If you have skills in managing complex healthcare systems and crafting clear, impactful messages that reach diverse audiences, you’re in luck because your skill set is currently in demand! Read on to find out more about health management and communication, average salaries in these roles and why these are the careers to watch.
What is health management and health communication?
Health management involves planning, directing and coordinating medical and health services. Professionals in this field work to improve healthcare delivery, manage healthcare facilities and ensure efficient, quality patient care.
Health communication, on the other hand, is the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individual and community health decisions. This includes health education, public health campaigns, social marketing and policy communication aimed at promoting wellness and disease prevention.
Why health management and communication are careers to watch in Germany
As we touched upon in our introduction, the healthcare management sector is expanding rapidly due to an ageing population in Germany, leading to an increased focus on preventive care and a drive to work towards digital transformation in healthcare services.
There is a growing need for skilled professionals who can navigate complex health systems and effectively communicate health information to diverse populations. Both health management careers are crucial to addressing these challenges, making them among the fastest-growing fields in Germany’s labour market.
How to start a career in health management or health communication
So, here’s how to kick off your health management and communication career.
If you’re an aspiring professional, you’ll want to begin by pursuing relevant academic degrees such as a BSc in health management or a Master of Science (MSc) in health management, public health or health communication.
Gaining internship experience in healthcare settings or communication agencies can also be a valuable experience. During an internship, you’ll be able to put key theories and ideas into practice and become familiar with the work you’ll be carrying out on a day-to-day basis.
It’s also a good idea to pursue continuous professional development through certifications and workshops, as these can also help advance your career.
Skills needed for health management and communication professionals
Want to start on the best foot? Here are some of the most important skills you’ll need if you want to make a good start in the health management and communication sectors:
- Strong leadership and organisational skills for managing healthcare services.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to engage with patients, healthcare staff and the public.
- Analytical skills for data assessment and health policy evaluation.
- Knowledge of health regulations, public health principles and digital health technologies.
- Marketing and social media skills, especially for health communication roles focused on outreach and behaviour change.
Average salaries in health management and health communication in Germany
Now that you’ve got a better idea of what health management and communication roles involve, here are some of the average salaries you can expect to receive in various roles.
| Role | Average salary (annual, gross) | Salary range (annual) | Notes/experience levels |
| Health services manager | €64,115 | Approx. €44,000 – €151,800* | Entry level from €49,820; experienced up to €138,800+ |
| Healthcare manager | €55,000 – €70,000 | €44,140 – €151,800 | Entry level ~€49,820; mid-career €55,000–€70,000; senior up to €138,800+ |
| Communications manager | €53,465 | €39,000 (entry) – €81,000 (high) | Average salary, senior roles and location influence vary |
| Technical communicator (health communication relevant) | €65,000 (average) | Entry: €40,000-€50,000, Senior: >€85,000 | Salaries are higher in South Germany, influenced by AI skills |
Top reasons for growing demand in health management and communication in Germany
- Rising prevalence of chronic diseases requiring coordinated care.
- Expansion of digital health and telemedicine necessitates new communication strategies.
- Public health focuses on prevention, wellness and health literacy campaigns.
- Complex regulatory environment needing expert management and communication skills.
- Persistent shortage of healthcare professionals drives the need for efficient management and communication.
- Increasing complexity of healthcare technologies and digital tools requires skilled communicators to bridge gaps between medical staff, patients and tech systems.
- Rising focus on integrated care models that rely on coordinated communication and management to deliver patient-centred outcomes across multiple providers.
Career opportunities with a BSc in health management and communication
As a graduate, you could look forwards to roles such as:
- Healthcare manager or administrator in hospitals and clinics.
- Health communication specialist in public health agencies or NGOs.
- Health marketing or public relations coordinator for healthcare organisations.
- Policy advisor or programme coordinator in health promotion projects.
- Digital health consultant focusing on patient engagement technologies.
Enrol in BSc Health Management at UE Germany
The University of Europe for Applied Sciences offers a BSc in Health Management that equips students with interdisciplinary knowledge in management, communication and healthcare systems. This programme will prepare you for a range of exciting careers in Germany’s growing healthcare sector by combining theoretical learning with practical experience. UE also offers English-taught programmes such as MSc Prevention and Therapy Management and MSc International Public Health.
UE Germany’s strong industry connections help facilitate internships and job placements, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to develop expertise in health management and communication.
Conclusion
Health management and health communication are rapidly growing career fields in Germany, driven by demographic shifts, the need for efficient healthcare delivery, and the integration of digital technologies.
Pursuing a degree is a solid foundation for entering this ever-changing sector. For anyone interested in shaping the future of healthcare and making a meaningful impact on public health, Germany represents an excellent destination for launching and growing a successful career.