Why Healthcare Management?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the medical and health services manager occupation “is expected to grow by 32 percent or 133,200 jobs from 2010 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.” BLS also reports that the entry-level education for this occupation is a bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree commonly preferred by employers. This is true nationally, and across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest region.

The demands being placed on healthcare organizations nationally, resulting from healthcare reform, are pushing organizations to find and hire highly-trained individuals who have exceptional management and problem-solving skills.

The most sought-after individuals by employers are those who have both clinical and administrative education. For this reason, more individuals with clinical technologist degrees from community colleges are seeking degree-completion programs. These students need more than a piece of paper indicating that they have earned a degree. They need the analytical and problem-solving skills in conjunction with real-world experience in healthcare to secure these jobs and adapt to the interminable change of healthcare. Regional healthcare employers appreciate that Pacific's graduates have these skills and meet high standards.

In addition to enhancing career advancement opportunities for those already working in a health career, Pacific University's bachelor of health science degree will provide further educational opportunities for those individuals with clinical training at the associate’s level who seek to enter graduate clinical programs.

Healthcare Job Outlook

The demand for clinical professionals is similar to, and in some cases higher than, those for healthcare administrators. According to the BLS, by 2030 the job outlook for the following professions is projected to increase:

  • Audiologists – 13 percent
  • Dental Hygienists – 6 percent
  • Occupational Therapists – 16 percent
  • Pharmacists – stable
  • Physical Therapists – 18 percent
  • Physician Assistants – 31 percent
  • Psychologists – 8 percent
  • Speech-Language Pathologists – 29 percent

All of the above programs are available through Pacific University’s College of Health Professions.