What is the job all about?
The role of hospital management has evolved significantly. Traditionally, doctors handled both medical care and administrative tasks within hospitals. Today, healthcare is managed by professionally trained administrators who handle room allocations, equipment purchases, manpower arrangements, and financial aspects, allowing doctors to focus solely on providing medical care.
The Master of Hospital Administration (MHA) program prepares students for leadership roles in the hospital sector. It offers training in planning, operational management, and project management of hospitals, including the managerial aspects of clinical and support services. Students also learn to manage financial, material, and human resources, as well as planning and managing information systems within hospital settings.
Graduates of the MHA program find employment managing various specialized services in both private and government hospitals. Their responsibilities include overseeing departments in large hospitals, as well as planning and designing new services and facilities. Recent graduates have secured positions in leading corporate and trust-run hospitals across the country, and there are emerging opportunities in hospital consultancy, the IT industry, and the health insurance sector.
Can I go for it?
The two-year, full-time Master’s degree in Hospital & Healthcare Management is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage healthcare organizations. The program includes electives in Pharmaceutical Management, Healthcare IT, and Healthcare Insurance, and prepares students for roles in various sectors such as hospitals, pharmaceuticals, IT, insurance, clinical research, equipment manufacturing, public healthcare, consultancies, NGOs, and the wellness industry.
The program blends academic knowledge with practical experience, aiming to produce professionals skilled at identifying and solving real-world problems using both established and emerging managerial techniques.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Graduates from a statutory university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) at the undergraduate level are eligible.
• Candidates with degrees obtained through part-time, correspondence, external courses, or distance learning, or those who completed their degree in one sitting, are not eligible.
• Candidates currently in their final year of undergraduate studies may apply, but their admission will be contingent upon achieving the minimum required marks of 50% (45% for SC/ST).
Skills and Background:
• Strong public relations and communication skills are essential.
• Compassion, understanding, and strong administrative and financial abilities are crucial.
• A medical background is preferable, as it helps in better assessing issues related to manpower and medical assistance.
What is the future in this area?
With the growth of private healthcare, the management of hospitals is increasingly handled by professional managers. Modern healthcare facilities often operate in a high-end, “five-star” environment, creating ample opportunities for skilled hospital administrators.
Prominent healthcare organizations such as Apollo Victor Hospitals, Max Healthcare, Nusi-Wockhardt, Fortis Healthcare, Jaslok Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, and Lilavati Hospital are all managed by trained hospital administrators. The demand for talented professionals in this field remains strong, reflecting a promising future for those pursuing a career in hospital and healthcare management.
Where to study?
In Goa:
Candidates should have either:
• A three-year Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, or
• A four-year Bachelor’s degree in medicine, paramedical sciences, pharmacy, veterinary sciences, or other similar programs.
Outside Goa:
You can pursue a Master’s in Hospital Administration after completing an MBBS at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi – www.aiims.edu or after normal graduation through:
• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Chembur, Mumbai – www.tiss.edu
• Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University, Mumbai – www.sndt.ac.in
• University of Pune – www.unipune.ac.in
For a comprehensive list of other institutions offering MHA programs, visit this link – www.scholarshipsinindia.com
Employment Avenues:
Major hospitals are continually on the lookout for skilled professionals in healthcare management. Starting your career in this field may involve an entry- to mid-level management position in one of the following specialized areas. Each offers unique opportunities to contribute to the effective operation of healthcare facilities:
• Finance
• Government Relations
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Marketing and Public Affairs
• Material Management
• Medical Staff Relations
• Nursing Administration
• Patient Care Services
• Planning and Development
Earnings:
An entry-level customer care executive typically earns around ₹20,000 per month. With experience and increased responsibilities, this salary can rise significantly. At senior levels, an executive can earn between ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakhs per month.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024