Careers in Hospital Management and Administration

Considering the current scenario of the globalization, the health sector is witnessing the boom day-by-day, while the medical technology is advancing faster than ever and constantly falling under the spotlight to provide patients and caregivers the best of the facilities. Though people are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of healthcare, emphasis on quality health care and patient satisfaction is also growing like never before. As such, hospital management and administration has evolved as one of the most lucrative career option for aspiring graduates who have passion and willingness to serve the mankind. The various study programs offered in hospital management and administration impart training in management skills, management principles, accounting and business communication, along with specialized knowledge on the working of a hospital and marketing of hospital services and logistics management. Potential individuals who yearn to become successful hospital administrators should have a perfect blend of innovation, responsibility, self motivation, and devotion towards humanity, apart from ability to work for long hours.

Course Details
Different levels of courses are available for aspiring students who want to make a career in hospital management and administration. The most common among them are Bachelor of Hospital Administration (BHA), Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital Administration (PGDHA), Master of Hospital Administration (MHA), and MBA (Hospital Administration). Any 10+2 pass-out student, in any discipline, is eligible for bachelor’s degree courses, while graduates in any discipline can opt for Master’s and PG Diploma programs in hospital management and administration. After successfully obtaining a Master’s degree in Hospital Management (MHA), one can go for higher study programs, like M Phil (Hospital Administration). Depending on the personal interest of an individual, one can pursue various other courses, available through different modes of education like regular, part time, or correspondence.

Career Prospects
Plentiful job opportunities are available in the field of hospital management and administration. One can start his/her professional career as an assistant hospital administrator or assistant manager in any non-medical department of an organization. After pursuing a course, one can seek employment in Government organizations and large PSUs, such as hospitals, clinics, international and national healthcare organizations, health insurance companies, healthcare centers, nursing homes, mental health organizations, public health departments, rehabilitation centers, pharmaceuticals and hospital supply firms, medical software companies, and hospital consulting firms. With a Master’s degree and some years of experience in hand, one can also find teaching jobs in colleges and universities. With adequate and valuable experience, one could even set up his/her own nursing home or hospital.

Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
India is home to numerous institutions that conduct different courses in hospital management and administration. Some prominent ones include: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi; Apollo Institute of Hospital Administration, Hyderabad; Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani; Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS), Pune; Deccan School of Management, Hyderabad; Tata Institutes of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai; Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad; Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai; Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Kolkata; Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi; Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), Jaipur; Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Symbiosis Centre of Health Care (SCHC), Pune; and Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi.

Remuneration
Depending upon the type of organization hospital managers and administrators are working for, remuneration varies largely. In the beginning, fresh graduates can receive pay pack of Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000 per month. As experience increases, earnings shoot up, to as high as Rs. 40, 000 per month, or even higher. Large MNCs and corporate organizations recruit experienced and well qualified hospital administration/management personnel at even higher salary packets. Better remuneration offers can be explored in foreign lands, with handsome salaries.