A bachelor’s degree is enough for some
entry-level positions in health administration, a few senior-level positions in
smaller operations, and for some middle management jobs in larger
organizations. Many schools and colleges offer undergraduate degrees with a
concentration in health services management.
The purpose of a baccalaureate
education in this area is to provide the initial education for professional
careers in health services management. The Association of University Programs
in Health Administration provides a list of undergraduate programs that are
certified to provide undergraduate health administration education. However, an
undergraduate degree in health services management is not required to become a
health services manager or to enter into a health administration graduate
program. Degrees in other areas, such as business, nursing, or liberal arts,
may also qualify you.
In today’s business world, there are
certain industries that are expanding and will always be in need of workers.
The health care industry is one of them. The population of U.S. citizens is
gradually growing older, with an increase in health problems and the needs of
the elderly. So it makes sense that having the necessary skills to work in the
health care field is going to provide many opportunities for employment that
pays well and is also rewarding.
If you have a health care management
degree, you will have the education that is required to manage medical
facilities and your fellow health care workers. This is a responsibility that
will provide many challenges and ensure that your work will never be
monotonous. You will be contributing to the health care needs of many
individuals on a daily basis, and other medical professionals will turn to you
for assistance in health-related matters.
What types of employment can you
expect to find if you have a health care management degree?
- Chief Executive Officer.
- Hospital Administrator.
- President of a major medical facility.
- Department Director.
- Director of a nursing facility.
- Administrator of a physician’s private practice.
- Chief Nursing Officer.
- Executive Director.
- Director of Risk Management.
- Director of Business Development.
- Administrator of an outpatient clinic.
- Manager of a mental health clinic.
A management or administrative
position allows you to have the opportunity to run different aspects of a
medical facility and make major contributions to the policies, rules and
regulations. With a health care management degree, you will be in a high
position that will put you in charge of overseeing all major operations. And
you will have the talent that is needed to carry out your duties responsibly
and competently.
Students who wish to earn a degree
in facilities management can pursue select degree programs accredited by the
International Facility Management Association (IFMA), a certification
organization for the industry.
These programs can generally be completed in
four years, and some schools require students to complete an internship, which
offers hands-on experience. This career involves multiple disciplines, and
knowledge of architecture, mathematics, psychology and managerial skills can
prove beneficial. Some colleges may require prospective graduates to complete a
capstone project and thesis. To be considered for admission, students need to
be high school graduates.
Program
Coursework
The curriculum typically includes
certain general education courses, such as English, world studies and science.
Since facilities managers can be involved in so many aspects of running a
building, students take part in a diverse curriculum. Courses can include:
- Business and contract law
- Building design
- Financial analysis and accounting
- Project and personnel management
- Introduction to business statistics
Popular
careers
Facilities management professionals
may need to spend time outdoors or travel to construction sites. They may also
need to work overtime during the week and be on-call during evenings and
weekends. Graduates who manage healthcare facilities can work as:
- Healthcare environmental service managers
- Sustainable hospital design consultants
- Hospital plant operations directors
Continuing Education, Credentials and Certification
Certification, while not mandatory, can be beneficial for facilities managers. The IFMA offers a Facilities Management Professional (FMP) credential program both to current facilities managers and to those embarking on careers in the field. This program covers the basics of facilities management and can be administered online. Having an FMP credential can be helpful to those who wish to take the IFMA-administered Certified Facility Manager (CFM) exam, a 4-hour test covering such topics as operations, maintenance and project planning. Education and work experience requirements for the CFM exam can vary.
Master's
Program in Facilities Management
Graduates determined to expand their
knowledge of the constructional, managerial and architectural aspects of
facilities management can obtain master's degrees. Like undergraduate programs
in facilities management, certain Master of Science programs in the subject can
be accredited by the IFMA. The 2-3 year programs often require the completion
of a master's thesis. In addition, students with prior work experience may be
eligible to earn advanced standing credits towards their degree. All applicants
need to have a bachelor's degree to qualify for admission.
Program
Coursework
Many colleges and universities offer
evening courses for students who work during the day. Subjects covered can
include:
- Facility maintenance and operation
- Environmental issues
- Property development
- Real estate management
Professional
Certificate in Facilities Management
Completion of a certificate program
in facilities management can benefit individuals with formal degrees in the
field, for those already working or for those changing careers. These programs
can be completed in approximately two years, although some schools allow
students five years to finish them. Most programs consist of both required and
elective courses covering topics recognized by the IFMA, such as operations and
maintenance, real estate, leadership and quality assessment. Educational
prerequisites vary by certificate program.
Program
Coursework
Students need to take 9-11 required
units and 9-15 elective units. Their options may include such classes as:
- Property assets
- Emergency preparedness
- HVAC systems
- Sustainable design
- Facilities management principles
Popular
Careers
Individuals may decide to attain FMP
credentials and gain work experience in preparation for the CFM exam. Careers
in hospitals and other healthcare facilities can include:
- Assistant director in facilities management
- Facilities maintenance specialist
- Data center facilities manager
