Not all heroes wear capes. Sure, doctors and surgeons wear scrubs—the unofficial capes of modern medicine—but what about the people working behind the scenes? The ones making sure our hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems runs smoothly every day? 

They might not always get the glory, but they’re far from undervalued, especially in today’s job market. Healthcare management and administrator roles are on the rise, with a projected growth rate of 29% through 2033: nearly 25% faster than the average for all occupations. 

So, which healthcare management position is right for you? Only you can decide, but information is power, and this guide will give you the insight you need to find a path that fits your strengths and goals. 

Why Choose a Career in Healthcare Management? 

A career in healthcare management offers strong job growth, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in hospitals and healthcare systems. But if you’re looking for the why behind the what, here’s a closer look at the benefits of choosing a path in this rapidly growing field: 

  • Demand: The outlook is bright for healthcare management careers. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects more than 160,000 new jobs through 2033 (and that’s just for health service managers), making this one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. 
  • Salary: While earnings can vary by role, location, and experience, the BLS reports that medical and health services managers earn an impressive average annual salary of $117,960. 
  • Purpose: You know what they say: If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. If you’re passionate about healthcare but prefer to work behind the scenes rather than in a patient-facing role, healthcare management is the perfect fit. 
  • Education: Becoming a doctor or physician assistant requires years of postgraduate education. In contrast, many healthcare management roles are accessible with just a four-year degree, making this field more attainable—and faster to enter—than many clinical careers. 

4 Career Paths in Healthcare Management 

Below, we explore four distinct career paths in healthcare management. For each path, you’ll find: 

  • A general overview of the role 
  • Typical work environments 
  • Key skills needed for success 
  • Sample careers 

Let’s dive in. 

#1 Hospital Administrator 

Have you ever pictured yourself working in a bustling hospital, just an arm’s length away from the action? That’s the world of hospital administration, where you’ll play a vital role in keeping the entire facility running efficiently. 

With your guidance, hospital staff will get the support and resources they need to deliver efficient, high-quality care while staying compliant with healthcare regulations. 

Work Settings 

Hospital administrators work in environments that require strong leadership and coordination across departments. You can typically find them in: 

  • Hospitals 
  • Outpatient clinics 
  • Long-term care facilities 
  • Rehabilitation centers 
  • Group practices 

Key Skills 

To succeed in hospital administration, you’ll need a mix of business acumen, leadership, and healthcare knowledge: 

  • Leadership and personnel management: Oversee diverse teams (including medical, administrative, and support staff), set workplace expectations, and foster a positive work environment. 
  • Budgeting and financial oversight: Manage departmental or facility-wide budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising care. 
  • Operations and facilities management: Coordinate day-to-day operations to ensure all departments run smoothly and patients receive high-quality care. 
  • Strategic decision-making: Use data, insight, and the organization’s goals to guide long-term planning, problem-solving, and resource allocation. 

Careers in Hospital Administration 

Graduates in management and healthcare management might pursue roles like: 

  • Hospital administrator 
  • Clinical manager 
  • Director of patient services 
  • Health services manager 

#2 Healthcare Consulting 

Healthcare organizations don’t run on patient care alone. Behind the scenes, consultants play a critical role in optimizing operations, keeping costs within budget, and navigating complex regulations. 

As a healthcare consultant, your goal is to improve the internal functions of healthcare organizations. That can include: 

  • Streamlining daily operations 
  • Increasing efficiency across departments 
  • Implementing technology that enhances patient care and simplifies workflows  

Work Settings 

Healthcare consultants work in environments where strategic analysis and improvement are key, such as: 

  • Healthcare consulting firms 
  • Large health systems 
  • Health insurance companies 
  • Independent or freelance consulting 

Key Skills 

Success in healthcare consulting requires a mix of analytical thinking, communication skills, and healthcare industry knowledge: 

  • Strategic planning: Assess performance, anticipate future trends, and develop practical improvement plans. 
  • Regulatory compliance: Understand and apply healthcare laws to keep facilities compliant. 
  • Risk management: Identify and minimize legal and operational risks that could impact patient care or business outcomes. 
  • Policy development: Help clients create internal policies that meet legal requirements and industry best practices. 
  • IT expertise: Apply cutting-edge technology to improve care delivery and administrative efficiency, from electronic health records (EHRs) to cybersecurity and data privacy. 

Careers in Healthcare Consulting 

Healthcare consulting offers a range of career opportunities for those passionate about improving systems and policies, including: 

  • Legislative liaison 
  • Research associate 
  • Program evaluator 
  • Independent consultant 

#3 Health Informatics 

Not all roles in healthcare management involve overseeing entire facilities or advising large systems. Some career paths take a more technical or policy-driven approach, but they still make a significant impact. 

Health informatics, for example, brings together technology, data, and healthcare to improve how facilities store, access, and use patient information. Professionals in this field often work in hospitals, tech companies, and government health agencies to ensure systems run smoothly and securely. 

Key Skills 

Health informatics roles require foundational skills in healthcare management, along with specialized technical expertise like: 

  • Data analysis and management 
  • Familiarity with EHR systems 
  • Understanding of HIPAA and data privacy 
  • Communication between clinical and technical teams 

Careers in Health Informatics 

If you’re interested in using data and technology to improve healthcare delivery, here are a few roles to consider: 

  • Health informatics specialist 
  • Clinical data analyst 
  • EHR implementation manager 

#4 Healthcare Policy Analysis 

If you’re passionate about shaping the future of healthcare, consider policy analysis. You’ll evaluate systems, recommend improvements, and influence legislation in a critical role that puts the “health” in healthcare. Professionals in this field play a vital role in aligning healthcare practices with public needs, often working in government, nonprofit, or academic settings. 

Key Skills 

Success in healthcare policy analysis relies on strong communication, critical thinking, and a solid understanding of the healthcare landscape, along with: 

  • Research and policy evaluation 
  • Written and verbal communication 
  • Knowledge of healthcare law and public health systems 

Careers in Policy Analysis 

If you’re drawn to advocacy, research, or systems-level change, consider roles such as: 

  • Health policy analyst 
  • Public health advisor 
  • Legislative liaison 

Prepare For your Dream Role with an Online Degree from UT Permian Basin 

Whether you’re drawn to shaping public policy or leading hospital operations as a health services manager, the right degree can help turn your career goals into reality. At UT Permian Basin, we offer two fully online programs designed to support your success, on your schedule: 

  • BBA in Healthcare Management 
    This program blends business coursework in accounting, marketing, and management with specialized healthcare topics like Healthcare Law, Health Communications, and Quality Improvement in Healthcare. It’s ideal for students who want to bring strong business insight into the healthcare space. 
  • BAAS in Healthcare Leadership 
    With just 60 credit hours, this degree is perfect for transfer students or those with an associate degree. You can transfer up to 60 previously earned credits and dive right into core classes that emphasize real-world healthcare leadership. With over 15 electives to choose from, you’re able to tailor your degree to match your career goals. 

Take the next step toward a career that makes a difference. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, UTPB’s online programs give you the flexibility to learn while you work—and the foundation to lead in the healthcare industry. 

Apply today or request more info to get started. 

Sources: 
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm