How to Become a Healthcare Administrator

Becoming a healthcare administrator is a rewarding and impactful career that offers the opportunity to lead and manage healthcare facilities. These professionals ensure that hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations run smoothly, providing high-quality care to patients while managing resources effectively. If you’re considering a career in healthcare administration, this guide will take you through the essential steps to achieve your goal. Here’s how to become a healthcare administrator:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as healthcare administration, business, or public health.
2. Gain relevant work experience in the healthcare industry.
3. Consider advancing your education with a graduate degree such as a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHCA).
4. Obtain certifications to enhance your credentials.
5. Search for healthcare administration jobs that align with your career goals.

What is Healthcare Administration?

Healthcare administration is the backbone of any healthcare facility, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities from managing day-to-day operations to strategic planning. Professionals in this field play a vital role in shaping the policies and procedures that ensure the effective delivery of healthcare services. They are responsible for the financial management of the facility, human resources, and compliance with regulations. Healthcare administrators must balance the needs of patients with the goals of the organization, ensuring that both are met in a sustainable and ethical manner.

The field of healthcare administration is diverse, with opportunities in various settings such as hospitals, outpatient care centers, long-term care facilities, and public health organizations. This diversity allows healthcare administrators to specialize in areas that align with their interests and strengths, whether it’s managing a large hospital, overseeing a nursing home, or working in healthcare policy at a government agency.

According to the BLS, the occupations of medical and health services managers are growing at an unprecedented rate of 28%. This is much faster than the average rate for all occupations (3%). 

What Does a Healthcare Administrator Do?

Healthcare administrators are responsible for a broad range of duties that ensure the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. Their work is crucial to the success of the organization and directly impacts the quality of care that patients receive. Key responsibilities include:

• Compliance and regulation: Keeping up with healthcare laws and regulations is a significant aspect of the job. Administrators ensure that their facility complies with all relevant laws, including those related to patient privacy, billing practices, and workplace safety.
• Human resources management: Recruiting, training, and retaining skilled staff is a critical part of a healthcare administrator’s role. They must ensure that the facility is staffed with qualified professionals who can deliver excellent care while also managing employee relations and compliance with labor laws.
• Managing budgets and finances: Administrators are tasked with creating and maintaining budgets, managing financial resources, and ensuring that the facility operates within its means. They analyze financial data, forecast future needs, and make decisions to optimize the financial health of the organization.
• Overseeing daily operations: Healthcare administrators manage the day-to-day functions of the facility, ensuring that all departments work together seamlessly to provide high-quality care. This involves coordinating with medical staff, managing patient flow, and addressing any operational issues that arise.
• Patient satisfaction: Improving patient satisfaction is a key goal for healthcare administrators. They monitor patient feedback, implement changes to enhance the patient experience and work to resolve any issues that may affect the quality of care.
• Policy and procedure development: Administrators develop and implement policies that align with healthcare regulations and industry standards. They work to create procedures that improve patient care, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

How to Become a Healthcare Administrator in 5 Steps

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The journey to becoming a healthcare administrator begins with earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Degrees in healthcare administration, healthcare leadership, business administration, public health, or a related discipline provide the foundational knowledge required for this career. Coursework typically includes subjects such as healthcare systems, organizational behavior, health law, and financial management. This education equips you with the skills needed to navigate the complex healthcare environment.

2. Gain Relevant Work Experience

After earning your bachelor’s degree, gaining practical work experience in the healthcare field is essential. Many healthcare administrators start their careers in entry-level administrative positions, such as office managers, billing specialists, or human resources assistants in healthcare settings. These roles provide valuable experience in the operational aspects of healthcare and help you build the skills necessary for a leadership position. Additionally, internships or volunteer opportunities in healthcare organizations can offer hands-on experience and help you network with professionals in the field.

3. Consider an MHCA

Advancing your education with a master of healthcare administration (MHCA) can significantly boost your career prospects. An MHCA program delves deeper into topics such as healthcare economics, strategic planning, healthcare law, and ethics. The program often includes practical components such as case studies, internships, or capstone projects that provide real-world experience. This advanced degree is particularly valuable for those aiming for senior management positions or specialized roles within healthcare administration. It also allows you to develop a network of peers and mentors who can support your career development.

4. Earn Certifications

Certifications are an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field of healthcare administration. Organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) offer certifications that can enhance your credentials. Common certifications include Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). These certifications require passing an exam and meeting specific professional experience criteria, but they can significantly enhance your employability and career advancement opportunities.

5. Search for Jobs in Healthcare Administration

With your education, experience, and certifications in hand, you’re ready to start searching for healthcare administration jobs. Job opportunities are available in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient care centers, nursing homes, and public health organizations. When applying for positions, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience, education, and certifications. Networking is also crucial; attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with healthcare professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to increase your chances of finding the right job.

How to Choose a Healthcare Administration Program

Selecting the right master of healthcare administration (MHCA) program is a critical step in your career journey. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a program:

• Accreditation: Ensure that the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards of quality and rigor.
• Career Support: Look for a master’s degree that offers robust career services, including job placement assistance, internships, and networking opportunities. These resources can be invaluable as you transition from education to employment.
• Curriculum: Look for a program that offers a comprehensive curriculum covering essential topics such as healthcare policy, ethics, finance, leadership, and strategic planning. A well-rounded curriculum will prepare you for the diverse challenges of the healthcare system.
• Faculty: Choose a program with experienced faculty who have a background in healthcare administration. Faculty with real-world experience can provide valuable insights and mentorship.
• Flexibility: Consider whether the program offers online or part-time options, especially if you plan to work while pursuing your degree. Flexible programs can help you balance your education with other commitments.

Valparaiso University’s Online Master of Healthcare Administration

Valparaiso University offers a master of healthcare administration (MHCA) program 100% online for students wishing to pursue careers in healthcare administration. Our program is designed to prepare graduates for dynamic healthcare administration careers ranging from directors of health information management to nursing home administrators and more. If you’re interested in learning more about our MHCA, book a call or apply online!