Healthcare administrators plan, direct, coordinate and oversee the functions of healthcare facilities and the people that work there. They are responsible for the all round efficiency in these facilities and the quality of care they provide.
Healthcare administrators can be divided into two groups: the generalists and the specialists. Generalists are administrators who manage or help manage entire healthcare facilities. Specialists, on the other hand, look after the smooth functioning of a particular department in healthcare facilities, such as finance, accounts, human resources, marketing, budgeting, personnel, medical records, nursing, public relations etc. Let's take a look at some of the skills and educational qualifications required to become a successful healthcare administrator.
Educational requirements
Someone with a keen eye for detail, good observation skills, excellent managerial and leadership skills and effective communication can make a good healthcare administrator. While a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration can get you entry-level jobs at smaller facilities, a master's degree will ultimately help you secure higher paying jobs in advanced administrative positions in the field.
Luckily, colleges all over the world now offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in healthcare administration both on campus and online. Independence University is an accredited college that provides online degree programs in healthcare and business. According to student reviews of Independence University, the master's of science in healthcare administration degree program instills in its students the necessary skills to make services provided by a healthcare facility more effective. A student review of Independence University, just like any other review of a college, should give you an insight into the college's financial aid assistance programs, student complaint resolution, student services and much more.
A master's of science in healthcare administration prepares you for medical and health services manager job roles in various healthcare facilities such as: hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, nursing homes, private physicians offices, assisted living centers and consulting firms.
Licensure
Administrators looking to work in nursing care facilities are required by all the states and the District of Columbia to hold bachelor's degree, pass a licensing exam, complete a training program approved by the State and pursue a higher education.
Some other states also require administrators working in assisted-living facilities to hold licenses. No other medical or health or service management area requires a license.
Salaries and job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical and health services manager job opportunities are likely to increase by 16 percent between 2008 and 2018. Medical and health services managers can earn salaries ranging from anywhere between $48, 300- $137,800.
In conclusion, healthcare administration makes for a great choice for those who wish to establish their careers in the medical field without having to attend nursing or medical school.
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