Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Mark Jóhannsson, DHSc, MPH, Dean, College of Health Professions
is essentially outpatient care, referring to medical services that are provided to patients who do not need to be admitted to a hospital or stay overnight in a healthcare facility.
Ambulatory care can occur in physician offices, urgent care clinics, outpatient surgical facilities and special clinics. Patients receiving ambulatory care might receive diagnostic tests, immunization, preventive care, minor surgeries or procedures.
As of 2022, the global ambulatory market size was valued at $ and is expected to grow due to factors including increasing preference for outpatient care, cost effectiveness, government initiatives and investments in ambulatory healthcare facilities, according to a recent report by .
Ambulatory care is more easily accessible and convenient and can be more cost effective than hospitalization for many patients. As you can imagine, this brings value for individuals and communities as a whole.
Outpatient care may also be a more convenient treatment option for patients if they feel more comfortable recovering in their own home. Being comfortable and familiar with their surroundings while recovering  to patients during what may be a stressful time.
According to a McKinsey report, ambulatory care is one of the  healthcare fields. A higher demand for hospital beds and heightened pressure on acute settings partly explain the growth of ambulatory care. Another reason is patients’ demand for lower healthcare costs, which ambulatory care can deliver as a less expensive alternative to a traditional hospital visit.
New advances in technology also play a large role in the rise of ambulatory care. Updated medical instruments, less invasive procedures, new developments in anesthesia and improved pain control have potential to leave patients more comfortable receiving treatment in an ambulatory setting.
can take place in a wide variety of settings, including:
Ambulatory care centers might provide some of the following services:
The exact services provided vary depending on the facility and location.
Ambulatory care offers a diverse range of career opportunities for healthcare professionals.
If you choose to pursue a career in healthcare management for an ambulatory provider, you’ll likely need a healthcare degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Health Management or a Master of Health Administration. You might also choose to complete specialized healthcare courses, such as Healthcare Delivery in the U.S., to develop applicable skills in your intended field.
Nurses have a range of pathways available to them. The RN to BSN program empowers registered nurses to enhance their leadership potential and other skills. Other relevant programs to consider if you’re seeking management or educator roles include a Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner.
Both healthcare managers and administrators handle various responsibilities on the business side of ambulatory care.
While healthcare managers and administrators perform similar tasks, the roles are very different. Healthcare managers focus on “big picture” aspects of healthcare operations, like finance and facilities; healthcare administrators oversee daily operations.
Both healthcare managers and administrators fulfill leadership roles for a healthcare organization, including those in ambulatory care. For example, clinical directors and managers play essential roles in helping run the overall business, ensuring compliance with rules and regulation.
These careers first require a bachelor’s degree in healthcare and often require a master’s degree as well to further improve leadership skills.
An ambulatory care nurse is a type of registered nurse (RN) who specializes in providing medical care in an outpatient setting. RNs help patients manage pain, address chronic injuries and pursue treatment plans that lead to positive outcomes. These nurses offer education to both patients and family members, providing instructions on how patients can lead full, healthy lives. Ambulatory care nurses also work in close proximity with other members of a care team, including doctors and nurse practitioners.
Family are responsible for providing primary medical care and treatment to patients who visit a clinic or office.
The responsibilities of a family nurse practitioner in an ambulatory care setting can include:
Family nurse practitioners typically see patients on a regular basis to provide care, review conditions and make updated recommendations.
If you are interested in exploring degree options to support a career in ambulatory care, whether it be in management, administration or nursing, °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ offers a range of flexible online program options, including:
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
Mark Jóhannsson is the Dean of the College of Health Professions. He has a career spanning over 35 years of healthcare management, public health practice, higher education administration, teaching and clinical/behavioral research within corporate, community and academic settings. He has served as both an educational and keynote speaker, and he has been published in a variety of peer-reviewed and periodic literature.
This article has been vetted by °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝'s editorial advisory committee.Â
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