In the Medical Field...come on in

I am going back to school for my bachelors in business w. concentration in health care. I have been an executive assistant for the ast 6.5 yrs.

My decision for going back to school was based on the fact that I've always wanted to work in the medical field but never had it in me to be a Doctor or Nurse. I love paperwork and the executive assistant idea so I thought I'd combine the two...not to mention I see there is a need for this type of position and they also make decent $.

So my question for those in the medical field is do you see that to be true...that there is a need for Health Care/Medical Managers? I would hate to see myself go back to school for something that isn't even worth it.

TIA!

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

I work in home care and have a relationship with many other home care/health care facilities.

TBH, I think a lot of people in the managerial positions have been there awhile so I don't necessarily see turnover/hiring as being much of a need in these areas.

In fact, I would think it would be just as competitive as other industries, experience would be highly weighed, and it still comes down to who you know in finding a good position.

Just sayin'.

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

thank you. unfortunately i thought that may be the case i'm still going for the degree and hopefully i'll know someone who will "know" someone...that's even the way it works where i am now.

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

I work in the hospital and I know any job postings that go up are offered internally first.

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

health care managers are **usually people who worked in the trenches and got promoted, and have tons of experience.

There are also some people who get MPHs and go work in hospitals pushing papers. I don't usually hear about those jobs tho.

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

do you think this would be the wrong turn for me to take? i would hate to put myself through all this additional schooling for nothing. i'm not in the medical field now so it does seem to be pointless

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

Can you start working in the hospital?

What aspect of mgmnt do you want to go into?

On the floors at the hospital, most managers are Nurses. In the business offices, it's usually people who have worked their way up within the hospital, or were in the field... at another hospital... and transferred for a higher position. I worked in the financial aspect of my hospital before i was a nurse- and both tracks towards management that i've seen really required experience, above anything. The coursework, i'm sure, provides a good foundation, but theory and practice are two very different things. I wouldn't necessarily discourage it, but i think that you need to research it more and see exactly what you want to do and what you would need to get there. If you really want to work in healthcare though, i would try to get a job in the hospital system- once you've got your foot in the door, there's many more opportunities that will come your way.

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

To add onto what Neenie just said, I think that the days of jobs being more plentiful in professions like healthcare are totally over.

Experience (especially specialized) is so heavily weighted, as is the way you will fit into that particular environment. It really is an employers market and I think our area is heavily flooded with applicants in general.

I also have to echo the hospital recommendation. I am sure the benefits are so much better. Also look at non-profits. The pay is lower but they generally offer good benefits.

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

I'm not in the medical field, but work in a college. Instead of a second bachelor's, could you get an MBA or MPH? I wouldn't invest $ into a second bachelor's unless it is like nursing/dental hygiene, etc. where you are specifically prepared for a job.

ETA: Is this your first degree, or a second?

Message edited 12/20/2010 11:59:17 AM.

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

If I knew then what I know now, I would totally have gone the RN route. A lot of the higher ups I know don't have to deal with the traditional icky things we think of when we think of nursing.


RNs also make so much more than social workers, and in many cases, are respected more without a Master's degree or as much experience. (Not looking to get into a debate but just has been my personal experience).

FWIW my boss has his MPA and I think a couple of the VPs have their MBA.

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

Re: In the Medical Field...come on in

Posted by nov04libride

Posted by Tina1117

Posted by nov04libride

I'm not in the medical field, but work in a college. Instead of a second bachelor's, could you get an MBA or MPH? I wouldn't invest $ into a second bachelor's unless it is like nursing/dental hygiene, etc. where you are specifically prepared for a job.

ETA: Is this your first degree, or a second?

I just saw this post. I have an associates degree so it'll be my first bachelors degree.

Unfortunately I did try the RN route. There is an application exam that I feeled 6x just to get the application. I ended up going to another school and never got excepted. When I met with the Dean of Students she actually told me that I did not have a "hardship" and that is the reason why they did not except me. WHAT IS THAT?!??! Needless to say...I gave up.

just an fyi--you get accepted to college, not excepted. competition is so fierce that my acceptance committee turns down everyone who spells it ncorrectly.