graduate certificate programs generally focus on specific healthcare management subjects, such as systems technology, finance and healthcare economics. Students typically learn organizational leadership techniques such as organizational development, strategic planning and staff assessment.

With administrative experience and a bachelor's degree it is possible to begin a career in medical and health services management, although a master's or graduate certificate may be preferred or required by some employers. With 'faster than average' job growth projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics through 2024, there are many opportunities for those planning a career in this.