An online certificate in healthcare management is a graduate program that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge that can help them advance their careers. Some certificate programs also prepare students for professional certification.
Upon completing this graduate certificate program, most people strive for leadership or management positions. Online healthcare management certificate programs are designed for working professionals with healthcare experience and a love for helping others. This certificate could also be beneficial for managers in other industries who want to move into the healthcare field.
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Read on to see if a healthcare management certificate is right for you.
Online Certificate in Healthcare Management Programs
Much like an online healthcare management degree, an online healthcare management certificate program can teach you how to manage all aspects of a healthcare organization. Healthcare managers oversee facility operations and employees as well as coordinate patient care.
Graduate certificate programs have a few qualities that distinguish them from other academic programs, such as an on-campus or online masters in healthcare management. or even an online PhD in Healthcare Management, for instance. They offer professionals the ability to increase their knowledge and skills within a given field without having to complete unrelated coursework. These programs are exclusively focused on providing students with a robust knowledge of healthcare management.
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Their curriculum also includes far fewer courses than a master’s degree program. Some graduate certificate programs help professionals prepare for industry certifications that could make them more marketable to employers. Online certificate programs also offer a more a flexible curriculum based on your schedule.
Healthcare management programs are beneficial for those who enjoy the healthcare field and helping people. As such, commonly held positions for these graduates include:
- Health services manager
- Health information manager
- Administrative services manager
- Compliance manager
Of course, these aren’t the only career paths you may pursue. The career you choose will in part be determined by your goals. These programs also introduce you to subjects like:
- Healthcare finance
- Strategic management
- Health policy analysis
- Quality assessment
In this type of program, you’ll study these subjects in relation to the healthcare field. As such, many of the subjects you study may build upon your prior knowledge and experience within the field.
Healthcare Management Careers and Salaries
Obtaining a healthcare management certificate online can help prepare you for leadership or administrative roles within the healthcare field. You could develop valuable soft skills that may make you an asset both in and out of the healthcare industry.
A graduate certificate program in this area of study can teach you a variety of skills. For instance, you may learn how to manage a healthcare facility’s budget, how to create and implement new policies, and how to oversee the daily operations of a healthcare organization.
This certificate is quite versatile, and you aren’t restricted to a health services management position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here’s a list of potential career paths within healthcare management, along with their median salaries.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $100,170 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Facilities Managers | $97,930 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Compliance Officers | $71,650 |
While a medical management certificate can help you grow your professional qualifications, there are many factors that contribute to the hiring process. You can research your preferred positions to see what other qualifications, such as related experience, are required.
Graduates tend to begin or continue their experience in the healthcare field. For many students, their primary goal is to progress through the healthcare industry. That said, many graduates are also professionals who run private practices in adjacent fields. For these students, obtaining a graduate certificate in healthcare management can be a way for them to increase their knowledge and receive advanced credentials.
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Some certificate programs also help prepare professionals to pursue healthcare management certification online. Holding industry certification can help demonstrate your proficiency in this sector.
Healthcare Management Certificate Curriculum & Courses
The courses that you’ll encounter in online certificate management programs will vary by school, but you can expect to find similar courses across schools. Here are some sample courses to give you an idea of various subjects that may be covered:
- Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professionals: This course introduces you to the legal and ethical challenges that healthcare workers face in the delivery of products or services.
- Healthcare Administration: This course gives you a foundation in leadership from a global healthcare perspective.
- Managing Human Capital in Healthcare: You’re shown how to manage human capital within a healthcare setting.
- Business Common Professional Components: You’ll cover the professional elements that are central to conducting successful business.
- Assessing Your Organization’s Finances: You’re taught how to understand and manage the finances of an organization.
- Addressing Healthcare Economics: This course teaches you how to improve an organization by understanding economic opportunities.
- Improving Quality and Performance of Healthcare Services: This course introduces you to the methods of promoting quality service through positivity and safety.
- Introduction to Healthcare Informatics: This course places an emphasis on information management in increasingly information-based healthcare systems.
- Healthcare Terminology: This course teaches you the terminology that is essential for working in the healthcare industry.
- Healthcare Delivery Systems: This course gives an introduction to the US healthcare delivery system and an overview of careers, governmental issues, and ethical considerations.
Obtaining a health care management certificate online will expose you to essential elements of healthcare management. The courses above are a representation of both the core curriculum and additional courses you may take. The amount of courses you’re required to take will depend on your specific program.
Admissions Requirements
Certificate programs have a different set of requirements from other academic programs. They’re typically designed for those who’ve completed related coursework or gained professional experience. Here are some common admission requirements you may find:
- Application
- Official college transcripts
- Resume
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
It’s beneficial to research the specific program you’re interested in so that you can review their specific admission requirements and ensure that you meet them before applying.
Accreditation
So, what is accreditation, and why does it matter? Accreditation is a status awarded to a college or university that has been reviewed by an accrediting agency and has proven its high standard of education.
Regional accreditation is generally considered the top accreditation status, as it’s widely recognized by employers and other schools. Attending a regionally accredited school can give you confidence that you’ll receive a high-quality education.
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Only accredited schools can receive certain forms of financial aid, and employers are more likely to recognize an academic certificate that comes from an accredited institution.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you require financial aid to help you cover the cost of your education, there are a number of options that you can explore. The primary option tends to be federal financial aid, which commonly comes in the forms of loans, grants, and work-study programs. To determine your eligibility for federal aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Your state may offer aid options as well. You can also consider scholarships or grants. These are usually offered by schools as well as local and national organizations. In addition, many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs or professional development programs for workers who want to further their education.
What Can You Do with a Healthcare Management Online Certificate?
Healthcare managers, also known as healthcare administrators or executives, are responsible for managing facility operations and patient care.
Receiving a graduate certificate in healthcare management online could help you cultivate your knowledge and skills to become a leader in the field. Most graduates go on to work in an administrative or management role within the healthcare sector.
If you’re already a healthcare professional and are seeking to advance within the medical field, then a healthcare management certificate may allow you to do so. Otherwise, if you’re currently a professional in another field, then this certificate may allow you to move into the administrative side of the healthcare field.
What Do Healthcare Managers Do?
Healthcare managers play vital roles within a healthcare organization. As with any manager, it’s essential for healthcare managers to have good communication skills and to be business savvy. They’re also capable of working efficiently both alone and in a team setting.
Their primary goal is to put the patient first. They do so by ensuring that the organization is running smoothly and that all operations are abiding by a high standard of quality. The daily tasks of a healthcare manager vary, but they generally include creating objectives for the team, managing the facility’s finances, and supervising staff members.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Certificate in Health Care Management?
The time it takes to receive a graduate certificate in healthcare management online will vary depending on your schedule and specific circumstances. It’s helpful to consider your goals and personal schedule when determining whether to enroll full-time or part-time.
An online healthcare management certificate program is usually comprised of an average of 12 credits and based on an 8 week schedule. They can often be completed in 1 year or less. Many online certificate programs are flexible and allow you to set your own schedule.
Is a Certificate in Healthcare Management Worth It?
Yes, a certificate in healthcare management is worth it for many students. This graduate certificate is beneficial for people who have an interest in advancing within the healthcare field. Leaders in healthcare can help improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes on a larger scale.
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Jobs for healthcare managers and administrators are currently in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is expected to increase by 28% over the next ten years. This equates to around 56,600 new jobs each year.
Universities Offering Online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Creighton University offers a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management. This program may be an ideal fit for students interested in advancing their careers without committing to a full graduate program. Students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours to obtain their certificate. On average, students can finish their requirements in 1 year.
Creighton University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Fayetteville State University offers a Healthcare Management Graduate Certificate. The curriculum is designed to provide students with an understanding of essential business concepts, leadership strategies, and healthcare organizations. The program requires the completion of 15 credit hours. The curriculum consists of classes such as Health Services Marketing, Healthcare Information Systems, and Ethical Issues in Healthcare.
Fayetteville State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fitchburg State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management. Classes cover concepts like healthcare policy, legal and ethical issues in the field, and financial management. Most students can complete the program’s 9 required credit hours in 5 months. Students can attend all classes 100% online and choose one of several yearly start dates.
Fitchburg State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Liberty University offers a Graduate Healthcare Management Certificate. The program aims to help healthcare professionals develop essential financial, leadership, operational, and marketing skills. The classes in the program use a fully online learning format. Each one is 8 weeks long, and the classes are taken one at a time. On average, students can finish the program’s 12 credit hours in 6 months.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ohio University offers a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management. The program’s flexible online and part-time format may be an excellent fit for busy professionals interested in gaining additional management skills. The curriculum consists of 4 courses for a total of 12 credit hours. Students can tailor their coursework by selecting electives in their areas of interest.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of New England offers a 100% online program for a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management. The central focus of the program is graduating leaders with a strong grasp on change management, strategic problem solving, innovation, and talent management. Each class is 8 weeks long. The program requires the completion of 12 credit hours, which can typically be done in 8 months.
The University of New England is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of North Texas—Fort Worth offers a Healthcare Management Graduate Certificate. Courses cover topics like population health analytics, organizational leadership, health finance, and data management. Classes meet online, and each one is 8 weeks long. Students must complete at least 15 credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to earn the certificate.
UNT – Fort Worth is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Rhode Island offers a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management. The curriculum is designed to provide students hoping to advance in their careers with a strong foundation in business, leadership, and healthcare operations. The program requires the completion of 12 total credit hours. All classes utilize a fully online learning format.
The University of Rhode Island is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Virginia offers a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management. The program seeks to help students develop the knowledge needed to address diverse challenges and serve as successful leaders in a variety of healthcare settings. Students can choose one of three yearly start dates and attend classes conveniently online. The program can typically be completed in 18 to 24 months.
The University of Virginia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
West Liberty University offers a Healthcare Management Graduate Certificate. The program utilizes a convenient online format to help prepare busy working professionals for leadership roles in healthcare. Each class is 7 weeks long, and most students can complete the program in 6 to 10 months.
West Liberty University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Healthcare Management Certificate Online
Healthcare professionals have always been vital to the success and wellness of communities, and demand for workers in this field continues to grow. Likewise, the demand for healthcare leaders and administrators has skyrocketed.
If you have a passion for administration, management, and improving patient care, then obtaining a certificate in healthcare management online could help you develop these valuable skill sets. Graduate certificate programs could also help you prepare for industry certification.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your professional journey, you can get started by researching accredited schools and finding the graduate certificate program that’s right for you.
