According the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 30 percent of all healthcare administrators work in a hospital setting. You’ve weighed the pros and cons of working in this environment, and decided seeking employment at your local hospital isn’t an ideal fit. At this point, you might feel utterly defeated, and left with a single, burning question:  “What other management-oriented career paths in the healthcare field are open to me?” Don’t lose hope, and instead explore your options until you find a sector that is perfect for you.

Healthcare Providers

A hospital is technically a healthcare provider, but many find working for even the smallest facility too impersonal and overwhelming. If you want to provide a direct service to your patients, but find the prospect of working in a hospital disheartening, there are several other avenues to consider, including:

• Rehabilitation facility
• Outpatient clinic
• Medical clinic
• Group practice
• Nursing home or elder-care facility
• Mental health organization

Healthcare Suppliers

A healthcare provider is only as successful as its ability to seek the services of qualified vendors that provide the equipment and supplies necessary to offer an exemplary level of care. Beyond this, healthcare facilities also require the services of staffing companies, computer and technology services, personnel training and accounting services. Here are a few of the many opportunities in healthcare supply:

• Biotechnology firms
• Pharmaceutical organizations
• Healthcare marketing
• Consulting firms
• Product Development firms
• An organization or company that manufactures and distributes healthcare equipment and supplies

Health Insurance

America’s healthcare industry has exploded over the last 30 years, and rising costs have inevitably created the need for insurance companies to hire individuals with a strong healthcare background. A variety of health maintenance organizations and insurance companies are clamoring to hire healthcare administrators, particularity those that possess an advanced degree. Many find their success lies in insurance underwriting, which involves determining an individual’s premiums, and overall risk to the company, based on a variety of factors. This isn’t the only career path available, and many are finding success in a number of positions, including:

• Analyst
• Client manager
• Director of strategic planning
• Quality improvement coordinator
• Utilization manager

Policy Organizations

If you’re truly interested in making a difference in your community, or on a wider scale, than consider seeking a career in a variety of healthcare policy organizations. On a smaller scale, many healthcare administrators are working for non-profit organizations or their local and state public health departments. As you continue to prosper, and potentially earn your Master’s or Doctoral degree in Healthcare Administration, you’ll find that several doors will open for you, including a position at a governmental organization such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here are a few job titles you might encounter in this sector:

• Policy analyst
• Health planner
• Communications director
• Community health organizer

Teaching

Universities are always seeking the services of a qualified instructor to teach courses in healthcare administration or management. It’s possible to teach at the community college level if you possess a Bachelor’s degree alone, but in order to instruct students at four-year university, you must at least hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the field. The world of online education is also expanding, which is creating a variety of non-traditional teaching positions in this field as well. Before seeking employment at a community college or university, inquire about the job responsibilities, educational requirements and if the position offers part or full-time hours.

The All-Important Experience

Beyond requiring a specific degree, many of the above-listed healthcare administration positions will require potential candidates possess real world experience. If you’re currently seeking your degree, or are fresh out of college, don’t hesitate to seek employment as an administrative assistant, receptionist or any number of positions in the medical field. Even experience in a nonclinical setting will provide you with a leg up on the competition. Whatever the case, it’s important to round out your resume with work experience before attempting to apply for an upper-level position in any number of healthcare management careers.

Finally, it cannot be stressed enough that your future success could hinge upon earning your Master’s in Healthcare Administration or Health Management. There are a variety of accredited and amazing online and campus-based healthcare administration master’s program, so don’t hesitate to find a university that fits your geographical limitations and budget.

Peter Morrison is one short year away from obtaining his Master’s in Healthcare Administration. Once finished, he plans to seek a rewarding career in the non-profit sector.

This was a guest post for TheEmployable