Healthcare Administration: A Career Guide

A healthcare administrator is a person who manages the operation of a healthcare organization such as a hospital, health center, senior citizens’ nursing home, or clinic.

They are sometimes referred to as healthcare executives or managers, taking on a lot of responsibility for the day-to-day running as well as the overall operational strategy of the organization. With the increasing demand on healthcare providers and the aging population, the demand for healthcare administrators is likely to increase in the coming years, opening up plenty of employment opportunities. This guide outlines the essential steps involved in becoming a healthcare administrator.

What qualifications does a healthcare administrator need?

A common first step for prospective healthcare administrators is to complete a bachelor’s degree. Often the degree does not necessarily have to be in a healthcare-related subject, but if you are planning to pursue a career in healthcare, it will make sense to choose a relevant subject.

However, only having a bachelor’s degree in healthcare can limit your career progression unless you are only planning to be employed by a smaller organization. The preferred level of education for healthcare administrators is a master’s degree in a highly relevant subject such as a master of business administration, a master of public health, or a master of healthcare administration.

Master’s programs typically take two years to complete. However, it is worth noting that it is possible to complete a master’s in healthcare administration program online, which enables the student to continue working, earning money, and gaining essential practical experience while furthering their career prospects.

What professional experience should a healthcare administrator have?

It is not enough, however, to have only theoretical knowledge of healthcare administration. Successful healthcare administrators often have experience of working in a healthcare setting, whether it is from an entry-level position or an advanced position. In some cases, people will take on an entry-level position in healthcare while they study for their degrees to ensure they have the necessary skills. Others might take part in internships, residencies, or fellowships, and at the very least, it is wise to volunteer in a relevant field to ensure you have some real-world experience to draw from.

What skills should a healthcare administrator possess?

A healthcare administrator is a person who manages the operation of a healthcare organization such as a hospital, health center, senior citizens’ nursing home, or clinic. They are sometimes referred to as healthcare executives or managers, taking on a lot of responsibility for the day-to-day running as well as the overall operational strategy of the organization. They use the most up-to-date software, such as us home care software, to enable the organization to deliver highly personalized client care and boost overall efficiency. With the increasing demand for healthcare providers and the aging population, the demand for healthcare administrators is likely to increase in the coming years, opening up plenty of employment opportunities. This guide outlines the essential steps involved in becoming a healthcare administrator.

In summary

To become a healthcare administrator, the first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree before studying for a master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field of study such as public health. Alongside this theoretical study, they should be gaining real-life, professional experience, all of which should equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a healthcare administrator.