The Profession
Who They Are
Health services managers ensure the business operations of health care and health services organizations.
What They Do
Health services managers work in both clinical and nonclinical settings. They might specialize in managing a specific clinical area or department, a medical practice for a group of practitioners (e.g., physicians, dentists) or an entire facility. Many health services managers work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, government agencies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, insurance providers, managed care organizations, and consulting firms.
Where They Work
Health services managers and administrators, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They work on improving equity, quality and efficiency for increasing healthcare access, carrying out policies and procedures, controlling costs, implementing new technology, recruiting and retaining health care professionals, ensuring compliance with changing regulations, billing and reimbursement, and implementing innovative programs to improve the health of communities. Health services managers work in a variety of areas such as project management and consulting, health insurance benefits and enrollment, health information technology, healthcare marketing, pharmacy benefit management, provider network contracting, medical device and biomedical consulting or sales, and health policy and advocacy.
Outlook
Healthcare administration is growing much faster than average. Employment of health services managers is projected to grow 28 percent over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 56,600 openings for medical and health services managers are projected each year, on average. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Preparing to Apply
Preparing to Apply for the Undergraduate Bachelor of Applied Science Program
Students interested in applying for the undergraduate bachelor of applied science program must complete prerequisite courses in statistics, accounting, macroeconomics, and more. The Health Services Management degree accepts applications from students with at least 30 transferable college credits. Find out more about how your credits might transfer and other admission requirements on the Center for Continuing and Professional Students website, or Contact Enrollment Advisor Jeff Olsen Krengel.
Preparing to Apply to the Master of Healthcare Administration Program
Students interested in applying for the MHA program must complete prerequisite courses in statistics, accounting, microeconomics, and more. Learn more about prerequisites here. Students are also encouraged to have relevant healthcare experience and maintain a high GPA, as GPA of at least 3.0 is required. In the application, students also submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a letter of intent.
The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is not required for admission to the UMN MHA program. Learn more on the UMN MHA program website linked below. Always make sure to check the websites of other programs you’re planning to apply to, as they may require GRE scores. More information about taking and preparing for the GRE can be found here.