Average applicant (Pre-GMAT) Seeking Advice

Note: I am completely new to the forums. I am not sure which particular section of the forum people go to seek general advice, but I thought this area was most relevant. I am a PRE-GMAT individual looking for guidance on how to go about tackling this whole beast (GMAT + MBA admissions).

1) Basic demographic info: Just turned 28, male, South Asian

2) Educational Background: Smaller branch of a large state school. BBA in Finance. Took about 12 additional hours of Accounting courses while working (to advance my knowledge/possibly open myself up to the CPA route if I choose to pursue that down the line.. although I would still need to finish about 5 more courses to become CPA eligible. Not sure if I should do that at this point, since that's not my career's focus.). Overall GPA was a 3.3, GPA in my major was a 3.4.

3) Work experience: I have been working for about 3-4 solid years. My job situation hasn't been the greatest mainly due to layoffs that have occured at my previous companies. Longest position that I've had was about a year or so, but I am hoping that with my current job I stick it out longer and *hopefully* can get a promotion down the road. Currently been in my current position for about 6 months and I work as a Financial/Revenue Analayst for a very large hospital mangement company.

4) Extracurriculars: My extracurriculars have mainly been while in college. I was co-captain of a cultural dance team that competed at local/regional levels, played intramural soccer all four years, and was VP of our school's only Finance organization. Other than that, I do work help out with Youth Activities at a religious center that I am part of.

5) Short/Long term goals: I want to specialize in Healthcare Finance (since I love working in the field & that's where I have most of my experience). Possibly considering a joint MBA-MHA program if I can get into a good program. I would like to work for a healthcare organization at either the corporate level (preferred) or at the hospital level.

6) Schools: Seeing as I have yet to even begin studying for my GMAT, I have no idea about particular schools/programs. Definitely not looking into applying to any of the top schools, because after reading through some other people's profiles here, I'm probably "average" at best. lol.

I have read on the forums & read reviews that the "Manhattan GMAT Guide" is an excellent resource so I have ordered that eight book guide. I also read that the "Official Guide for the GMAT Review" is a great resource for sample questions, so I'll probably be ordering that soon.

I have no idea when I should apply to a MBA. Due to my work experience more broken apart than I like, I definitely want to build up more work experience at my current job so definitely not until at least another year (or more), but what should I be doing in the meantime? When do most people generally apply & how long does the whole application process take?

I just don't know where to start, how I stack up, or when I should be applying. If anyone can offer some general advice. As I've been reading a few sections of the forums, this entire process seeing quite daunting to say the least. Please guide me if you can!

~ Im2bz2p345