Doctoral in Health Services
Introduction to health services
The field of health services deals with the management, supervision, planning, coordination and delivery of healthcare. It also includes the integration of modern technology with healthcare delivery systems and ensuring compliance with complex regulatory requirements and restructuring the healthcare system to provide an increased focus on improving efficiency and the quality of care. Health services professionals manage countless day to day operations at healthcare facilities including record keeping, general administration, personnel and resource management, finances and public relations. Health services is one of the few fields that deals with virtually every aspect of healthcare but involves little to no patient contact.
Doctoral in Health Services Programs
How can I get a PhD in health services?
Admission requirements for a doctoral degree of health services are usually a master’s degree in a related field and clearing a standard entry exam. The four year doctoral program then commences with a core curriculum including subjects such as community health, biostatistics, public health education and awareness, environmental health and public policy development. Once students complete these courses, they go on to conduct field research in a topic of their choosing. The thesis, or research findings are then presented to faculty members and prominent researchers across the country for approval. Students then defend their work on a public forum at a dissertation before being awarded their degree.
What are the future prospects like?
The healthcare industry is focusing on improving the quality and efficiency of care while controlling costs, in addition to educating the public about preventive health methods. As such, demand for highly qualified professionals in the field of health services will soar at medical colleges, hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, community care centers, federal healthcare organizations and international aid agencies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts current earnings for PhDs in this field at around $137,000 per year.