Healthcare administration is a critical and rapidly growing field, providing essential support to the healthcare industry by managing and organizing medical facilities and ensuring they run efficiently. If you’re interested in pursuing a healthcare administration career, you may wonder, “How do I become a healthcare administrator?” Becoming a healthcare administrator requires education, experience, and skills.
In this blog, we will explore the steps to becoming a healthcare administrator, including the necessary education and training, the skills and qualifications required, and the different career paths available in this exciting and rewarding field. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to transition to a new field, this guide will provide valuable information to help you pursue your goals as a healthcare administrator.
WHAT DOES A HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATOR DO?
While healthcare administrators might not interact with patients on a daily basis like doctors and nurses do, their decisions and actions directly impact the level of care patients receive. Below are several core responsibilities of a healthcare administrator or manager:
- Overseeing Daily Operations – Healthcare administrators are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of all departments within the facility. This includes managing schedules, addressing operational issues, and optimizing processes to maintain efficiency.
- Staff Management – Administrators hire, train, and supervise healthcare staff to build a competent and cohesive team. They also handle staff performance evaluations and conflict resolution as well as promote professional development.
- Budgeting and Financial Oversight – They develop and manage budgets, track expenses, and ensure that financial resources are used efficiently. This role involves making strategic decisions to control costs while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Compliance and Regulatory Adherence – Healthcare admins make sure that the facility complies with all federal, state, and local regulations along with industry standards. They maintain proper documentation, prepare for inspections, and address any compliance issues that arise.
- Patient Care Coordination – They facilitate coordination among various departments to ensure seamless patient care throughout their healthcare journey. This involves improving communication, reducing delays, and working toward better patient outcomes and satisfaction.
HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATOR CAREER OUTLOOK
he field of healthcare administration is growing quickly. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs in healthcare management is expected to grow by 29%between 2023 and 2033, adding around 61,400jobs annually in the US. That’s much faster than the average growth rate for all jobs in the United States.
The BLS reports that the median annual salary for a healthcare administrator is $110,680 or about $53.21 per hour. However, this figure is just an average of all workers in that job. The salary you earn will depend on your job responsibilities, your experience, the type of healthcare facility in which you work, and the region of the United States where you work.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATORS
From technical proficiency to leadership and communication skills, effective healthcare administrators possess the following qualities:
Leadership and Team Management
Healthcare administrators have strong leadership and team management skills in order to successfully guide healthcare teams in a dynamic environment. They need to inspire and motivate staff, establish clear goals, and foster a positive workplace culture that promotes collaboration and high-quality patient care. Effective leaders also provide direction during times of change and make informed decisions to ensure the smooth functioning of their facilities. Through their leadership, they can build cohesive teams that align with the organization’s values and objectives.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial for healthcare administrators, as they are often faced with complex challenges that require careful analysis and creative solutions. From optimizing operations to addressing patient care concerns, they must evaluate data, consider different approaches, and implement solutions that improve efficiency and outcomes. The ability to think critically allows them to adapt quickly to unexpected situations, minimize risks, and make informed decisions that benefit both patients and the healthcare facility as a whole.
Financial Management
Financial management is an essential skill for healthcare administrators, as they are responsible for developing and managing budgets, monitoring expenses, and ensuring the facility’s financial stability. This entails making strategic financial decisions to maximize the use of available resources while maintaining the quality of care provided. Additionally, administrators evaluate funding needs, handle financial reporting, and plan for future growth — all while managing the delicate balance between cost-efficiency and patient care.
Regulatory Knowledge
Healthcare administrators must have a thorough understanding of healthcare regulations to ensure their facility complies with all applicable laws and standards. They should stay up to date on regulatory changes, accreditation requirements, and best practices to maintain adherence and avoid legal issues. Their regulatory knowledge is key to safeguarding patient safety, maintaining a high standard of care, and meeting industry expectations (which also helps build trust with patients and stakeholders).
CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
There are a myriad of jobs and career paths you can pursue when you have a healthcare administration degree. Some of the entry-level positions available to you include home health administrative assistant, long-term care administrator, medical office manager, patient services representative, medical billing manager, and healthcare recruiter.
With more experience and in some cases an advanced degree, you can find yourself in one of the following jobs:
Hospital Administrator
A hospital administrator oversees all the non-clinical aspects of a healthcare facility.
Medical Staff Director
A medical staff director oversees the department that hires and credentials medical personnel at a healthcare facility.
Nursing Home Administrator
A nursing home administrator has a similar function to a hospital administrator, just at a different type of facility.
Hospital CEO
The top person at a hospital, the CEO is ultimately responsible for all the clinical and non-clinical personnel of a hospital as well as policies, setting fees, and ensuring the facility makes a profit or, in the case of a non-profit organization, raises enough from fees and fundraising to cover costs.
Director of Patient Care Services
A director of patient care services is charged with making sure that the level of care meets the hospital or clinic’s high standards.
Director of Public Health Information Management
The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the importance of public health information. A director of public health management works for a medical facility or a federal, state, or local government agency and makes sure that the information released to the media and public is accurate and up to date.
STEPS TO BECOME A HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATOR
If you are wondering how to become a healthcare administrator, these key steps can help guide you:
Earn Your Education
The first step to becoming a healthcare administrator is earning the necessary educational qualifications. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field is required to enter the profession. Many aspiring healthcare administrators also pursue a master’s degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), to enhance their knowledge and job prospects. A strong educational foundation equips candidates with the theoretical expertise needed to manage healthcare facilities effectively.
Gain Professional Experience
After completing a college education, aspiring healthcare administrators need to gain hands-on professional experience in healthcare settings. Both internships and entry-level roles — such as administrative assistant or office manager in a healthcare facility — help individuals understand the day-to-day operations of healthcare organizations and develop core skills. Experience in healthcare environments provides a practical understanding of patient care processes, staff coordination, and the challenges of managing healthcare services, which is essential for moving into a higher-level administrative position.
Pursue Certifications and Licenses
Pursuing professional certifications and licenses can further enhance a healthcare administrator’s qualifications and career opportunities. These demonstrate specialized knowledge and a commitment to the field. Licensing requirements may vary by state — particularly for those in long-term care administration — and obtaining these credentials can help administrators stay competitive and comply with regulatory requirements in the healthcare industry. Below are a few certifications worth considering:
- Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) – The CHFP certification demonstrates expertise in healthcare financial management, including areas like reimbursement, budgeting, and financial strategy in healthcare settings.
- Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) – The FACHE designation is a prestigious certification that recognizes healthcare administrators for their leadership, knowledge, and commitment to the healthcare management profession.
- Certified Medical Manager (CMM) – The CMM certification signifies proficiency in managing the business operations of medical practices — covering areas such as financial management, compliance, and human resources.
EARNING YOUR DEGREE IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION FROM JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY
Johnson & Wales University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in healthcare administration, including a BS in Healthcare Administration and a BS in Public Health. Our four-year bachelor’s degree programs are steeped in public health and business principles. They will help you to develop the ability to make data-driven solutions to deliver efficient, high-quality healthcare services. Plus, they will teach you skills for “evaluating healthcare systems through data analysis, policy development and a core understanding of public health theory.” Both programs can be completed online.
Online learning gives students the opportunity to do coursework and listen to lectures according to their own schedules (within a few parameters). This is ideal for students who live far away from campus or have full-time jobs, families to care for, or varied religious and civic responsibilities.
ABOUT JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY
Johnson & Wales University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in more than 50 fields of study. Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales has a current enrollment of around 8,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Financial aid is available for qualified students.
For more information about completing your degree online or on-campus, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].