Careers
Related Skills
These skills will help you have a successful career in the healthcare leadership field. Our program at Illinois State will give you the education and experience to develop these skills.
Organization
Since healthcare leaders deal with confidential and important data, oversee employees, and deal with critical business processes you must be accurate and pay close attention to details. The information you provide is critical to a patient's health and well-being. It's also important to the operation of the organization.
Communication
Solid communication skills will help you be successful in the healthcare leadership profession. Since you'll work with people at all levels in the organization, you'll need to be able to work well with others.
Critical Thinking
Healthcare leaders use business and patient data for clinical and business decision making. Data is analyzed to study trends in how people use health care. This information helps organizations predict and respond to a community's health needs.
Adaptability
The medical field is fast-paced and changes frequently. Being able to work well under pressure and in an environment of constant change will be beneficial.
Healthcare professions also use technology. A strong computer background and the flexibility to learn new technology will help you succeed.
Being Successful in the Field
To get into the Healthcare Leadership field, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree. Entering the profession with a bachelor's degree gives you many opportunities. Graduation from our program also qualifies you to complete the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification. Some graduates may choose to pursue a Master's Degree once in the field to move into higher levels of healthcare administration.
Related Fields
General job titles people with a Healthcare Leadership degree might have include:
- Chief information officer
- Chief operating office
- Coding Manager
- Revenue cycle manager
- Department director
- Quality manager
- Healthcare consultant
- Change manager
Healthcare Leadership majors at Illinois State have found success in the field.
Karoline, ’25, Plainfield IL
Why Health Sciences?
“The professors are very helpful and hands-on. They engage to make sure students are getting the most out of their education.”
High points from your time in Health Sciences?
”Building connections with professionals in the field. Earning scholarships within the department.”
Any advice for new students in Health Sciences?
“There is a wide range of topics and opportunities within Health Sciences. The more interested you are in a class, the better you will perform. Connect with your peers and professors. They are here to help you succeed.”
Stacy, ’17, Lombard IL
What have you been up to since graduating?
“I am a certified oncology data specialist. I help improve cancer care at the hospital level by collecting data from multiple hospitals. This data is also used at the state and national levels in prevention and detection-related activities.”
High points from your time in Health Sciences?
“I sat on the Student Advisory Board for HIM, which was empowering. I also developed a close relationship with my peers throughout our time working on projects and labs.”
Any advice for new students in Health Sciences?
“This department will prepare you well for your career. My advisor assured me I’d graduate knowing what I needed to know to start working in the field, and she was exactly right. Thanks to her and to my excellent professors!”
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Radcliffe | 223 Bone Student Center | nrradcl@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nichole Spack | FSA 424 | nlspack@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-8809 |