Are you thinking about making a career change? Do you want to help people on their road to a healthy body? You may be considering becoming a nurse or a doctor, but there is another degree program you may not have heard of.

Healthcare management is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States. Experts predict it will grow by 20% or more in the next decade, with job opportunities in every state.

Medical executives, also called healthcare administrators, make an average of $98,000 per year. They manage hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient medical clinics.

We’ll tell you all about healthcare management and how you can use your degree to help people lose weight. If you’re inspired to help people make long-lasting dietary changes, read on to learn more.

What Do Healthcare Executives Do?

Healthcare management professionals manage and direct healthcare facilities. They oversee all human resources, marketing, and financial activity and stay abreast of changes to healthcare technology. Healthcare administrators also coordinate services and work with patients. They make sure that their facility is adhering to all healthcare laws.

If you’re used to being in a leadership role, a healthcare management degree is a great idea. You should be able to work well on a team, managing and directing senior employees and experienced nursing staff. Health management professionals also need to be comfortable with decision making and communication.

Healthcare executives can work in a variety of roles: hospitals, private nursing homes, chiropractic offices, and outpatient care. You’ll be in a managerial role, so you’ll work with employees and patients on their weight loss. Having the latest information on nutritional studies will help you motivate your patients to lose weight.

What Kind of Degree Programs Are There?

You can get an undergraduate degree in healthcare management, but you can also go for your Master’s degree. You might want to take the extra time to get the Master’s because you will have higher earning potential. With the way the field is growing, however, you should be able to find a job with a Bachelor’s degree.

You’ll take classes about healthcare ethics and law, trends in international healthcare, and project management. There are also classes in marketing, quality improvement, and managed care. You’ll need to know about business communication, management, and human resources.

Depending on your availability, you could get a Master’s in healthcare management in less than two years. You can do coursework in person or you can take classes online. You’ll have the chance to take elective courses as well. If you are passionate about weight loss, make sure that you take the nutrition and exercise courses.

There are certain skills that are vital for a healthcare management position. Scheduling, public speaking, planning, and research are all essential parts of the job. You’ll learn how to run an effective budget, solve problems on the job, and collaborate with staff.

Once you graduate, your education qualifies you for jobs including social services manager, medical records manager, and clinical director. Your school may be able to help you in your job search. You can also get certified, which is appealing to potential employers. Discover more about medical education online.

Facts About the Obesity Epidemic

There is a major need for healthcare professionals who are passionate about weight loss and nutrition. More than 30% of all American adults are obese, and the numbers keep rising. People who are obese are at risk for more than 60 diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.

Even people who look thin could be at risk. “Skinny fat” refers to people who have small frames but carry a lot of fat instead of muscle. It’s dangerous to be overweight, no matter how small or thin you may look. Healthcare management degrees can qualify you to work with patients who want to lose weight.

Obesity costs hospitals about $140 billion each year, or about $1,500 per person. Getting a degree in healthcare management allows you to find strategies to lower the cost of medical care. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The more proactive you can be with patients, the more money your medical facility will save.

Monitoring Your Health and Fitness

If you’re overweight yourself, now is the perfect time to start losing weight. Whether you’re “skinny fat” or traditionally obese, you can start a diet and exercise routine that will help you shed pounds. Don’t restrict your calories or cut out protein from your diet: your body needs those things to function.

You’re going to be in a leadership position once you have your healthcare management degree, so start now on your own weight loss journey. Take the time to plan your meals, get regular exercise, and monitor your progress toward your goals. You want to provide a good example for your patients, so invest in your health and fitness.

Surprisingly, too much cardiovascular activity can block muscle development, leading to skinny fat. The same thing goes for high-repetition exercises and infrequent weightlifting. Go ahead and join your local gym. Aim to work out about three times per week at first.

Am I Qualified for a Healthcare Management Career?

Even if you’re not currently working in the healthcare field, you could still qualify for a career in healthcare management. If you’re passionate about helping patients get healthier and providing leadership, check out degree programs in your area.

You may have experience as an office manager or a social worker. Or you might be a nurse who cares about new healthcare technology and laws. You might be a personal trainer who is passionate about advances in exercise and nutrition.

Overall, you have to have a caring personality to excel in healthcare management. Making decisions, communicating, and directing the future of your healthcare facility: are you ready to provide excellent leadership?

If you’re not sure about working as a healthcare administrator, take a minute and talk to the manager at your local hospital or nursing home. Ask them about their job and you’ll be able to make a strong, informed decision. Check out online degree options and see if healthcare management is right for you. Check out our articles on weight loss to learn more about how you can help others and yourself.