What is Hospital Management Training?
Hospital management training varies widely, depending on the area of specialty, amount of experience, and level of responsibility. Healthcare is the largest industry in the U.S. and well-trained healthcare administrators help ensure efficiency and compliance in such increasingly challenging and complex areas as insurance, government regulation, technology, cost control, and patient services.
Field Defined
A hospital's managers plan, maintain, organize, and administer the delivery of its healthcare services internally and in coordination with its networks and other related systems. Training begins at the certificate or undergraduate level and prepares you for individual or team responsibilities in a smaller hospital or specialty area. Graduate and postgraduate studies may qualify you for the responsibilities of a larger facility or a particular managerial or clinical specialty.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Important Information About Hospital Management Training
| Possible Careers | Health Economist, Health Service Manager, Insurance Underwriter |
| Online Availability | Available in a hybrid format, with majority of coursework online with some campus visits |
| Common Courses | Healthcare information technology, Human resources management, Policy issues in healthcare |
| Continuing Education | Required for licensure renewal, varying by state and available through the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $101,340 (for all medical and health services managers) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031)* | 28% growth (for all medical and health services managers) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Training and Education
According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), most healthcare providers require a degree or certificate for administrative positions. A hospital management training degree or certificate program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. Examples of such programs of study follow.
Bachelor's Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management is a four-year undergraduate degree that would provide a more extensive background in general studies, critical thinking, and the function and structure of healthcare administration. Your training in hospital management would include more comprehensive study in areas such as the legal, financial, regulatory, and policy aspects of the business. You could also participate in internships.
Certificate Program
Non-degree hospital management-related certificate programs are designed for experienced healthcare professionals as well as those new to the field. These typically require applicants to hold at least a bachelor's degree. Examples are:
- The Public Health Certificate in Informatics
- The Public Health Certificate in Core Concepts
- Certificate in Global Health
Graduate Degree
On the graduate level, master's and dual-degree programs allow you to further train in hospital management. In such programs, you can increase your general business administration knowledge or focus on specialized study in a particular area such as public health, patient rights, industry issues, or information systems. Examples of master's degrees are:
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
A Ph.D. program, such as a Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Management program, would prepare you for a higher administrative level, such as the directorship of a hospital, system, or network.
