People attend college and graduate schools with the hope of graduating and getting a good-paying job. One of the largest employment sectors in the United States is the health-care field. You do not need a medical degree to work in this field, although it helps. Those with business degrees, such as an MBA, might find work in management or administration in health-care facilities. If health care interests you and you are organized and understand business, consider a career in the health care management field.

Careers and Salary

Health care management covers a broad number of careers. According to HealthManagmentCareers.org, entry level jobs are often found in areas such as patient care services or nursing administration. Over time, health care management specialists could become heads of departments of various health care facilities or even the chief executive officer of a hospital. Salary for executives is competitive: according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average earnings were between $60,000 and $104,000 per year, as of January 2011.

Required Education

Careers in health care management blend aspects of business and health care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), an advanced degree is required for most positions in the health care management field. To wit: “[a] master’s degree in [a health care management field] is the standard credential for most generalist positions.” People interested in this line of work should pursue an undergraduate degree in public health, public administration and/or business administration and then continue their education by studying in a field such as health services administration or long-term care administration, according to the BLS.

Work Environment and Job Duties

Health care management specialists work with and around doctors, nurses and other related positions in the health care field. According to the BLS, the hours can be long because many health care facilities are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The job duties vary based on the specific positions. In general, health care management specialists handle the administrative duties associated with health care. This includes supervising doctors and nurses, analyzing finances and coordinating health care services or departments.

Industry Growth

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics, HealthGuideUSA.org and HealthManagementCareers.org all indicate that health care management job opportunities are expected to grow as of January 2011. According to the BLS, this field is expected to grow “16 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations.” For those just entering the work force and planning on becoming involved in health care management, the industry looks positive as of January 2011.