A Master's in Healthcare Administration in Public Health is focused on preparing graduates for upper level management and executive positions in a number of different types of organizations. With the combination of a skill set and knowledge base in both public health and the administration of health care and services, prospective professionals with this educational qualification are well prepared for leadership and decision making in areas that ensure the overall health of communities all over the world.
Healthcare Administration Graduate Degree Curriculum Overview
Many programs throughout the United States are designed specifically for either working professionals currently in the healthcare field or for prospective healthcare administrators with limited background in the field. In both programs, a focus on the ability to make decisions, problem solve, analyze data and research, collect information, communicate professionally, and lead an organization is emphasized.
In either type of program, graduate students complete a number of courses that are designed to gain knowledge in management, the field of healthcare, and organizational issues. Common course work is likely to include human resources management in healthcare organizations, health services managerial accounting, healthcare statistics for decision making, health economics, research and quality in healthcare, healthcare marketing, and healthcare information technology.
Through completion of course work and observation or internship experiences, students are able to build a number of invaluable skills in leading an organization in the healthcare field. Some of the outcomes of these programs include learning how to expand the roles of professionals within a health services organization, integration of health systems, organizational management, and innovation practices in healthcare.
Public Health Specialization Requirements
Adding a concentration of study in public health to a healthcare administration degree is beneficial for many students. This specialization requires students in a master's degree program to complete courses such as biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, management methods in quality assurance, occupational safety, public health practice, NGOs in health services, pharmaceutical management, public health policy, and evolution of infectious diseases.
The additional course work in a specialization in public health is designed to give future professionals an outlook on healthcare and services that is focused on the well-being of communities and society as a whole. Some of the objectives of these programs are to prepare future professionals to promote healthy lifestyles, improve the health of all people in a community, utilize research to help control infectious diseases, and find solutions for problems of disease and injury.
Healthcare Administration in Public Health Career Possibilities
Public health concentrations in healthcare administration prepare graduates for future careers in all types of healthcare organizations, but it also helps specifically build skills required by government agencies, educational institutions, research firms, and world health organizations. Information on additional career possibilities is located on the American College of Healthcare Executives website.
Related Resource: Long-term Health Administration
Public health is an area that affects entire communities and society overall through the promotion of research, creation of policies, and development of strategies in various areas of health and medical care. A Master's in Healthcare Administration in Public Health prepares individuals to enter into this field and make a difference in supporting the well-being of everyone.