Hospital Executives are very similar to CEOs and COO’s of private corporations however; they typically run the financial operations of entire hospital. In essence, they reduce budgets, plan programs, conduct research, enhance hospital and physician rapport, develop marketing concepts and more. If you have excellent managerial and financial skills and wish to pursue a career in a hospital, then working as a hospital executive might be the career choice for you.

According to the Occupational Handbook, over 248,000 jobs were awarded to hospital executives in 2004 and employment opportunities are expected to continue to grow more rapidly in the near future. Currently hospital executives earn about $67,000 a year and for those that possess a Master’s Degree in Health Care Management or some related discipline, they tend to receive significantly more money as well as bonuses and other incentives.

Benefits and Required Skills

• Excellent financial, administration, and supervisory skills.
• Practical knowledge of every level of hospital operations.
• Solid theoretical training in financial management.
• Proven record of innovative and effective staff development.
• Exceptional commitment, vision and leadership.
• Strong desire to help others and work in a hospital setting.

Duties for  Executives at Hospitals

• Conducting in-depth market research and designing innovative marketing concepts and strategies.
• Overseeing financial budgets and making sound financial considerations
• Evaluating hospital programs and making cost reduction suggestions
• Designing innovative marketing concepts and strategies\
• Organizing major fundraising ventures
• Liaising between hospital professionals and physicians
• And more.

Challenges You Might Experience

Although hospital executives are in high demand, this is a highly competitive field. In fact, schools are becoming so competitive that they are only accepting top students with the best grade point averages and test scores. In addition, the hospital executive program can be intense and once you get out of school, it can be difficult to secure a highly paid position.

Educational Background

Hospital Executives need a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited program and might also require a Master’s Degree in long-term care administration, health science or public administration. They also need strong financial skills as well as managerial experience.

The information found on this website is not designed to replace the patient/physician relationship.