Project Management in Healthcare

How do you become a project manager in health care?

Project management is a useful skill in any industry that needs tasks completed on time and on budget. As health care executives continue to lead hospitals, public health organizations and health care policy initiatives, there is an increasing need for project managers to fill the gap between these executives and the health care workers. 

While health care workers are tending to patients, project managers are tending to projects that improve systems, processes and environments in a health care setting. Your daily tasks might include leading the effort for the construction of a new department, promoting a public health initiative or implementing a new charting system. Learn about how MSPM student, Lauren Wolff, is applying her coursework to her job as a project manager for two hospitals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It is up to you to identify problems and implement solutions to improve processes and systems for your health care organization. The typical day for a project manager varies because every project will have different variables — your team, budget, tools and timeline — that you will have to balance to complete your tasks. The health care industry is constantly evolving, so a project manager you will be uniquely equipped to embrace the new challenges that arise every day.

What kinds of skills make a great project manager in health care?

• Leadership: The world of health care balances leaders at all levels. Many high-functioning teams are operating concurrently to meet the needs of patients. As a project manager, you will need to find your voice as a leader who understands the needs of your stake holders and builds relationships across teams.
• Time Management: Meeting the demands of the health care industry requires an intimate understanding of the timelines and schedules that allow the health care ecosystem to operate efficiently. As a project manager, you will need to execute projects on time in an environment that is centered around time-sensitive goals and objectives.
• Communication: The health care environment consists of a variety of teams with different goals and skillsets designed to meet the needs of the people they serve. Successful project managers will need to build bridges between these diverse teams.
• Problem Solving: The ability to think critically to solve problems is not unique to the health care industry. This is, however, a skill that is essential to being a great project manager.
• Adaptability: As a project manager, strategizing a plan is critical to the success of a project. However, you must be prepared for the moments when things do not go according to plan. These moments require patience and adaptability to adjust your plan and stay on track to succeed.
• Strategy: Saving and improving the lives of people can be tough. Health care industries move at a fast pace, and they are always looking for ways to become more efficient. Project managers will implement strategic initiatives to help improve processes within the process, which in turn enables health care professionals to be more efficient with saving lives.

How will OHIO’s MSPM prepare you for your career?

Across all industries, there's an increase in the number of jobs requiring project management-oriented skills. As a health care professional, we want to prepare you to meet the demands of the evolving job market in your industry. These skills are also transferable across many different industries if you decide that you want to pivot into a new role or a new industry.

To learn more about the Master of Science in Project Management program, email pm@ohio.edu.