Healthcare management usually provides students the knowledge and critical-thinking skills necessary for the management of healthcare delivery systems and health services. Managers plan, direct and coordinate medical and healthcare services. Students might find themselves in positions managing entire facilities, specific departments or a group of physicians in a medical practice.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.