As some of the most crucial employees in healthcare establishments, healthcare administrators are critical to the success of medical organizations. Individuals in this field are responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring that patients receive high-quality care.
This article will provide an overview of the typical job duties of healthcare administrators, how much they earn, the job outlook for this profession, and the degree requirements to get started in this field and thrive. Whether you are a student considering a career in healthcare administration or a professional seeking to advance your career, this article will provide valuable information about this dynamic and rewarding field.
What Do Healthcare Administrators Do?
Healthcare administrators manage healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Managing budgets and finances: Healthcare administrators are responsible for managing the financial operations of their facility, including budgets, revenue, and expenses.
- Hiring and managing staff: They are responsible for hiring and managing staff, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance: Healthcare administrators ensure their facilities comply with state and federal regulations and industry standards.
- Planning and coordinating healthcare services: They plan, organize, and coordinate healthcare services and ensure they are delivered efficiently to patients.
- Developing policies and procedures: Healthcare administrators create and implement policies and procedures to improve the quality of healthcare services and ensure patient safety.
Overall, healthcare administrators play a crucial role in ensuring that their facilities provide high-quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare services to patients.
How Much Do Healthcare Administrators Get Paid?
The salary of healthcare administrators, also known as medical and health services managers, can vary depending on education, experience, and workplace.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for healthcare administrators in the United States was $101,340 in May 2021. However, salaries can range from $83,550 to $119,450, depending on the industry and location.
For example, healthcare administrators in hospitals tend to earn the highest salaries. In 2021, the median annual wage for healthcare administrators in hospitals was $119,450. On the other hand, healthcare administrators who work in physician’s offices, outpatient care centers, and nursing homes tend to earn lower salaries.
Other factors that can impact the salary of healthcare administrators include education and experience. For example, those with advanced degrees, such as a Master of Health Administration (MHA), may command higher salaries. Similarly, healthcare administrators with more experience may earn more annually than those just starting their careers.
What Is the Job Outlook for Healthcare Administrators?
The job outlook for healthcare administrators is very positive, as demand for their services is expected to increase in the coming years. According to the BLS, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
One primary reason for this growth is the aging population in the United States, which is increasing the demand for healthcare services across the board. In addition, technological advances and changes in healthcare regulations are creating new opportunities for healthcare administrators to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
Another factor driving demand for healthcare administrators is the increasing complexity of healthcare systems. As healthcare becomes more complex, there is a greater need for skilled administrators who can navigate the intricacies of healthcare finance, regulation, and management.
How To Become A Healthcare Administrator
Becoming a healthcare administrator requires obtaining a degree in healthcare administration. Bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are available for those interested in pursuing a career in this field. Both options provide a comprehensive education to prepare students for successful careers. While many graduates with a bachelor’s degree are well-equipped for entry-level employment, a master’s may be necessary for certain positions. In addition, a master’s degree typically leads to improved job security and career earnings.
Various on-campus and online degree programs exist for students seeking their bachelor’s or master’s in healthcare administration. Online degree programs can be a convenient option for students balancing earning their education with other responsibilities. However, some healthcare administration programs may require on-site experience, so it’s important to research specific job requirements before choosing a degree program.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
To enter the field of healthcare administration, you will need at least a bachelor’s in healthcare administration. This level of education provides a strong understanding of healthcare systems, policies, and regulations and the management and leadership skills necessary to manage healthcare organizations effectively.
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration typically takes four years to complete. It provides a broad healthcare industry overview, including healthcare law and ethics, management, finance, and marketing. In addition, some bachelor’s degree programs offer specialized tracks in long-term care administration or healthcare informatics.
Admissions requirements and costs may vary by institution and location, but some standard requirements and tuition fees are listed below.
| Admissions requirements | A high school diploma or equivalent, transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. Some programs may require letters of recommendation, personal statements, or interviews. |
| Estimated annual cost, according to CollegeBoard | Public four-year in-state: $10,740
Public four-year out-of-state: $27,560 Private nonprofit four-year: $38,070 |
2. Earn a Master’s in Healthcare Administration
Depending on the employer or the particular type of job, a master’s in healthcare administration may also be required. This requirement is especially true for those seeking leadership positions in larger healthcare organizations or those wishing to specialize in a particular field, like health information management or long-term care administration.
A master’s in healthcare administration typically takes one to two years to complete and is geared toward individuals with experience in the healthcare field. Master’s degree programs provide a more in-depth look at healthcare management, leadership, and specialized coursework in healthcare policy, quality improvement, and healthcare technology.
Like Bachelor’s degree programs, admissions requirements and tuition can vary widely based on the institution and location — the table below lists standard requirements and estimated costs.
| Admissions requirements | A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement. Some schools may require work experience in healthcare or a related field and GRE or GMAT scores. |
| Estimated annual cost, according to US News & World Report | Public in-state: $16,929
Public out-of-state: $30,659 Private nonprofit four-year: $45,616 |
Interested in another degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.