Best Schools for Managed Care Administrators in 2024

Essential Education to Become a Managed Care Administrator

Embarking on a career as a Managed Care Administrator requires a solid foundation in education, tailored to the intricacies of healthcare management and administration. This role involves overseeing healthcare plans, managing budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing patient care quality, demanding a comprehensive educational background. Here's a breakdown of the essential education you'll need:

Undergraduate Degree

First and foremost, a bachelor's degree is your entry ticket into the world of managed care administration. While various majors can lead you down this path, certain areas of study provide a more direct route:

• Healthcare Administration: Offers a broad understanding of healthcare systems, laws, and policies.
• Public Health: Focuses on disease prevention and health promotion across populations.
• Business Administration: Provides knowledge in business principles, management, and finance, applicable in healthcare settings.
• Nursing or Health Sciences: For those coming from a clinical background, transitioning into administration.

Master's Degree

While not always mandatory, a master's degree significantly enhances your prospects and preparedness for higher-level positions within managed care administration. The most beneficial graduate degrees include:

• Master of Health Administration (MHA): Deepens understanding of healthcare management practices, policy analysis, and organizational leadership.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Healthcare Management: Blends core business skills with specialized healthcare management training.
• Master of Public Health (MPH): Focuses on public health issues and solutions, useful for managed care roles emphasizing community health initiatives.

Certifications and Specializations

In addition to formal degrees, certifications can bolster your credentials and expertise in specific areas of managed care:

• Certified Managed Care Executive (CMCE): Demonstrates advanced knowledge in managed care principles and practices.
• Healthcare Financial Professional Certification: Shows proficiency in healthcare financial management, crucial for budgeting and financial oversight roles.

Relevant Skills and Knowledge

While pursuing your education, focus on acquiring skills and knowledge critical for a successful career in managed care administration:

• Regulatory Compliance: Understanding healthcare laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Financial Acumen: Budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control strategies in healthcare settings.
• Health Information Systems: Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and data analytics tools.
• Leadership and Communication: Leading teams, negotiating contracts, and communicating effectively with stakeholders.

Embarking on your educational journey with these focus areas in mind will equip you with the necessary toolkit to navigate the complexities of managed care administration successfully. Whether you're starting with your undergraduate degree or looking to advance with a master's or certification, each step brings you closer to making a significant impact in the healthcare industry.

Managed Care Administrator Education Resources

When you're gearing up for a career as a Managed Care Administrator, diving into the right resources can make all the difference. Here's your go-to list of professional associations, industry publications, and other essential resources that will help you navigate the field, stay informed, and grow professionally.

Professional Associations

Joining a professional association can provide networking opportunities, access to industry news, and resources for continuing education. Consider these organizations:

• American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
  • Visit AAHAM
• National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)
  • Visit NAHSE
• Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM)
  • Visit PAHCOM
• American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
  • Visit ACHE

Industry Publications

Staying updated with the latest trends and research in managed care is crucial. Here are some top publications in the field:

• Managed Care Magazine
  • Read Managed Care Magazine
• Modern Healthcare
  • Explore Modern Healthcare
• Health Affairs
  • Discover Health Affairs
• The Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy (JMCP)
  • Check out JMCP

Online Learning Platforms and Resources

With the growth of online education, there are now more opportunities than ever to learn about managed care administration from anywhere. Here are some platforms offering relevant courses:

• LinkedIn Learning
  • Courses on healthcare management and administration.
  • Visit LinkedIn Learning
• Coursera
  • Offers courses and specializations from universities on health administration.
  • Visit Coursera
• edX
  • Provides access to courses on health policy and administration.
  • Visit edX

Career.Guide

For those looking into the specifics of becoming a Managed Care Administrator, Career.Guide offers tailored advice, insights into the profession, and steps for advancing your career. You'll find articles, career outlook information, and educational path suggestions.

• Managed Care Administrator Career Path
  • Deep dives into what it takes to succeed in this role.
  • Explore Career.Guide

By tapping into these resources, you'll be well-equipped with the knowledge and connections needed to thrive as a Managed Care Administrator. Whether it's staying abreast of industry trends through publications, joining professional associations for networking, or enhancing your education through online courses, these tools will support your journey in the managed care field.

Managed Care Administrator Education FAQs

What degree do I need to become a Managed Care Administrator?

Becoming a Managed Care Administrator typically requires:

• A Bachelor's degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. This is the minimum educational requirement.
• Many employers prefer candidates with a Master's degree, such as an MBA with a focus on health care management or a Master's in Health Administration (MHA).

Are there specific courses I should take?

Yes, to prepare for a career as a Managed Care Administrator, consider focusing on the following courses:

• Health care economics
• Health care law and ethics
• Medical terminology
• Principles of managed care
• Health care finance
• Organizational behavior
• Quality improvement in health care
• Information systems for health services

Do I need any certifications?

While not always required, obtaining certifications can enhance your qualifications:

• Certified Managed Care Professional (CMCP) offered by the American Board of Managed Care Nursing (ABMCN) for those with a nursing background.
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Management (CPHM) from the American Institute of Healthcare Compliance (AIHC) is suitable for various professionals in the health care sector.

What skills are important for a Managed Care Administrator?

To succeed in this role, you should develop:

• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of health care laws and regulations
• Financial management and budgeting expertise
• Ability to work with health information systems

How can I gain experience in the field?

Gaining relevant experience is crucial. Here are some ways to do so:

• Internships in health care facilities or managed care organizations during your studies.
• Entry-level positions in health care settings to familiarize yourself with medical terminology, billing practices, and patient care coordination.
• Volunteer work in health-related organizations or community health events.

Is continuing education important?

Yes, the health care industry is constantly evolving, so continuing education is vital:

• Stay updated with the latest in health care regulations, technologies, and best practices through workshops, seminars, and conferences.
• Consider advanced degrees or specialized certifications based on your career goals and the needs of your employer.

By focusing on these educational pathways and skill development strategies, you'll be well-prepared for a successful career as a Managed Care Administrator.