To most of us, the face of a hospital are the nurses and doctors who treat us and assist us. But the fact is that a hospital is far more than just the treatment we receive. It is an institution that tends to the sick, dealing with myriad problems - and such an institution requires a robust management system that works tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring smooth operation and organisation of healthcare centres and hospitals.
What is Hospital Management?
Understanding hospital administration is essential because these individuals are in charge of overseeing healthcare facilities. Besides the medical personnel, there are a number of other departments in any hospital, such as finance, maintenance, and human resources. A hospital management team ensures the continuous and efficient operation of all departments at once. They support the everyday operations of healthcare facilities, enhance the standard of patient care, and develop long-term strategies to accomplish these objectives. They also ensure that records are kept and incoming patients are properly assisted and supported.
It is a team of efficient hospital management staff that ensures that the medical facility offers high-quality services while also using the most efficient strategies. Planning, staffing, public relations, human resource management, and accounting connected to medical institutions are the fundamental duties associated with the various roles in this area.
Hospital Management: Courses
You can pursue any of the following courses, depending on the level of expertise you are planning to acquire.
- Bachelor of Hospital Administration (BHA) - 3 years
- Advanced Diploma in Hospital Administration (ADHA) - 2 years
- Diploma in Hospital Administration (DHA) - 1 year
- Certificate in Hospital Administration (CHA) - 6 months
You can check out some of the top courses in Hospital Management and Administration here.
You can also take the online hospital administration course if you are a working professional, but are not yet certified.
Hospital Management: Eligibility Criteria
- The student must have finished class 12 from any recognised board of secondary education
- The student must have achieved 50% or higher in the board exam for the 12th standard.
- Candidates for the online programmes for working professionals should have a minimum of 3 months of work experience for the certificate programme and 6 months of work experience for the diploma programme.
Hospital Management: Job Opportunities
You can avail of tremendous opportunities that can mold your personality and career by choosing this unique profession that combines the medical sector with the management arena. Check out popular hospital management job opportunities:
1. Hospital Administrator
A hospital administrator, often known as a hospital manager, is in charge of overseeing all the divisions of a smaller healthcare institution or a specific division of a bigger hospital. They handle new staff, supervise training programmes, and carry out regular employee reviews in this position. Hospital administrators also make sure that the establishment they are in charge of follows the latest medical regulations and rules.
2. Public health program manager
Governing bodies that conduct public health research initiatives appoint managers to oversee the project's success. These program directors are in charge of setting the project's budget and assessing the performance of the medical staff involved. In addition, they create work procedures and guidelines specific to each project for all people concerned.
3. Training and Development Manager
A training development manager's primary responsibility in a healthcare organisation is to mentor and coach newly hired professional candidates. These managers provide joinee with important resources and know-how for carrying out various day-to-day organisational activities. In addition, they will have a major say in deciding what duties the new hires will have.
4. Social and Community Support Manager
A social and community support manager's main responsibility is to increase community awareness of the healthcare system. They run a number of public programmes to emphasise the value of good health. These experts are also sought by healthcare organisations to conduct sessions that offer information on how to reach various underserved communities and tell them about potential health issues and concerns.
5. Health Insurance Specialist
As a health insurance specialist, one will be required to interact with patients or people in general and make sure that the hospitals receive accurate information regarding the use of health insurance policies. They also assist patients by helping them decide on payment options and telling them how to submit insurance claims.
There is an increasing requirement for skilled personnel who can manage the operational activities of a healthcare facility due to advancements in medical methods and technologies. Given its rapid change, the field has a wide range of advantages to offer to job seekers.
Source: The Telegraph, 1/03/23
