4 answers
CareerVillage Office Hours
Student
Palo Alto, California
502
Questions
Asked
800 views
How can I break into the field of healthcare administration if I'm graduating with a major in neuroscience and a minor in Spanish. I would like to go into the business side of Healthcare. What types of jobs am I qualified for Can I realistically get a job in Healthcare if I don't have a business background??
I have research experience but no experience in healthcare. Is it realistic to get a job in the business side of healthcare with a BS in Neuroscience and a minor in Spanish?
Note: this question was asked anonymously by a learner
Login to comment
4 answers
Manish Nayak
Healthcare consultant
4
Answers
Mobile, Alabama
Updated
Manish’s Answer
Great question! I think it all depends on the type of healthcare administration role you want to take up. Some of them might need further education like a master's and some might not. Lot of fresh graduate's break into healthcare by starting a part-time job as patient transporters, medical admins, patient coordinators etc. If you want to pursue a research-based career, working in a lab and then ascending through the ranks or moving laterally to a pharma company or consulting firm can also be an option but that would be more of life sciences focused than healthcare.
Some experience like this can lead to promotions and manager-level jobs within the healthcare system. However, some employers might also be willing to sponsor a master's in healthcare administration/ public health (rare but they exist!) if you show great promise and willingness to work for the establishment on a long-term basis. They will invest in you in return for your commitment. Or you could fund it yourself and with scholarships - most master's program will get you entry level jobs in healthcare systems as administrative fellows, analysts, consultants, and project managers. Once you get in at that level, the sky is the limit for your growth! All the best.
Some experience like this can lead to promotions and manager-level jobs within the healthcare system. However, some employers might also be willing to sponsor a master's in healthcare administration/ public health (rare but they exist!) if you show great promise and willingness to work for the establishment on a long-term basis. They will invest in you in return for your commitment. Or you could fund it yourself and with scholarships - most master's program will get you entry level jobs in healthcare systems as administrative fellows, analysts, consultants, and project managers. Once you get in at that level, the sky is the limit for your growth! All the best.
Sehar Haji
Management Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sehar’s Answer
Hello! I'm currently immersed in Healthcare Consulting, an exciting field that marries healthcare and business. Your background in Neuroscience is still within the healthcare realm, making you a potential candidate for many companies in the healthcare/business sector. I suggest you start considering entry-level roles such as Intern or Associate at consulting firms. Many skills you've acquired from your major and past experiences can be applied to these positions, so make sure to emphasize these abilities in your resume and during the recruitment process. Additionally, if you have the chance to participate in healthcare-related clubs, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities, it would be a valuable addition to your resume and a great talking point during interviews. Don't perceive your major as a hurdle; rather, it can make you stand out among other applicants. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need more advice! Best of luck!!
Arianna Pride
Senior Operations Manager
11
Answers
Scottsdale, Arizona
Updated
Arianna’s Answer
Hope you're doing well! I see you're looking to dive into the business side of healthcare with your neuroscience major and Spanish minor – love the combo, by the way! Don't sweat it if your degree doesn't scream "business," though. You've got plenty of options because its all about the skills you have learned & those skills are something you can use in anything! Here are some tips:
Flex Your Brainpower: Your neuroscience background brings some serious analytical skills to the table! Think problem-solving, critical thinking, and understanding human behavior – all super handy for business roles. If I think of this in terms of healthcare, I think maybe healthcare consulting, data analysis, market research, etc. Unsure if you already had something on your mind!
Level Up Your Skills: While your degree's awesome, beefing up with extra certifications or training can give you a leg up. Check out courses in healthcare management, business analytics, or anything else that piques your interest in the biz world.
Network Like a Boss: Time to put those social skills to work! Hit up industry events, join healthcare or business groups, and start making connections left and right. Snagging internships or part-time gigs in healthcare orgs is also a great way to gain experience and expand your network.
Showcase Your Skills: When you're applying for gigs, make sure to highlight your awesome skills loud & clear. Your research, data skills, and killer communication abilities are major selling points. Don't forget to showcase any projects or experiences that show off your biz potential! It can help to maybe now list out all the skills you think you have learned in getting your degrees, it can be a great jumping point. You can also use chat gpt for suggestions!
Stay In the Loop: The healthcare world moves fast, so it's important to stay up-to-date! Keep an eye on industry trends and be ready to adapt. Being in the know will help you stay ahead of the curve!
Your degree isn't a roadblock – it's your ticket to a world of possibilities! With a bit of hustle, a sprinkle of creativity, and a whole lot of determination, you'll be making waves in the healthcare biz scene before you know it.
Wishing you all the best on your adventure, and feel free to reach out if you need more tips!
Flex Your Brainpower: Your neuroscience background brings some serious analytical skills to the table! Think problem-solving, critical thinking, and understanding human behavior – all super handy for business roles. If I think of this in terms of healthcare, I think maybe healthcare consulting, data analysis, market research, etc. Unsure if you already had something on your mind!
Level Up Your Skills: While your degree's awesome, beefing up with extra certifications or training can give you a leg up. Check out courses in healthcare management, business analytics, or anything else that piques your interest in the biz world.
Network Like a Boss: Time to put those social skills to work! Hit up industry events, join healthcare or business groups, and start making connections left and right. Snagging internships or part-time gigs in healthcare orgs is also a great way to gain experience and expand your network.
Showcase Your Skills: When you're applying for gigs, make sure to highlight your awesome skills loud & clear. Your research, data skills, and killer communication abilities are major selling points. Don't forget to showcase any projects or experiences that show off your biz potential! It can help to maybe now list out all the skills you think you have learned in getting your degrees, it can be a great jumping point. You can also use chat gpt for suggestions!
Stay In the Loop: The healthcare world moves fast, so it's important to stay up-to-date! Keep an eye on industry trends and be ready to adapt. Being in the know will help you stay ahead of the curve!
Your degree isn't a roadblock – it's your ticket to a world of possibilities! With a bit of hustle, a sprinkle of creativity, and a whole lot of determination, you'll be making waves in the healthcare biz scene before you know it.
Wishing you all the best on your adventure, and feel free to reach out if you need more tips!
Martin Schoen
APRN
288
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Great inquiries! Given your background in neurosciences, it's clear you have a passion for this healthcare sector. There's a wide spectrum of administrative roles you can explore within this field. You could work in a healthcare facility, a research institution, or even a company that manufactures neurological devices. You might also consider administration within a neurology practice.
While some business acumen, such as understanding budgets, billing, reimbursement, and basic human resources, is beneficial, much of it can be acquired on the job. Taking a few business administration courses could be beneficial for this aspect.
Do you need a business degree? Not necessarily, but it could be advantageous. What's more important is to highlight your unique neuroscience background, a field many healthcare professionals are unfamiliar with. This knowledge can significantly enhance communication, understanding of diagnoses, and particularly billing. This is a unique skill set that isn't easily acquired on the job, making it a strong selling point for you. Keep going, your future in healthcare administration looks promising!
While some business acumen, such as understanding budgets, billing, reimbursement, and basic human resources, is beneficial, much of it can be acquired on the job. Taking a few business administration courses could be beneficial for this aspect.
Do you need a business degree? Not necessarily, but it could be advantageous. What's more important is to highlight your unique neuroscience background, a field many healthcare professionals are unfamiliar with. This knowledge can significantly enhance communication, understanding of diagnoses, and particularly billing. This is a unique skill set that isn't easily acquired on the job, making it a strong selling point for you. Keep going, your future in healthcare administration looks promising!