How to Become a Leader in Healthcare & Advance Your Career

Are you ready to take your career in healthcare to the next level? If so, becoming a leader in the healthcare industry may be the right move for you. Healthcare leadership jobs are in high demand, and with the right skills and experience, you can position yourself for a successful career in this field.

In this article, we will discuss how to become a leader in healthcare and cover topics such as how to get promoted in healthcare, the different types of healthcare leadership jobs, and essential healthcare leadership skills.

Is Getting Promoted in Healthcare the Right Move?

While healthcare leadership positions are highly rewarding and sought after, it's important to note that leadership isn't the only path to advance your career in healthcare. There are numerous non-leadership roles that offer increased responsibility, professional growth, and higher pay. For instance, you might choose to specialize in a specific area of healthcare, set a goal to attain a higher degree or certification, or aim to become an expert in a particular procedure or treatment. Whatever your career aspirations, a well-crafted healthcare career roadmap can guide you toward your goal.

Creating a personalized career roadmap is essential for those aspiring to climb the healthcare career ladder. A roadmap offers clear guidance, outlining the necessary steps to achieve your desired career goals. For example, you must understand your present position, set both short-term and long-term objectives, and identify the skills and experiences needed to reach these goals.

Whether you aspire to take on a healthcare leadership role or prefer another path, understanding your career goals and creating a roadmap can help you get promoted in this diverse and dynamic field. It's all about identifying your passion, leveraging your skills, and strategically planning your career trajectory. Once you decide that a healthcare leadership job is right for you, you can begin taking the necessary steps to get promoted in healthcare.

What Healthcare Leadership Jobs Exist?

There are many different types of healthcare leadership jobs available, each with its own unique set of responsibilities. The term healthcare administrator is often used as a generic term for many healthcare leadership jobs supporting and managing patient care, facility operations, healthcare logistics, and more. These roles are typically below the executive level of leadership but oversee the front-line operations and workers.

Healthcare leadership jobs oversee all aspects of the organization's operations, including finances, human resources, and patient care. The actual title you seek may vary depending on the setting and discipline(s), including:

• Manager
• Supervisor
• Director
• Coordinator

When you see the term officer, that is often an executive role and will require significant prior leadership experience. The role title will likely be specific to a discipline or group of disciplines, such as the Director of Rehabilitation (DOR) or the Director of Nursing (DON) in skilled nursing facilities.

Qualifications for these positions often include a master's degree in healthcare administration or a related field (such as a master's in business administration or MBA), 5+ years of experience in a related healthcare profession, and strong leadership skills. However, the educational experience may not be required or viewed with as much weight for those who have worked in the healthcare field as a licensed professional with a higher degree. For example, occupational therapists must have a master's-level education to practice at an entry level, so an additional master's degree may not be required for a healthcare leadership role.

Healthcare leadership roles are available in a variety of disciplines and even outside typical patient care units. What you apply for will depend heavily on your goals and personal preferences. For example, if you are experiencing healthcare burnout from patient care, you might consider one of the following “behind the scenes” areas of the healthcare organization:

• Compliance
• Quality Improvement/Assurance
• Risk Management
• Patient Experience/Service Excellence
• Employee Health
• Grants/Foundation
• Research

If you would prefer to remain at the heart of patient care while reducing the physical and emotional stress of direct patient contact, you might consider looking for a role in your discipline as a supervisor or manager to start. You can also look at your current organization and see who you report to and who is above them.

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Healthcare Leadership Skills

Regardless of the type of healthcare leadership job you decide to pursue, there are certain skills that successful leaders in this field must possess. These healthcare leadership skills may be divided into two categories: technical and interpersonal. Technical skills refer to knowledge of healthcare management, while interpersonal skills include proficiencies such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Technical Skills

Technical skills are specific to the healthcare industry. These healthcare leadership skills can be learned in courses, degree programs, or on the job and may include:

• Knowledge of healthcare regulations and compliance policies
• Ability to utilize technology for data analysis and decision-making
• Understanding of evidence-based practices/research
• Knowledge of healthcare financing and budgeting process
• Understanding of population health management principles
• Management of personnel, including delegation, coaching, counseling, and performance evaluation

Interpersonal Skills

Unlike technical skills, interpersonal skills often can't be taught in a traditional classroom setting. These healthcare leadership skills must be developed over time and include qualities such as:

• Communication skills (oral and written)
• Conflict resolution/mediation
• Ability to inspire and motivate others
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships
• Adaptability

Many healthcare professions naturally attract people with compassionate and caring personalities. However, to be an effective healthcare leader, you must also have strong technical knowledge as well as the ability to manage personnel. A lack of either type of healthcare leadership skillset can not only result in poor patient care but also leave your employees feeling frustrated and unappreciated.

How Do I Advance My Career in Healthcare Into a Leadership Role?

Once you determine that you have the necessary interpersonal skills and experience in healthcare, you can begin taking steps to advance your career in healthcare into a leadership role. Some tips include:

• Get the right education and training: Healthcare leadership jobs typically require a master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field. However, it’s important to check with your current organization to see what qualifications are necessary for the position you’re aiming for.

• Build relationships with your current leaders: Networking is a key part of any career, but it’s especially vital in healthcare leadership jobs. Connecting with other leaders within your organization or industry can open up new opportunities and help you learn from their experiences.

• Gain experience in a variety of healthcare settings: The more experience you have in different settings, the better prepared you will be for a healthcare leadership job. For example, if you currently work in a hospital, consider spending some time working in nursing or home health positions to increase your knowledge of the healthcare system as a whole.

• Develop your leadership skills: There are many ways to develop your leadership skills, such as taking leadership courses, participating in leadership development programs, and seeking out leadership opportunities in your current role. Your organization may even offer internal leadership training or mentorships that can help you hone your skills.

• Be proactive and take risks: If you see an opportunity to advance your career in healthcare, don't be afraid to take it. Be proactive and let your superiors know you are interested in a leadership role. That way, when the position opens up, they can remember your enthusiasm and commitment to the organization, potentially recommending you for the healthcare leadership job.

Making the leap from a healthcare professional to a healthcare leadership job is no easy task, but with the right education and experience, as well as demonstrated leadership abilities, it can be done. Taking the time and effort to develop these skills will not only open up new opportunities in your career but will also help you provide better care for your patients.

What to Do Now That You Know How to Get Promoted in Healthcare

Now that you know how to get promoted in healthcare, it's time to take action. Start by developing the skills you need to take on a healthcare leadership job successfully. Then, seek out opportunities to gain experience in various healthcare settings. Finally, network with other healthcare leaders and be proactive in your career development. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goal of becoming a leader in the healthcare industry.

If you are looking for more tips to help you progress in your healthcare career, visit our Job Seeker Resource Center.