Negosentro.com | What is the difference between healthcare management and healthcare administration? | Even with the increase in global standards of living, there remains a vast difference in the health status of different economic groups. In spite of huge advancements in medicine, universal healthcare is still a lofty dream. Millions of healthcare managers and health administrators around the world are working tirelessly to help people achieve their right to good health. Hence, it is imperative to know what they do to understand the significance of their work.
In spite of being two different things, most people mix up the terms ‘healthcare management’ and ‘healthcare administration.’ Though both branches of the healthcare industry share some common features, they have significant differences as well.
If you want to join the healthcare sector, it is essential for you to be aware of the differences between the two terms. If you are confused on what both terms mean, this blog can help clear your queries. It defines both the terms and lists the major differences between them.
What is healthcare management?
Healthcare management deals with all the responsibilities of handling different departments and management of their responsibilities in a typical healthcare setup. For instance, healthcare management in a dispensary would constitute of handling the job goals and duties of the doctors, nurses, and other health workers. It would also include coordination with other accessory departments like ambulance management and the pharmacy.
A course in healthcare management focuses on building your managerial skills for healthcare organisations. It may have subjects that allow you to deal with the business aspects of running a hospital set-up. You may explore international healthcare management degree options if you interested in pursuing a managerial career in the healthcare industry.
What is healthcare administration?
Unlike healthcare management, healthcare administration focuses on the administrative tasks like maintaining an inventory of medical supplies and fixing discharge routines in a hospital set-up. Healthcare administration deals with the day-to-day running of a medical setup.
Healthcare management courses include subjects like public health, decision management, healthcare policies and healthcare economics. You can opt for a career in healthcare administration if you are good at multi-tasking and have other skills like make budgets.
Major differences between healthcare management and healthcare administration
Here are the main differences between the two aspects of the healthcare industry.
| Healthcare management | Healthcare administration |
| It deals with the management side of a medical organisation. | It deals with the organisational hurdles in running a medical setup. |
| It deals with future goals and the bigger picture. | It focuses on handling day-to-day issues. |
| It concerns the business aspects such as expansion and introduction of new facilities. | It concerns domestic aspects such as inventory of medicines and status of all medical apparatus. |
Separating the role of a healthcare administrator and manager can sometimes be difficult in smaller set-ups where both roles are merged into a single position to cut corners. But, if you wish to pursue a career in the medical industry, you should have a comprehensive understanding of each role.
Both streams are equally rewarding and can provide many opportunities for career progression. Before deciding upon a specialisation, talk to people from both careers to gain a perspective on which role would suit your personality and interests, to make the right decision for your career.
