Key Considerations for Health Policy and Management Students
- An Interdisciplinary Education
- Leadership Skills are Not Optional
- Public Policy and Service Management Specializations
- Working in Health Policy and Management
- Education and Professional Development
Students of public health enjoy a variety of opportunities to specialize their degree to focus on a particular career path or personal interest, including public policy and management concentrations. Policy and management programs prepare students to analyze big picture issues and develop solutions on an organizational, regional or national scale. While the field is promising in terms of opportunity and professional demand, there are a few things students should consider before committing to a career.
Interdisciplinary Education
Health policy and management specializations may revolve around healthcare issues, but they have a much wider scope that includes financial, legal and business perspectives. It is difficult to supervise an organization or develop practical policy without a working knowledge of all the major factors and forces that shape the current system. Strong educational programs equip students with a wide knowledge base and a variety of professional skills that allow them to fully grasp the challenges and opportunities in their field.
Leadership Skills are Not Optional
Health service management careers almost always involve some amount of supervision, team coordination and decision making. This means candidates are expected to have effective communications and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to work with others on a regular basis. Many positions in health policy also require frequent collaboration and communication, including presentations and public speaking.
Public Policy and Service Management Specializations
Health policy and management are often paired together, but many academic programs allow participants to focus on one over the other. Students should explore their options as soon as possible, particularly through internship opportunities, to find the path that fits their professional goals. Policy positions typically require a fundamental understanding of the politics and legal framework of public health, while managers focus more on internal management and business practices.
Working in Health Policy and Management
There are a lot of different types of career opportunities available to those specializing in health policy and service management. Qualifications often depend on professional experience and reputation, although senior roles may require a graduate or doctoral degree. Medical and health services managers enjoy a strong job growth outlook through 2026 and received a median salary of over $98,000 in 2017, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Preparation and Professional Development
A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry level positions in both policy and management, although building a successful career may require further education or development. Professionals practicing this specialization also need to stay aware of new trends and emerging technologies throughout the industry, so consistent professional development is key. Anyone serious about a career in this field should seek out additional resources, including conferences and educational opportunities, and expand their professional network as much as possible.
Related Resource: Top 10 Doctor of Public Health Degree Programs
Healthcare management and public policy are both incredibly complex subjects that can impact the lives thousands or even millions of people. There are dozens of challenges and considerations to account for on any given project, but this also creates opportunities for meaningful accomplishment. Students who take the time to learn the details about health policy and management specializations may find that they can lead them to a rewarding and flexible career in the future.