Becoming a healthcare administrator can open many new career opportunities in the medical industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the healthcare administration sector is expected to increase by 28 percent between 2021 and 2031. Aspiring professionals will need to undergo the proper educational training and clinical experience needed to obtain a position at a medical facility, hospital, private practice, or nursing home.
What Is a Bachelor’s of Science in Healthcare Administration?
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration teaches students how to deal with medical facilities’ business operations. This degree prepares individuals to effectively manage the facility’s finances, daily operations, and human resources. Students learn the fundamentals of business while honing their specialized skill to coordinate technology, resources, and people efficiently. During the course of the program, students will become knowledgeable in computer technology, critical thinking, and policy making.
Individuals who wish to find a position at an upstanding company need to attend a college or university that is accredited at a national or regional level. Accredited schools have undergone extensive evaluation and certification through an organization like the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. These programs are designed to teach students the proper techniques at the highest of standards.
What Are the Educational Prerequisites?
Whether aspiring healthcare administrators plan on attending a private or public college, they need to fulfill certain educational prerequisites to qualify for acceptance. Most colleges require students to earn a high school diploma or similar certificate before entrance into the program, and some even mandate students to have prior college credits, minimum grade point average, and work experience in the medical field. Students may need to complete certain prerequisite courses, depending on the school.
What Are Some Required Courses?
Most accredited bachelor degree programs require students to learn about public health regulations, marketing, accounting, personnel management, communication, and managerial skills. Students will also learn about the structure and operation of healthcare systems, covering topics like:
- Healthcare law
- Public relations
- Healthcare economics
- Medical ethics
- Accounting
- U.S. healthcare system
- Medical records management
- Operations management
What Are the Career and Salary Expectations?
The BLS reports that healthcare administrators can expect to earn a median annual wage of $84,270. Graduates of a bachelor’s degree program can seek employment in an entry-level position at healthcare organizations, including hospitals, community health organizations, home health businesses, and nursing homes. Professionals can choose between a variety of career options like:
- Assistant manager
- Nursing home administration
- Health information manager
- Assistant department head
What Are the Continuing Education and Licensing Requirements?
Those who wish to work in a nursing home setting need to be properly licensed through the state. According to the National Association Administrator Boards (NAB), each state differs in its licensing requirements for nursing home administrators and residential care administrators, but professionals will need to pass the proper examination in order to obtain their license. Healthcare administrators who wish to advance in this field need to further their education by earning their master’s degree.
Whether you are switching careers or choosing a new career, healthcare administration offers many job opportunities in the medical field. When entering the medical industry, individuals need to fulfill the educational requirements in order to become successful healthcare administrators.
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