Project managers work in every industry. Amongst all, healthcare is one of the most critical sectors in the project management domain. Healthcare is the most complicated and vast sector, which involves learning a set of new skills and requirements by healthcare project managers
According to a report by Georgetown University and the National Institute of Health –“By 2020, there would be approximately 5.6 million healthcare jobs.”
Applying project management in healthcare is undeniably essential as it facilitates the hospitals to run competently and provides superior quality care at affordable costs to patients and, at the same time, ensures safety as well.
Who are Healthcare Project Managers?
Healthcare project managers job descrption includes regular coordination and operation within the process. On the initiation of a new project, it is their responsibility to come up with a detailed project plan and solution for the problem that might arise. They are responsible for overseeing a considerable spectrum of projects within the organization from initiation to completion, staying on schedule, monitoring the project progress, and managing the team.
The medical sector is moving at a fast pace. You will have to deal with more projects at a single stretch with constant deadlines.
You will be juggled up with a whole lot of responsibilities and interact with different professionals from various backgrounds to get things done correctly.
Essential Skills
Healthcare project managers will have to handle stressful situations and stay calm in any condition. Some of the desired qualities and skills are:
- Problem-solving Skills
The project manager will have to face many unforeseen scenarios and challenges to meet the desired goals and objectives. They should be proficient enough to come up with the desired solutions timely.
- Interpersonal Skills
In the healthcare industry, you will have to handle many executive departments, and you will have to converse effectively and clearly with all.
- Leadership Skills
Handling a project entails many things. It would be best if you influence your team in completing the task by adhering to schedules, standards, and budget. Meanwhile, you need to build confidence and good rapport with the clients. You will be responsible for managing your team and handling clients.
- Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the essential skills to consider. No matter how well-planned is your project, there will be issues, and you will have to be flexible enough to deal with those issues.
Responsibilities of a Healthcare Project Manager
Key roles and responsibilities of healthacare porject managers are as follows:
- To work with healthcare professionals to improve the efficiency and quality of the delivery output/healthcare services.
- Stay ahead of changes to new laws and regulations to ensure whether the healthcare facilities comply with the rules and regulations.
- Manage the budget of a healthcare facility like managing patient fees and billing and overhead costs.
- To create the work and shift schedules for direct care providers and administrators.
- Regular communication with department heads and staff
Educational Requirements and Certifications
The majority of the healthcare project managers have a bachelor’s degree in core domains like business administration, public health administration, health management, nursing, and health administration.
On the other hand, having an advanced degree will get you noticed amongst the crowd. Project manager job roles are increasingly looking for specific certified experts who can enhance their efficiencies with the increase in demand.
Having a formal project management certification in the field will give you an edge over your competitors. There are many accredited training organizations that offer Project Management certification courses; one should make a thorough research to find the one that meets your needs.
Some of the popular project management certifications are:
- Project Management Professional PMP
- PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner
- Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM
- Change Management Foundation and Practitioner
- Business Analysis Foundation and Practitioner
Salary Expectations
The healthcare project manager’s remuneration varies based on several factors such as education, location, type of healthcare domain, and scope of the job role.
The average pay of a Healthcare Project Manager in the United States is $107,451/year.
Conclusion
Healthcare project management is a demanding and rewarding role, both in terms of salary and job satisfaction. The roles and responosibilitite of healthcare project managers are criticial and requires dedication, proper research, and ample practice to become a successful healthcare project manager.
