Healthcare and the healthcare industry must keep pace with all of the complex and fast-moving developments in technology, economics, ethics, finance, policy, and management. The study of health administration requires, in addition, an understanding of public, private, and nonprofit interactions. It is a highly competitive, market-driven field and only the best-educated and fully involved people will make it.

Graduates from Hospital and Health Care Administration graduate programs generally find themselves working in either the management or administrative areas of the health care profession. Graduates who earn a masters degree (MA) or PhD degree in health services or hospital administration may become directors of ambulatory care, physician-practice managers, insurance executives, chief hospital administrators and more. An effective health administrator wears a variety of hats and performs many diverse activities in a fast-paced, sometimes life-or-death environment. This manager plays a central role in saving lives, without having to take scalpel in hand. Hospital administrators manage hospitals, clinics, hospices, and drug-abuse treatment centers. This is the perfect field for those with a strong appetite for knowledge and the ability to multi-task under pressure.

The top schools offering advanced degrees in health and hospital administration prepare their students for careers that are not only exciting, but vital to the lives of hundreds, or even thousands, of people. For students who are seeking information on the best graduate programs in the world, the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) provides a reliable source. AUPHA's membership is comprised of the 160 best programs in healthcare management. Membership in AUPHA is tied to the pursuit of program accreditation at the graduate level and undergraduate certification at the bachelors degree level. Thus, AUPHA can ensure that its members represent the premier programs in the world.

One final point: Although the job market is sadly in trouble throughout the country, career opportunities in the health care industry abound. The field needs leaders and managers - in hospitals, health plans, medical practices, health-related enterprises, and community health organizations - who have the passion, knowledge, and skills to shape the future of healthcare.