Founded in 1955, the Sloan Program in Health Administration has been at the forefront of health administration education and research for over fifty-five years and was the nation’s first program to adopt a two-year academic curriculum.

If you are just beginning to think about the field, here are some of the reasons people typically mention why you should consider health administration.

Making a Difference/Social Mission

Decisions made by health care executives can help improve life for hundreds, even thousands of people every day. Healthcare executives have a sense of social mission — they deeply care about the people they work with and serve. Further, our hospitals and healthcare organizations provide opportunities for those who want to “do well by doing good.”

Career Opportunities

Health care is the largest industry in the U.S., and the second largest employer, with more than 11 million jobs. Virtually all new private sector jobs over the past 5 years came from healthcare, and the sector continues to grow faster than most other segments.1

Furthermore, unlike many traditional management programs, graduates of healthcare management programs can find significant opportunities in areas ranging from small rural communities to large metropolitan areas and throughout the world.

¹ “Best Jobs in America 2010″ – CNNMoney

Visible and Valued Role in the Community

Health care executives typically are highly respected members of their communities. Hospitals and other health care organizations are among the largest employers in many communities and their organizations positively impact the health and well-being of the populations they serve.

Career Flexibility

An education in health care management can take you in many different and exciting directions. In addition to more traditional careers in health care management, graduates work in many other areas including: pharmaceutical companies, health insurance companies, management consulting, banks and other financial institutions, long-term care facilities, professional societies and state and federal agencies.

The core skill set you develop in a health care management program provides a competitive advantage within the healthcare sector. In addition, these skills transfer readily across a variety of industries, providing flexibility for non-health sector positions as well.

Leadership and Advancement Potential

Particularly with graduate training, there is an excellent career ladder—and many people also take on roles in different sectors of the field over the course of their careers.

Continual Self Improvement

Health care management is a career that values continual self-improvement and education, and most employers encourage continued professional development. Many organizations often support tuition remission or in-service training for new skills. Innovation and continuous learning will be a part of the job from the day you start.

Excellent Earning Potential

Students pursuing health care management careers have excellent earning potential. For graduate students, starting salaries typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on prior education and experience. Senior healthcare executives with more experience and achievements can earn $200,000 or significantly more.