Do I need to be a nurse to major in Health Services Management?

Question

I am currently majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. I am very unhappy with my choice and would like to make a change where I can work in a hospital setting. Do I need to already have an RN degree in order to find a job upon graduation? My ultimate goal is to start out as an assistant hospital administrator and to work my way up to Hospital Administrator. I will go to graduate school of course.

Also, any career advice on getting an entry-level position in order to gain some experience in a hospital setting?

Thank you for your valuable time. Have a great day!

Answer 1

I feel for you...I got my degree in Bus. Admin, and I'm going into actg...sooo much fun, isn't it?

I have a friend who's doing a degree in Health Management (or something like that), and she's definitely NOT a nurse. They take business courses along with things like administration, health policy, and stuff like that. Very few, if any, nursing/nursing-related courses. She said they end up competing for jobs with people out of the business program at our university, so while it may be challenging, it's not impossible. I'd try to take some courses that are related to hospitals/health management/etc., and talk to hospital admins now - ask what qualifications they'd want to see, and ask if they have any volunteer positions starting now. That way when you graduate, you have an advantage over the other business students applying. Good luck!