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 many 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.
How can I get a PhD in health services?
Admission requirements for a doctoral degree of health services are usually at least a bachelor's degree in a related field and taking a standard entry exam. The doctoral program has a core curriculum including subjects such as community health, bio-statistics, 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 choice. The thesis, or research findings are then presented to faculty members and prominent researchers across the country for approval. Students then defend their dissertation, the successful outcome of which determines whether they are awarded the degree or not.
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 is expected to increase at medical colleges, hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, community care centers, federal healthcare organizations and international aid agencies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts median annual earnings for professions requiring PhD degree, such as pharmacists, at $120,950 as of May 2014.