If your goal is to manage a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or a clinic, you’ll first need to earn a degree in healthcare administration. While most employers require their healthcare administrators to have at least a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree can help get your foot in the door.
Those aspiring to work high-level positions with the most generous pay should consider pursuing a graduate degree in healthcare administration or business administration with an emphasis in healthcare management.
What Is a Healthcare Administrator?
As a healthcare administrator, your job is to manage daily operations within a healthcare facility. You’ll likely be given a plethora of administrative responsibilities and be expected to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
The exact scope of responsibilities will depend on where you work, but you can expect to perform the following duties:
- Develop schedules for staff members
- Create and manage budgets
- Monitor spending
- Look for ways to improve efficiency within the facility
- Communicate with doctors and nurses
- Establish workplace procedures and policies
- Ensure adherence to healthcare laws and regulations
- Create marketing campaigns
- Hire and train employees
What Skills Must a Healthcare Administrator Possess?
The best healthcare administrators possess outstanding organizational skills, know how to budget large amounts of money and have excellent communication skills. They also need the capacity to lead and thrive in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment. A healthcare administrator is the heart of any healthcare organization. They ensure frontline workers can operate efficiently and have the necessary resources to provide the highest quality of care to patients.
Work Opportunities for Healthcare Administrators
Healthcare administrators work behind the scenes and oversee facility operations. While healthcare administrators communicate with doctors, nurses and other staff, they’re rarely required to interact with patients.
The most common work settings requiring the leadership of a healthcare administrator include:
- Hospitals
- Doctor’s offices
- Outpatient facilities
- Nursing homes
- Home care companies
- Diagnostic Labs
- Government agencies
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers
How Much Do Healthcare Administrators Make?
Due to their diverse array of daily responsibilities, healthcare administrators typically earn a generous salary and are likely to earn more as they acquire new skills and gain experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare administrators earn on average $101,340 per year. The average salary of healthcare administrators in Missouri is $110, 974.
What Is the Job Outlook for Healthcare Administrators?
Another benefit to pursuing a career in healthcare administration is job security stemming from the steady growth of job openings in the upcoming years. In fact, employment in the healthcare administration field is expected to grow 32 percent by the year 2030.
Earning a Degree in Healthcare Administration
Do you possess the talents and desire to become a successful healthcare administrator? There’s no better time than now to earn a degree in healthcare administration and put your talents to work in a medical setting of your choice.
Pursuing a degree in healthcare administration may be an ideal option for people who want to be involved with healthcare but have an aversion to blood or would prefer not to work directly with patients. This career path allows students to join a rapidly growing field with reliable job prospects without needing to pursue formal medical training.
Associate Degree
While many employers prefer to hire college graduates with a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree can still qualify you apply for numerous entry-level healthcare administration jobs. This option may be good if you’re on the fence about the healthcare administration career path or you want to get into the workplace as soon as possible.
Bachelor’s degree
If you’re looking for a more specialized and in-depth program, a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration may the right choice for you. This degree can also propel you toward more advanced and financially rewarding positions within healthcare administration.
Master’s degree
Those who truly wish to stand out in their field should consider pursuing a graduate degree in healthcare administration, such as a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. The program allows students to hone their leadership and problem-solving skills through rigorous coursework. Earning a graduate degree in healthcare administration can open many doors to the most advanced and financially lucrative career opportunities.
Thinking of a Career in Healthcare Administration?
Consider pursuing one of the accredited programs available at St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our accredited healthcare administration programs are available online, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to immerse yourself in the coursework.
Learn more about our diverse array of healthcare programs by visiting our website or calling 866-529-2070.