new grads: why healthcare ops is a great career choice.

Remember your last trip to a hospital or clinic? Beyond the doctors and nurses, you probably bumped into a patient service coordinator, clinic manager or even a finance officer. They’re all part of the healthcare operations function, the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep everything running smoothly so patients get the care they need.

Healthcare ops is a dynamic field where every day brings something new. It offers a rewarding career that’s diverse, interesting and fulfilling. Whether you’ve had your eye on it for some time or you’re just hearing about it, here’s why healthcare operations is an outstanding career choice for just about any new grad.

it’s a booming industry

With an aging population, there's a growing need for healthcare services. The Bureau for Labor Statistics predicts that jobs in the healthcare and social assistance industry will grow over twice as fast as the national average until 2031. Some positions will grow even quicker — jobs for medical and health services managers are expected to surge 28 percent during the same period, compared to a national average of just five percent. Plus, unemployment in the industry was a mere 2.5 percent in 2022, compared to the national average of 3.5 percent. In short, healthcare ops ticks all the boxes if you're hunting for a career in a rapidly expanding sector with plenty of job opportunities and low unemployment.

there are countless roles and specializations

Like any other industry, healthcare ops has all sorts of roles, making it a great first career step to sharpen your skills and rack up some experience. You could be front and center, working with patients as a hospital administrator or practice manager. Or maybe you're drawn to the strategic aspects of project management, improving internal systems and creating real change for patients. You'll also find roles in finance, human resources and IT — so whatever your degree, there's a healthcare ops job waiting for you.

the paychecks are competitive

To land the best talent, healthcare employers know they've got to offer attractive compensation. According to Randstad’s 2023 Salary Guide, national salaries for practice managers start at around $48k, while patient access services managers can bank on $54k and medical records administrators pull in $102k. And that's just the starting point, so there's plenty of room for that paycheck to grow.

you’ll develop a bunch of transferable skills

Healthcare is one of those unique industries where people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds come together — patients, doctors, support staff, suppliers, you name it. Decisions often need to be made on the fly, so communication is critical to keep everything humming along, whether you're in IT, patient care or compliance. And considering that minor hiccups and delays could seriously affect patients, you'll also hone your eye for detail and time management — skills employers in every industry are hungry for.

you’ll be on the front lines of life-changing developments

Healthcare attracts enormous investment from government entities, tech companies and private investors. Whether it's using artificial intelligence to understand diseases or offering long-term care through telehealth, you'll be at the cutting edge of new research and technology.

you’ll have the chance to make a difference

As you map out your career, think about how much you want your job to have a positive impact. Are you craving a career driven by purpose, where you can help change people's lives? Healthcare ops offers a workplace where your goals align with those of your coworkers, who also want their careers to make a difference.

Ready to kick off your search for an exciting role in healthcare operations? You’re in the right place. Check out healthcare opportunities in your area and sign up for our job alerts today.