21st Century Healthcare Consulting Career Development and Planning

Chris Papesh is a Lecturer and Healthcare Administration and Policy Undergraduate Coordinator for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and currently serves as a member of the HIMSS Professional Development Committee.

My Background and Consulting Career

I have served as a consultant and project manager for healthcare organizations, hospitals, universities, health insurance firms, state and federal agencies and global corporations and organizations, including the United Nations. Currently I teach health IT courses at UNLV. I encourage my students and younger and experienced professionals to consider exciting careers in healthcare consulting.

21st Century Technologies

Planning your career strategy is challenging given the 21st Century technologies which will impact all career pathways. Biotechnology, DNA analytics, AI and gene editing technologies will change all aspects of healthcare delivery over the next 25 years. AI and large language models (LLMs) are rapidly transforming healthcare, offering opportunities to improve diagnostics, patient care, operational efficiency, and medical research. Specialized consultants will assist healthcare organizations in navigating this technological shift.

Introduction: Consulting Career Development

Healthcare consulting is a fast-growing field that offers professionals the opportunity to work with healthcare organizations to improve processes, increase efficiencies, and ensure compliance with regulations. To succeed in this field, it is important to have a clear career development plan that outlines the necessary steps, skills, and credentials required for professional growth.
Consultants and HIT professionals may work as EHR specialists, health data analysts, clinical informaticists, HIT project managers, and system administrators. The growing demand for these roles makes it essential to understand career pathways

Step 1: Understand the Healthcare Consulting Landscape

Consultants typically work for large consulting firms, boutique firms, or as independent contractors. Their clients include hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, and government agencies. Consultants may specialize in various areas, including the following:

• Operations Consulting: Focuses on improving hospital workflows, patient care processes, and resource allocation.
• Technology Consulting: Helps healthcare organizations implement modern technology systems, such as electronic health records (EHR) or telemedicine solutions.
• Regulatory Compliance Consulting: Assists organizations in staying compliant with healthcare laws, including HIPAA, FDA regulations, and the Affordable Care Act.
• Strategy Consulting: Provides advice on organizational strategy, market entry, mergers and acquisitions, and long-term planning.

A comprehensive understanding of these subfields helps aspiring healthcare consultants determine where their skills and interests best align, setting the stage for more focused career development.

Step 2: Obtain Relevant Education and Certifications

Educational qualifications play a significant role in a successful healthcare consulting career. Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as healthcare administration, business administration, public health, or a clinical background such as nursing or pharmacy. Additionally, a master’s degree is highly desirable, especially in healthcare management (MHA), public health (MPH), business administration (MBA), or data science (MS).

A bachelor’s degree provides foundational knowledge in healthcare systems, business principles, and healthcare policy.

A master’s degree shows further specialization through an MBA or MHA or MS which allows professionals to develop advanced management skills, an understanding of healthcare economics, and leadership capabilities.

Additionally, certifications can demonstrate expertise in specialized areas of healthcare consulting. Please consider the following certifications.

HIMSS certifications can lead to advancement and prepare you for a consulting career.

The Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS®) is a certification program for experienced professionals in health IT (HIT).

The HIMSS Certified Professional in Digital Health Transformation Strategy (CPDHTS®) is a certification program designed to demonstrate your knowledge and competence in digital health transformation strategy. Future consultants should consider the CPDHTS®  when designing their career development plans.

The Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS®) certification is a pathway for expanding and diversifying industry knowledge. Further, the CAHIMS® may work well for students and early career professional to build health IT skills and credibility.

Pursuing these certifications provides a competitive edge and reinforces a commitment to professional growth. Other certifications can be considered in one’s career development plan. For example, consultants who specialize in computer security will plan to obtain computer security certifications.

Step 3: Build Industry Experience

Experience in the healthcare industry is essential for a successful consulting career. Entry-level positions such as business analysts, project coordinators, or healthcare administrators provide valuable exposure to the operational, financial, and technological aspects of healthcare. Working in hospitals, insurance companies, or healthcare-related businesses can offer insights into the daily challenges and complexities faced by healthcare organizations.

Moreover, gaining direct experience in specific consulting projects allows for practical application of skills learned through education and certification. Consultants often begin their careers working for established consulting firms, where they can learn from seasoned professionals and build their network.

Internships, fellowships, and volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings can also provide firsthand experience and demonstrate commitment to the field.

Step 4: Develop Essential Skills

Healthcare consulting requires a blend of industry-specific knowledge and soft skills. In addition to understanding healthcare systems, policy, and technology, consultants must possess strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and project management expertise. Here are key skills necessary for success:

• Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: healthcare consultants must be able to analyze complex data sets and identify trends to inform decision-making and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Problem-Solving: consultants must offer solutions to address organizational inefficiencies, regulatory challenges, or financial constraints within healthcare institutions.
• Communication: clear and effective communication is critical when presenting findings, recommendations, and strategic plans to clients and stakeholders.
• Project Management: the ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate teams, and meet deadlines is crucial for success in a consulting environment.
• Leadership: consultants often lead cross-functional teams and must demonstrate strong leadership to motivate and guide team members.

Developing these skills through formal education, on-the-job experience, and targeted training programs will enhance a consultant’s ability to succeed in the field.

Step 5: Build a Professional Network

Networking is an essential part of career development in healthcare consulting. Key strategies for building a professional network include the following:

• Join professional organizations: associations such as HIMSS provide access to networking events, conferences, and continuing education opportunities.
• Attend industry conferences: conferences allow professionals to engage with thought leaders, explore innovative technologies, and gain insights into emerging trends in healthcare.
• Leverage social media: platforms such as LinkedIn. 
• Seek mentorship: engaging with mentors who are experienced healthcare managers and consultants can provide guidance and support in navigating career progression.

Building a robust network helps consultants stay connected to opportunities and industry advancements, enabling long-term career success.

Step 6: Stay Current with Industry Trends

Healthcare is a rapidly evolving field, with advancements in technology, changes in regulations, and shifts in healthcare delivery models happening frequently. Consultants must stay informed about industry trends and innovations to provide relevant and up-to-date advice to their clients. Plan to enroll in continuing education or college courses to stay updated on new regulations, technological advancements, and best practices in healthcare management. You should attend webinars and workshops: online events are an excellent way to gain insights from industry leaders without the need for extensive travel or considerable time commitment.

Career Planning and Job Search Teams, Myers-Briggs

Planning your career should be a team effort. Please consider collaborating with professional friends, colleagues, family, and professional associations and colleges. Build your professional networks. Colleges and universities offer career planning services for students and alumni. Leading organizations and consulting teams use Myers-Briggs testing, to improve communications within teams and to assess fit for various roles. Please see the below link to the online Myers-Briggs online free (Myers-Briggs/ Carl Jung) personality type testing and best careers report by type: https://www.humanmetrics.com/personality

One can form a career peer team of 5 to 10 members seeking similar jobs or careers, composed of friends, fellow students, or strangers seeking similar careers. Your job search and career development team will review your career mission, development plan, and goals to gain promotions or new jobs, how you brand and market yourself, your networking plan and resume and how you plan to interview. Various books can assist you, but free online videos and tools can help guide your career team, or job search council: https://www.phyl.org/

By following these strategic steps, professionals can position themselves for growth and advancement in the healthcare consulting field.