Many people wonder what degree is needed to become a practice manager in the healthcare field. If you would like to work in practice management for a primary care physician, you may or may not be required to possess a degree. With so many different experienced health administrators and managers looking for open management positions, it is not realistic to enter the field of practice management with no degree in hand. To gain the knowledge you need and capture the attention of prospective employers, it is important to enroll in the right degree program. Here are some of the best degrees that you can pursue:
Which Bachelor's Degree is Best?
The best start is to enroll in a bachelor's degree program that will give you a great foundation to start a career in practice management. With this title, you will need a broad set of skills, knowledge of the principles of management and experience with technology. While you can attain all of this by earning a degree in business management, having an understanding of medical terminology is also important. The best way to get all of the core skills that you will need to work towards a position in practice management is to major in Health Information Management, according to Medical Practice Management. With this degree, you will learn how to work in a management role in a patient care setting so that you are the leader that you need to be when you are hired.
Moving on to Earn a Master's Degree
If you want to manage an entire practice, you will typically need a master's degree to compete for the role. While some physicians do not require candidates to have a master's, a majority of them will prefer candidates who have advanced degrees over those who do not. You can earn a graduate degree in many different areas and still gain the advanced understanding of the field that you need. A Master's in Health Administration, Health Sciences or Public Administration are the most popular choices. Some may even go the other route and earn a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management to develop their leadership skills. You will need to decide which curriculum will keep you interested and intrigued as you are comparing the accredited options.
Earn Your Certification and Show that You Are Competent
The best way to show that you are a competent professional who is capable of managing revenue cycles, taking care of the front office and staying up-to-date with compliance regulations is to get certified. By becoming a Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) through the AAPC, you can show that you are competent professional who has a good understanding of the functions that a manager is responsible for. To earn this certification, you will need to pass an exam and maintain your membership with the AAPC. This added step may be all it takes to get a job in practice management quickly.
Related Resource: Government Health Informatics Jobs
The need for experienced health services managers is on the rise and is only projected to grow as more and more baby boomers require regular medical care. If you want to enter a field that is stable, fulfilling and in demand, healthcare management could be the right choice. Compare accredited degree programs and earn the degree needed to become a practice manager so that you can compete.