Overview

Your chosen career path gives you a sense of direction in which you’re headed that will lead you towards your goals. On such a path, your academic and professional background plays a crucial role and makes it easier for you to achieve your career aspirations. When it comes to pursuing MBA, many students leave the tiresome task of writing a statement of purpose for the end. But when it's time to write one, it is very common for them to get all worked up. Let not be this the case for you! Take a quick outline of our comprehensive yet simple guide on how to write a perfect statement of purpose for healthcare management. Our guide includes a quick 4-step toolkit and two sample SOPs that will enable you to craft a compelling SOP for UK universities.

Toolkit for SOP for healthcare management

We have compiled a toolkit sectioned into 4 paragraphs for writing a university SOP. The toolkit along with the sample SOPs will help you craft an exceptional SOP for healthcare management.

Action ItemPoints to be considered Examples
Introduction (motivation and goals) Explain your motivation to choose healthcare management?Experiences as a nurse at the Medical Hospital for disabled in Ernakulam motivated to work in healthcare management
OR
Motivated by the love to work for charity and selflessly for others
What are your acquired skills that align with your career in health management?Professional experience, endurance and nursing skills
OR
Communication and leadership skills
What is your main objective?To become a manager who is capable of ensuring that the system does not crumble in the toughest of times
OR
To become a healthcare manager
Body paragraph I (learning, execution, and impact)Explain your academic backgroundCompleted Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Carmel College of Nursing, Ernakulam
OR
Completed graduation from Sri Aurobindo College
Explain your professional backgroundWorked in Government Hospital Ernakulam for 2 years, worked with disabled patients at Medical Hospital for disabled in Ernakulam for the next 1 year
OR
Worked as a management trainee at XenonStack
Explain your academic and professional accomplishmentsBecame qualified for basic life support, volunteering both at the market’s hospice and in a geriatric ward, learned how to exercise emotional intelligence in a way that incorporated effective communication while being empathetic for the patients
OR
Played as a batsman for the winning team for U16 and U17 inter-school cricket matches, became well versed in assisting and managing a variety of tasks as a management trainee
Body paragraph II (why course, why university)Explain your reason for choosing this course in healthcare managementIn order to become skilled enough to manage the complexities in the healthcare system
OR
To fulfil my passion to work in healthcare while combining it with my career path in management
Explain your reason for choosing this particular courseThe course includes six compulsory modules along with a Business Consultancy Project which will help students with placements
OR
Vast curriculum that covers business skills of finance, accounting and marketing in terms of the healthcare industry
Explain your reason for choosing this particular universityThe university provides the students with the option to get a full-year industry placement upon completion of their course
OR
The flexible postgraduate programme will allow me to work part-time while studying to cover expenses as an international student
Explain how you can be a valuable addition to the universityBy becoming an active member of the university’s Students’ Union
OR
By becoming a part of the university’s cricket team and representing the university in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) events
Conclusion (closing statement)Explain your short-term goals.Gaining work experience in the industry by working in a managerial role in a healthcare facility
OR
To get an entry-level job as a healthcare manager
Explain your long-term goalsAspire to emerge as a successful entrepreneur who is capable of building a strong healthcare system for the disabled patients
OR
To work as a social worker in an old age home
Explain your contribution to society with healthcare managementBy exploring new treatments and technologies to create a healthy environment for the patients as well as their families
OR
By helping the elderly to relieve suffering and be of help to them in times of need

Sample SOP for a student with a background in healthcare management

This is a sample SOP for York St John University’s MBA in healthcare management programme.

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” - Hippocrates

I have been working as a nursing professional for the past 3 years and the decision to pick up the books and get back to studying was not a random decision; which however took a great amount of courage and ordeal. One of the experiences that contributed to this decision happened at Medical Hospital for disabled in Ernakulam, which I consider to be one of the most exhausting experiences of my life. Although it was both emotionally and physically demanding, it made me question my life decision to walk on the same path and continue to be a nurse or change the course of my direction and work towards the harder path which is more rewarding. In my work experience of 1 year, I realised the dysfunctionalities in the healthcare system due to poor management in the hospitals for disabled persons. Despite having limited power, I tried my level best to provide the patients with the best care but that was not enough. It was then that I decided to become a manager who is capable of ensuring that the system does not crumble in the toughest of times. This decision of mine led me to pursue a Master of Business Administration in healthcare management. I believe that this change in career path is not solely to become well qualified but also to get the knowledge to commit a lifetime working towards serving humanity. I am confident that my professional experience coupled with my endurance and nursing skills will make me the ideal candidate to pursue an MBA in healthcare management.

Academically and professionally I have been very clear with my decision to work in the nursing field from a young age. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree in Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Carmel College of Nursing, I immediately started working as a practising nurse in Government Hospital Ernakulam. After working there for 2 years, I decided to work with disabled patients and hence, was transferred to Medical Hospital for disabled in Ernakulam. Working over there helped to broaden my understanding of working with people and also how to deal with children and adults with disabilities. This led me to qualify for basic life support and volunteer both at the market’s hospice and in a geriatric ward, where I used to feed patients while keeping them company. This helped me to exercise my emotional intelligence in a way that I was able to communicate effectively with my patients while being empathetic for them. Nonetheless, I could not ignore the substantial shortcomings in the system that created more problems in the already falling apart healthcare system. Determined to make a change in the existing healthcare system, I decided to make an effort from my side to fix this problem.I took it upon myself to make changes in the healthcare system for disabled and chose to continue my higher education in healthcare management.

For the same reason, I have applied to York St John University’s MBA programme in Health Management in order to become skilled enough to manage the complexities in the healthcare system.I believe that York St John University is the ideal place for me to pursue my master's degree, as it will equip me with theoretical as well as practical knowledge in the field of healthcare management. Apart from this, the coursework includes six compulsory modules along with a Business Consultancy Project helping students with placements.Moreover, the university also provides the students with the option to get a full-year industry placement upon completion of their course. With all of the opportunities York St John University has to offer, if given the chance to attend, I am certain that I would utilise every one, becoming not only an active member of the university’s Students’ Union but a leader of tomorrow.

Completing my MBA from York St John University, will be a milestone on my journey to fulfil my vision of building a successful healthcare system for disabled persons within a confined environment. However, this single action will aid me to accomplish my short-term goal of gaining work experience in the industry by working in a managerial role in a healthcare facility.While, in the long run, I aspire to emerge as a successful entrepreneur who is capable of creating something worthwhile for the disabled patients with better management facilities.It would be a privilege for me to work for the disabled patients, exploring new treatments and technologies to create a healthy environment for the patients as well as their families. This in turn, will help me to become a valuable member of the society through my career aspirations.I am confident that a MBA in health management from University, with its leading technologies and its commitment to academic excellence, will allow me to pursue my goal and move a step closer to building a strong healthcare system for the disabled.

Sample SOP for a student with a different background

This is a sample SOP for Anglia Ruskin University’s MBA in healthcare management programme.

“It’s easier to take than to give. It’s nobler to give than to take. The thrill of taking lasts a day. The thrill of giving lasts a lifetime." - Joan Marques

This quote by Joan Marques always reminds me of how I developed my love for charity and working selflessly for others. As I come from a small town in Punjab, I have always lived in a close knit society where everyone is there to help each other. My grandfather, who is a retired army officer, instilled in me a deep love for charity, also known as seva in my native language, from a young age. I fondly remember my memory of going to the old age home in our town every Sunday with him. Even though I was a kid who couldn’t really help the elderly over there, I realised keeping them in company made me feel extremely loved and blessed because of which I have never stopped going there till date. The ambition to work closely in the healthcare department, especially with elderly people, combined with my passion to work in the management industry led me to choose healthcare management as my career path. It is because of the same that I have decided to pursue a Master of Business Administration in healthcare management. I am confident that my communication and leadership skills will help me explore the management fieldand become a successful healthcare manager.

Since my schooling years, I have been a student who was good at the academic forefront while also participating in all the extracurricular activities. I was also an active participant of my school’s cricket team especially during my high school years. I’ve played in several inter-school cricket matches as a batsman, and I feel very privileged to be a part of the winning team for U16 and U17 inter-school cricket matches in Ludhiana city. Apart from this, I have always found socialising to be a very integral aspect of a person who works in the management industry. Ever since I was a little kid, I have always enjoyed meeting new people, which has instilled in me great communication skills. I am also fluent in both English and Hindi, which gives me the advantage of adapting according to the person and situation at hand.I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration from Sri Aurobindo College, after which I got placed as a management trainee at XenonStack. During my placement, I became well versed in assisting and managing a variety of tasks. My role included me helping my managers complete their daily tasks, providing administrative support, and participating in the company's strategic planning. This also helped me form a strong technical aptitude and made me skilled in MS Office while enhancing my communication skills.

In order to fulfil my passion to work in healthcare while combining it with my career path, I decided to pursue an MBA in healthcare management. After exploring various colleges and universities that offer MBA programmes, I came across Anglia Ruskin University and was instantly impressed with the vast curriculum that is covered in the MBA programme. The programme’s emphasis on establishing the business skills of finance, accounting and marketing in terms of the healthcare industry will advance my knowledge as a management professional. Moreover, the university’s option of opting for a flexible postgraduate programme will help me to work part-time while studying to cover my expenses as an international student.I believe that my experience as a cricket player will make me a valuable addition to the university’s cricket club. I look forward to becoming a part of the university’s cricket team and representing the university in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) events.

I believe that my MBA programme will play an integral role in preparing me for my life ahead as a health manager. Keeping this in mind, I am confident that I will be able to accomplish my short-term goal of getting an entry-level job as a healthcare manager.Moving forward, I aspire to continue working in this field but transition to working as a social worker with my experience in healthcare management, especially in an old age home.With this, I will be able to add value to society by helping the elderly to relieve suffering and be of help to them in times of need, which, according to me, is valuable beyond my career aspirations. My social skills, together with my ambition to care for and support those in need, prove me to be a perfect fit for an MBA in healthcare management from Anglia Ruskin University.

How to write an SOP for healthcare management

Here, we have provided you with an in-depth explanation of how to write an SOP for healthcare management which will help you understand the sample SOPs given above.

Introduction (motivation and goal)

The introductory paragraph is focused on giving the SOP reader a brief overview of your life and goals. In the beginning, use a hook line to keep your SOP reader glued. Now, this hook could either be an inspirational quote or a problem faced by the practising healthcare managers in today’s time. Then, list your unique skill sets that you possess to stand apart from the numerous candidates applying to your course and university. Keep your introduction short and sweet, as all other things will be discussed in greater depth in the upcoming paragraphs.

Checklist for writing introduction:

  • Hook (quote related to healthcare management)
  • Source of motivation
  • Long-term goal
  • Reason to pursue the course
  • Unique aspects about your personality
  • Future goals

Body paragraph I (learning, execution, and impact)

Going further, the first paragraph is a culmination of your collective lifetime experiences, both academically and professionally. While talking about your academics, give concrete details about the projects that you have worked on that have ignited your interest in healthcare management. Include relevant details and name all the terminologies and techniques that you used while working on the project. Next, talk about the skills that you developed while working on the project. It is advisable to mention all the related details to your academic qualifications, as most SOPs are rejected due to the lack of concrete details related to a student’s academic background.

Checklist for writing body paragraph I:

  • Academic accomplishments
  • Professional accomplishments
  • Strengths and weaknesses
  • Impact of all the cumulative experiences
  • In case of a fresher, talk about internships and volunteerships

Body paragraph II (why course, why university)

It is advisable to start the second body paragraph by explaining your reason to opt for this particular course in healthcare management as your main focus in this paragraph will be to persuade the SOP reader that you’re the perfect fit for the course. Moving on, talk about the university’s course and its features that made you choose it as the place to pursue your higher education. In this section, you can talk about the students, faculty, or infrastructure of the university that make it different from others. At the end, mention your strengths other than academics that show that you can be a valuable addition to their university.

Checklist for writing body paragraph II:

  • The skills and knowledge you know related to healthcare management
  • Why this particular college/university?
  • What do you like about the college/university?
  • How can you be a valuable addition to the college/university?

Conclusion (closing statement)

The concluding paragraph includes a detailed explanation of your planned career trajectory with respect to the course of healthcare management. Make sure that you mention your short and long-term goals, along with highlighting how you expect to contribute to society as a healthcare manager.

Checklist for writing conclusion:

  • Path to achieve your career goals (short-term and long-term goals)
  • What after the course (long-term goals)
  • Contribution towards the society

Wrap up

To conclude, an SOP for healthcare management is written in a paragraph format with four important paragraphs: an introduction stating your motivation to study healthcare management; a first body paragraph, stating your life’s learnings, its execution, and its impact upon your life; a second body paragraph, stating your reasoning for choosing a particular course and university; and a conclusion, that states the closing statement for your statement of purpose. Before finalising your SOP, take a quick read and be mindful of some dos and don’ts on writing a statement of purpose for MBA.

FAQs

Why should you study healthcare management?

A healthcare management programme equips you with the essential skills required to work in a managerial position in health care facilities. The job is much more than just overseeing people; it also provides you with the authority to directly work with organisational policies and procedures in a healthcare facility. With an average annual salary of $104,830, a career in healthcare management abroad is a lucrative opportunity for students wishing to work in the healthcare sector with an MBA. The study of healthcare management helps you make an impact on your community by helping patients and supporting healthcare management. Having a degree in healthcare management will ensure a high-paying career that is supposedly more contributing to society.

Is SOP written for college admission?

An SOP plays a significant role in your university’s admission process. Given that there are thousands of similar applicants who, just like you, match the criteria to enrol for admissions, an SOP is your chance to outshine amongst them all and appeal to the admissions committee. Your SOP provides the university with a brief description of how your academic and professional background and their learnings helped you choose your career path. It is with the help of an SOP that you can portray your personality with your skills, strengths, and accomplishments over time, which make you different from the other applicants.

Is 1200 words too much for SOP?

The word limit for a university SOP is stated by the university itself; if it is not, you should write an SOP within a word limit of 600–1000 words. It's always safe to stick to the word limit and write a clear and concise SOP to make a lasting impression on the university’s admission committee.

What does a good statement of purpose include?

A good statement of purpose includes an attention-grabbing introduction that keeps the reader hooked. This is followed by a body paragraph I which includes details about your academic and professional background. Next, the second body paragraph is entirely focused on your reasoning as to why you chose the college or university and why you deserve to be admitted there. The last paragraph, or concluding paragraph, is a reflection of your future goals that you wish to achieve over the next few years in your career.

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