By Dr. Meagan Wilson | 12/03/2024
I didn’t set out to learn how to get into healthcare administration. My initial goal was nursing, inspired by my grandmother’s legacy and dedication to caring for others.
As life would have it, my path shifted, and I discovered healthcare administration as a way to stay connected to healthcare while building a stable future for myself and my family. What started as a practical decision turned into a passion, ultimately leading me to pursue and earn advanced degrees and roles that felt truly fulfilling.
If you become a healthcare administrator, you’ll be juggling a bit of everything – managing teams, keeping budgets in check, and finding ways to support and improve patient care. You’ll play a key role in shaping the day-to-day experiences of both patients and the staff who care for them. Whether you’re shifting from another role or just starting out, healthcare administration offers a wide range of opportunities and a fulfilling path.
What Is Healthcare Administration?
Healthcare administration involves managing the operations of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Healthcare administrators are chiefly responsible for ensuring that these facilities run efficiently and effectively while maintaining high standards of patient care.
Healthcare administrators, also called health services managers, are also responsible for developing policies. They ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, among other important logistical and administrative tasks.
In many ways, this field combines the rigors of the healthcare industry with the intricacies of business management. It also offers numerous opportunities to shape the delivery of healthcare services.
The Role of a Healthcare Administrator
Students often ask me what kinds of healthcare administrator roles they should aim for after graduation. The truth is that the options are incredibly broad – and that variety is one of the best things about this field.
Usually, you’ll find an area of healthcare that really grabs your interest, and you’ll build your career around that specialty. With a degree in healthcare administration, you also have the flexibility to shift into different areas if you ever feel the need for a change.
There are many different healthcare administrator roles in both the private sector and in the government. The role healthcare administrators play can vary depending on the size and type of the facility they oversee.
However, the common job duties of a healthcare administrator include:
- Supervising clinical and non-clinical staff
- Managing financial operations, including budgeting and billing
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures
- Ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations
- Overseeing patient care services
- Coordinating with other healthcare providers and stakeholders
- Managing the facility's information systems
Educational Requirements for a Healthcare Administrator
Most positions in healthcare administration require at least a bachelor's degree. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master of health administration (MHA) or a master of business administration (MBA) with a focus on healthcare or a related field.
I found that a bachelor’s degree helped me to acquire the necessary knowledge to seek entry-level roles in the healthcare administration field. However, I also found that when I wanted to pursue roles with greater responsibility or executive potential, a graduate degree was going to be necessary.
I encourage nurses who are considering obtaining a graduate degree to pursue a master’s in healthcare administration. Many people find that as they progress in their careers, their clinical experience, combined with a MHA, creates the perfect foundation for leadership roles in hospital administration.
What Does a Bachelor's Degree in Health Administration Involve?
A bachelor's degree in health administration provides foundational knowledge in healthcare systems, management principles, and business practices. The coursework typically includes topics such as health policy, healthcare economics, healthcare law and ethics, and organizational behavior.
Generally, a bachelor's degree will:
- Prepare you to seek entry-level jobs
- Familiarize you with healthcare management, business management, public health, and healthcare organizations
- Lay the groundwork for your future professional path
What Does a Master's Degree in Health Administration Involve?
I always encourage my students to continue their education after finishing their bachelor's degree. A master's degree in health administration (MHA) delves deeper into the complexities of healthcare management and prepares you to pursue healthcare leadership roles.
The master’s courses are similar to the bachelor's degree program but are more in-depth. These courses include healthcare finance, strategic planning, human resources management, and healthcare quality improvement.
Most healthcare leaders at the executive level, hospital administrators, chief executive officer of a hospital system, and seasoned healthcare administration professionals hold an MHA degree.
Gaining Relevant Work Experience
Students often come to me, worried that they don't have sufficient experience in the healthcare field. The truth is that everyone has experience in the healthcare field – we've all been patients. There are some other ways to gain experience that I encourage students to explore, including:
- Internships and fellowships
- Entry-level positions
- Volunteer work
Internships and Fellowships
Internships and fellowships provide practical experience, essential skills, and exposure to the healthcare environment. These experiences allow current students or alumni to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, develop professional skills, gain hands-on experience, and build a network of industry contacts.
Entry-Level Positions
Starting in an entry-level job, such as administrative assistant or medical office manager, can provide the knowledge to eventually seek higher-level roles in hospital administration. These positions offer insights into the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities and help students to develop essential administrative skills. For instance, my first job as an analyst provided me with many skills that I used later in other positions.
Volunteering
Volunteering at healthcare facilities or non-profit organizations can also provide valuable work experience and in-depth understanding of healthcare facilities. It demonstrates a commitment to the field and can enhance your resume. Volunteering can also provide you with networking opportunities and contacts when you are job searching in the future.
Networking
Building a professional network is critical in the healthcare administrator field. Conferences involving large group settings and big events where you needed to "work the room" have always been difficult for me. I was fortunate to have many seasoned leaders mentor me over the years. Plus, the advent of social media has been helpful as well.
I didn't realize the importance of networking until I needed to reach out to contacts on more than one occasion. The health administrator who hired me had once been my grandmother's clinical supervisor. He interviewed me because he remembered when she would bring me in when I was little to get her paycheck.
Joining Professional Associations
Associations offer networking opportunities, professional development resources, and industry insights for healthcare administrators. These organizations include American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).
Membership in professional associations can provide access to conferences, webinars, and certification programs. Student memberships are often available for a reduced rate and provide many benefits such as job boards and networking opportunities.
Attending Conferences and Workshops
Conferences and workshops offer opportunities to learn about the latest trends and best practices for healthcare administrators. These professional gatherings also provide a platform to connect with industry leaders and peers.
Many of these events are now available virtually, making them easier to attend when you have a busy schedule. It’s also a good way to explore a healthcare system you may not have previously considered.
Seeking Mentors
I have been fortunate to have many mentors over the course of my career. I always advocate that students choose several mentors, as different individuals have different strengths.
A mentor can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights into the healthcare administrator field. Mentors can help you navigate your career path, identify opportunities, and overcome challenges. However, remember to turn around and help the next person when someone asks you to be a mentor.
Certifications and Licenses
Never stop learning! Obtaining certifications can enhance a healthcare administrator's credentials and demonstrate expertise in specific areas. Some relevant certifications include:
- Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (CHAP): Offered by the Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals (AHCAP), the Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional certification demonstrates proficiency in healthcare administration.
- Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE): The prestigious >Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives certification from the ACHE signifies dedication to excellence in healthcare management.
- Certified Medical Manager (CMM): Provided by the >Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM), the Certified Medical Manager certification validates your skills and knowledge in medical practice management.
Job Search Strategies
Effective job search strategies are essential for seeking a position as a healthcare administrator. Make sure that you use the resources that are available to you. Also, don’t forget to check with your Career Services department for services that can assist you in your job search.
Resume and Cover Letter
A well-crafted resume and cover letter are crucial in your job search. Highlight your relevant education, experience, and skills in these documents.
Tailor your resume to the job's requirements and emphasize accomplishments and contributions in previous roles. Don't forget to add in the volunteer work, internships, and credentials that you earned.
Online Job Portals
Job portals such as >Indeed, >LinkedIn, and >Glassdoor list healthcare administrator positions. Check these sites regularly and apply to relevant job postings when the opportunity presents itself.
Stay ready. An online presence that is professional, polished and informative is essential in your job search. There are many online tools available to assist in creating these profiles.
Networking
Leverage your professional networks to learn about job openings for healthcare administrators and health services managers. Informational interviews and connections with industry professionals can also lead to job opportunities. Don't forget about the connections you've made through your student memberships with organizations.
Building a Legacy as a Healthcare Administrator
I have been fortunate to find a career in a field that has allowed me to learn, travel, teach, and make an impact on others. My journey that started out so many years ago has turned into a fulfilling passion that I now share with others. I wish you the very best as you start down your own career path and become a healthcare administrator.
Healthcare Administration Degrees at American Military University
For adult learners, American Military University (AMU) offers two degree programs:
- An online bachelor's degree in healthcare administration
- An online master’s degree in healthcare administration
Courses in the bachelor’s degree provides foundational knowledge in areas such as healthcare systems, management principles, and business practices. The coursework includes health policy, healthcare economics, healthcare law and ethics, and organizational behavior.
For other students seeking greater expertise, the master’s degree delves deeper into the complexities of healthcare management. The curriculum covers healthcare finance, strategic planning, human resources management, and healthcare quality improvement.
These courses are taught by experienced faculty members with a deep knowledge of the healthcare administration industry. For more information on these degrees, visit our health sciences program page.