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Career Choices That Are Possible With a PhD in Health Services

Learn about career opportunities you may be able to tap into when you earn your doctorate in health services at Walden University.

The field of health services is broad, offering qualified professionals a variety of positions to choose from. And whether you want to focus on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, or communities at large, earning your doctorate in the field can better position you to find a health services role that aligns with your goals and enables you to make a difference. Below, we outline five career options for professionals with a PhD in Health Services.

Medical and Health Services Manager1

Professionals serving in this capacity are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the business activities of healthcare providers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 18% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 This projection is in part based on the increased demand for healthcare services as the baby boomer population ages and remains active. As of 2019, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $100,980.

Career Choices That Are Possible With a PhD in Health Services

Healthcare Consultant2

In this role, professionals work as management analysts within the healthcare industry. Healthcare consultants examine the efficiency, profits, and structure of an organization, offering suggestions on how to cut costs and any organizational improvements that should be made. According to BLS, employment of management analysts is expected to grow 14% from 2018 to 2028, adding about 118,300 jobs to the field. The median annual wage for healthcare consultants and management analysts was $85,260 in 2019.

Health Specialties Professor3

Health specialties professors often teach courses at the postsecondary level, including at colleges, universities, and professional schools. Topics can range from laboratory technology to therapy to public health and beyond. In addition to academic institutions, scientific research and development service providers, general medical and surgical hospitals, outpatient care centers, and specialty hospitals are top-paying settings for individuals serving in this role. According to BLS, the annual median wage for health specialties professors was $121,620 in 2019.

Medical Scientist4

It’s vital for research to be conducted that’s aimed at improving overall human health. This is the primary responsibility of medical scientists, who often employ investigative methods—such as clinical trials—to reach their findings. Professionals in this role also may lead teams of technicians who will perform any necessary support tasks. Medical scientists working in a university or other higher education setting may even lead teams of students as they conduct research. According to BLS, the median salary for this role in 2019 was $88,790. Between 2018 and 2028, employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 8%, faster than the average for all occupations.

Prepare to Make a Difference in the Field When You Earn Your PhD in Health Services at Walden University

In Walden’s PhD in Health Services program, you can explore the challenges of today’s healthcare system as you gain the skills and knowledge you need to impact the field and create positive social change. Learn from faculty leaders as you study the latest research and best practices in health services to prepare for roles in leadership, healthcare policy, healthcare administration, and more. And online education makes it more convenient than ever to get your PhD. At Walden—an accredited university—you can earn your doctorate in health services from wherever you have internet access, allowing you to further your education and career as you continue to work full time.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering a PhD in Health Services program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

1Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm 
2Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm 
3Source: www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes251071.htm 
4Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.

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