Benefits of a Master of Science Health Leadership Degree
Health and human services managers plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the delivery of health and human services. Generalists manage an entire facility, while specialists manage a department, such as finance, human resources, records management, administrative services, and information technology. Typical work settings include:
- Hospitals
- Government facilities
- Ambulatory facilities
- Outpatient care centers
- Healthcare Organizations
- Public health departments
- Social services agencies
- Insurance carriers
- In-home healthcare providers
- Group medical practices
- Managed care facilities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment outlook for Medical and Health Service Managers is projected for rapid growth (18-26%) through 2014.
Additional significant points include:
- Job opportunities will be especially good in offices of health practitioners, general medical and surgical hospitals, home health care services, and outpatient care centers.
- Applicants with work experience in health care and strong business and management skills likely will have the best opportunities.
- Earnings are high; median annual earnings of medical and health services managers were $67,430 in May 2004, with some earning more than $117,990 per year.
- A master's degree is the standard credential for most positions in this field.
"Medical and health services managers often are responsible for millions of dollars' worth of facilities and equipment and hundreds of employees. To make effective decisions, they need to be open to different opinions and good at analyzing contradictory information. They must understand finance and information systems and be able to interpret data. Motivating others to implement their decisions requires strong leadership abilities. Tact, diplomacy, flexibility, and communication skills are essential because medical and health services managers spend most of their time interacting with others."
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Medical and Health Services Managers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco.ocoso14htm (visited November 17, 2006).
The following statements were published by Public Policy Associates, Inc (2004): Health care workforce development in Michigan: Final Report, p. 1-2. Lansing, MI
- Health care represents a major segment of the Michigan economy
- Health care is Michigan's largest industry in terms of employment
- Demand for health care workers will grow as Michigan's baby boomers get older