Health Care Managers

Because every hospital and numerous other health care facilities employ administrators, employment opportunities in health care will be very strong through 2033 as the industry continues to diversify and deal with the problems of financing health care for everyone. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that during this time employment will grow at a rate of 29 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations. This occupation of health care manager ranks in the top 10 careers with the fastest expected growth from 2023 through 2033.

Employment will especially strong in health practitioners' offices and clinics, outpatient care centers, and home health care services. There will also be more opportunities with health care management companies that provide management services to hospitals, offices of physicians, and other organizations, as well as specific departments such as emergency, information management systems, managed care contract negotiations, and physician recruiting.

Despite the prediction for strong employment growth, competition for top-level administrative jobs will be stiff. However, many starting executives can find jobs working in health care settings other than hospitals, or they may be offered jobs at the department head or staff levels.

With hospitals adopting a more business-like approach aimed at lowering costs and increasing earnings, demand for M.B.A. graduates should remain steady. Individuals who have strong people skills and business or management knowledge will find excellent opportunities as administrators in nursing homes and other long-term facilities.