A healthcare management Ph.D. furthers an individual’s knowledge of the practices, theories, and operations necessary in order to optimize an organization’s outcomes in everything from patient safety to financial management. In many cases, this Ph.D. is sought by candidates in the healthcare field as well as those who are pursuing a teaching career in the field at the post-secondary level. With a number of different programs to choose from, one consideration a prospective student has to consider is the requirement for entry into the degree program.
Healthcare Management Doctorate Programs
From leadership to economics and financial management, there are different programs at the doctorate level for candidates interested in pursuing healthcare management. Across all programs, there are common courses that will be completed. In addition to courses in legal issues, ethics, public health practice, and research conduct, student will complete advanced graduate coursework in epidemiology, statistical methods in healthcare and public health, data analysis, and healthcare policy.
Additional coursework often depends on the focus of the degree program. For example, Ph.D. candidates pursuing a healthcare management and leadership program might also complete courses in human resources, foundations of leadership, and healthcare quality management. In an economics concentration, students might also complete coursework in managerial healthcare economics, econometrics, and advanced statistics. For additional information on preparing for a career in healthcare management, visit the Health Care Administrators Association website.
Additional Requirements to Complete a Healthcare Management Ph.D.
In addition to coursework, candidates in a doctorate program for healthcare management also complete a final examination, research project and other research activities, oral examination, and dissertation. Once coursework is complete, candidates enter into the dissertation process, which includes a significant amount of research on a specific topic in healthcare management.
The components of the healthcare management doctorate program are the foundation for the requirements for entry into a specific program. Although these requirements vary slightly, there are common elements that universities consider necessary in order to successfully complete a Ph.D. in healthcare management.
Entering a Healthcare Management Ph.D. Program
For some doctorate level programs, the minimum educational requirement could possible be a bachelor’s degree; however, most programs will require successful completion of a masters degree. Academic performance is also a consideration for entry into a doctorate level program.
In addition to academic records, many graduate schools require a statement of purpose or intent. This helps the university identify if a candidate has the career goals, past experience, and knowledge required in order to match with the goals of a particular program. Often, references and letters of recommendation are also used for this evaluation. The admissions process might also include an interview.
Completion of the GRE or GMAT is also often a requirement for admission. Additionally, language proficiency examination scores might also be required to be submitted in order to consideration to be given for entry into a doctorate level program for healthcare management.
Completing a Healthcare Management Doctorate Program
Whether working toward completing a doctorate with a concentration in leadership, design, financial management, information systems, or general operations, graduates of these programs will be well prepared for entry into the world of academia or management of healthcare organizations. The healthcare management Ph.D. is designed to give graduates advanced skills and knowledge in research, analysis, design, management, and development of the various elements of the healthcare industry.
