How to Transition from a Clinical Career into the Field of Healthcare Administration and Management
Greetings Health Scholars!
In today's newsletter, I am answering this question: As a clinical professional, can I transition into a healthcare administration or management career?
My answer is Yes!
You can transition into the business side of the healthcare industry. But before you do, I advise you to put a career transition strategy together.
Like you, many clinical healthcare professionals desire to transition into a healthcare administration or management career. Moving from a clinical role to a leadership position allows healthcare professionals to use their expertise to influence and improve healthcare delivery on a larger scale. However, this transition can be challenging, especially if you need to familiarize yourself with the skills and knowledge required in healthcare administration and management.
If you are still trying to figure out where to start, here are a few tips on making a successful transition, and provide website links for further information.
1. Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Before making the transition, it's essential to assess your skills and identify areas where you may need to improve. This self-reflection can help you create a plan to fill any gaps in your knowledge or experience. To develop these skills, consider taking courses or attending healthcare administration and management conferences.
2. Network with Healthcare Administrators and Managers
If you have been following me for a while now, you know I am a big proponent of networking. Meeting and having industry-related conversations with healthcare administration and management professionals can provide valuable insights into the skills and experiences needed to make a successful transition. Every month, aim to attend healthcare conferences or join professional organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) to meet and network with healthcare professionals in leadership positions.
3. Consider an Advanced Degree or Certifications in Healthcare Administration or Management
An advanced degree or certifications in healthcare administration or management can be a great asset when transitioning. A Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in healthcare management. Alternatively, healthcare business and operations management certifications can also be helpful. Many universities offer online programs, making it easier for healthcare professionals to complete coursework while working.
4. Highlight Your Transferable Skills
When applying for healthcare administration and management positions, highlight your transferable skills. Leadership, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills are essential in healthcare administration and management and can be developed in clinical roles.
5. Seek Mentorship and Shadowing Opportunities
Finding a mentor who has experience in healthcare administration and management can provide you with guidance and support as you make the transition. Additionally, shadowing a healthcare administrator or manager can give you firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations of a healthcare organization.
Here are a few professional association websites that can assist you with becoming acclimated to the healthcare administration and management field.
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE): https://www.ache.org/
Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA): https://www.aupha.org/
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS): https://www.himss.org/
Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals (AHAP): https://www.ahapcareercenter.org/
Ultimately, transitioning from a clinical healthcare professional to a healthcare administrator or manager can be a rewarding experience. By assessing your skills, networking with healthcare professionals, considering an advanced degree, seeking mentorship and shadowing opportunities, and highlighting your transferable skills, you can make a successful transition. Now is the perfect time to start this new chapter in your career.
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I hope today's newsletter has provided helpful information for those considering a healthcare career. Make sure to subscribe to the For Health Scholars YouTube channel!
Happy Job Hunting!