Advanced degree programs to consider when changing careers

Masters in health care

This degree is aimed at those looking to advance their career in the field of health care in various locations, such as hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit organizations.¹ Length of prior health care experience will vary based upon program. Programs are administered on a full-time and part-time basis, as well as online and study abroad. Numerous specialties are offered such as medicine, nutrition, psychiatry, nursing, veterinary medicine, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, medical laboratory studies, radiology, alternative medicine, and health care management, administration, or leadership.

Health care MBA

Master of business administration (MBA) programs in health care administration management are offered by several universities. Given their aim of imparting essential information on a broad range of topics relevant to the health care industry, they are usually quite rigorous. It is recommended that you pursue an MBA only after a few years of working in your chosen field of practice. Many institutions require GMAT scores with the application.^2-4

Executive MBA

EMBA programs are similar to health care MBAs in that they also include rigorous course work.⁵ EMBA programs are developed to meet the educational needs of managers and executives or physicians hoping to advance or change their career. Typically, students can earn an MBA in 2 years or less while working full-time. GMAT scores are required by most institutions offering EMBA.

Certification leadership programs

A benefit of leadership programs is that they help to develop a clear vision by creating a mission statement, goals, and action plans. Some notable programs include:

• American Gastroenterological Association leadership programs: Future Leaders Program, Women’s Leadership Conference, and Forward Program (new for 2019). These programs offer robust sessions which are well thought out and intended to advance the careers of traditionally underrepresented groups within the field of gastroenterology.⁶
• American Medical Association’s Women’s Leadership Certificate: This program was developed to promote knowledge and strong leadership, both within oneself and among others. Attendees are awarded with the “AMA Women’s Leadership Certificate” following the 2-day event.⁷
• Executive leadership training and development programs: As with many universities offer programs like these; for example, Harvard Medical School, Boston, offers a popular – and usually sold out – event for women titled “Career Advancement and Leadership Skills for Women in Health Care.”⁸
• American College of Healthcare Executives: Various conferences and educational meetings in addition to the annual ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership.⁹
• American Association of Physician Leadership: Physician executive accreditation along with career services, continued education, and publications.¹⁰

After reviewing the experiences of two well-known gastroenterologists and several of the available programs, the question to ask yourself is, “What’s next?” Most will likely have this question already in mind, so here are a few potential career directions/positions to consider:

Academic medicine: department chief, program director, director of endoscopy, chief medical officer

Private practice: managing director, director of endoscopy, finance director

Private sector: pharmaceutical industry, scientific advisor, medical director, medical insurance industry, malpractice insurance industry, medical informatics, public policy, private equity, entrepreneurial

Conclusion

In summary, there is no single answer nor a single program that fits everyone’s needs. Health care delivery and management/administration are complicated and will only continue to evolve. Consideration must be given to the fact that any change in one’s career direction needs time and commitment.

Here are some take-home points:

• You needs to be introspective about personal strengths and weaknesses and areas to focus on.
• Asking questions raised in the second paragraph will help you narrow options and choose the correct program.
• Enrolling in, and completing, your chosen program is crucial.
• Experience and exposure to issues are invaluable in building your skill set. As our featured leaders advised: “Put yourself out there.”
• Build your resume by listing any activity outside of clinical work that has contributed to enhancing your skills.

Good luck!