Medical administration careers? (Houston, Howe: law, licensed, health care)

[marylee54]

What do you think of a career in health care administration? I'm thinking of obtaining an MBA with an emphasis in health care administration.

I think the new administration with its changes in health care administration will bring a lot of opportunities, so, what do you think?

[ChristieP]

Speaking as someone in HR in the healthcare industry, I can say it is THE MOST DIFFICULT industry to break into with zero experience. Basically, the only companies that would hire you with an MBA would be hospitals or larger healthcare companies, and even then, they would want experience. And if you get a specialized MBA, and you're unable to break into the industry, then you will be STUCK. I would recommend a regular MBA, and then try to get into healthcare. Maybe use your electives to take the healthcare classes? A MBA will not help you become a Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator, which requires a totally different course of study.

[bamba_boy]

My wife used to be a medical administrator at a large Houston hospital. I'll give you some advice. She has an MBA but really got her job because she had previously obtained a law degree. Also, other types of hospital administration jobs, even if they no longer really use the knowledge much, require that the person had experience as a nurse, doctor, or medical-science researcher. Now, you may have this more grass-roots kind of experience and an MBA-healthcare admin would be great. However, if you're say a 22-year old history BA trying to get a big hospital admin job with that MBA it will probably be useless.

[marylee54]

Ok, thanks for the advice!

what about HR administration? In healthcare or other fields? I understand Human Resources administration is a good field...........

[ChristieP]

Yes, there is always a demand for HR in any industry. But you have to want to do HR to be good at it. If you're just looking for a career, and you're not drawn to the HR profession, then you probably won't enjoy it OR be good at it. You also have to be willing to always keep learning because our profession has a LOT of changes!

Unfortunately, the new administration is likely to bring some not-so-good changes for HR. *IF* the Democrat-controlled Senate passes the Employee Free Choice Act, and President Obama signs it as he has promised, we're going to see a LOT of employers unionized. For HR people, a union is a PITA to deal with, and many of us will seek other positions in non-union industries...