By Dr. Ron Winston
According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FLDEO), employment in Health Service Management in Workforce Development Area 23 (Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties) is projected to grow by 12.5% from 2021 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Similarly, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 32% growth for Medical and Health Services Managers from 2020 to 2030. The demand for health care services will increase, leading to a greater need for health care workers, medical procedures, and facilities. This will, in turn, increase the demand for managers to organize and manage medical information and staff. Employment is expected to grow in health practitioners’ offices as services shift from hospitals to these settings, especially with advancements in medical technology. The demand for medical group practice management is also projected to grow as practices become larger and more complex. Additionally, the widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs) will continue to create demand for managers knowledgeable in health information technology (IT) and informatics systems.
The School of Health Sciences has developed an Associate in Science (AS) in Health Sciences – Health Services Management program to prepare students for health-related careers or graduate programs. The Health Services Management program introduces students to the health care field and provides an in-depth background in health care management. Students will gain extensive knowledge of comprehensive and advanced theory, legal and ethical responsibilities, current issues in the health care system, health services management concepts, health care quality management, and management of multicultural organizations.
Additionally, the School of Health Sciences also has developed a 27-credit-hour Health Care Services Specialist College Credit Certificate (CCC). This certificate program includes courses that prepare students for employment as health service supervisors, managers, or medical office managers or provide supplemental training for those in previous or current health care occupations. Responsibilities of a medical office manager include monitoring the office budget, ordering medical supplies, and implementing office policies and procedures. Graduates will also be trained to understand health care insurance regulations and payment systems. The CCC program is designed for individuals seeking entry-level employment as health care professionals responsible for part of the operations of a medical office or those seeking supplemental training. The CCC in Health Care Services Specialist is a stackable credential with credits that articulate directly into the AS in Health Sciences – Health Services Management. In the final term of both programs, students must complete an internship at a health care facility, providing hands-on experience, skill development, and exposure to various specialties.
The development of the Health Care Services Specialist and Health Services Management programs aims to address the need for qualified health service managers to meet workforce demands in Miami-Dade County. Miami Dade College’s School of Health Sciences is preparing students to become highly skilled Medical and Health Services Managers, improving their quality of life and integrating them into health care teams. By training the next generation of health care providers, the School of Health Sciences turns career dreams into reality for thousands of students every year.
For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/health-sciences or call (305) 237-4434. Dr. Ron Winston is Dean, School of Health Sciences at Miami Dade College.
