Careers in health administration are expected to grow over the next decade. Educated health managers can run hospitals, nursing homes, private practices and other health-related facilities. As the need for healthcare expands, the need for health administrators will also expand. Here are four of the many jobs available in health administration.
Clinical & Hospital Managers
Some healthcare administrators find career success in a clinical capacity. This is usually an entry-level role for new graduates looking to gain experience before moving into middle management. It’s common to start a small clinic and gradually work up to running a hospital or large out-patient facility. Mid-life career changers switching from a clinical role into management also enjoy this line of work. For example, a nurse or physical therapist who earns a master’s degree in healthcare administration (MHA) might want to stay close to the clinical realm by overseeing a department or clinic. This kind of patient-care experience can help grads find jobs in health administration right after graduation.
Health Information Administrators
Information technology (IT) and management is an explosive sub-category in healthcare administration. Hospitals and private practices are facing increasing government pressure to switch to electronic records management. Using a computer-based system can eliminate negative medical interactions and waste. Someone has to manage the data security, hardware requirements and software updates for electronic data systems. That’s where healthcare IT managers step in. In this field, workers must keep track of new technologies, oversee technical staff and create training plans for doctors, nurses and other workers who need to learn new computer systems. It’s best to pair a graduate degree in healthcare administration with an undergraduate degree in computer sciences or find a way to demonstrate strong technical aptitude to future employers.
Non-Profit Manager
The non-profit industry offers many careers in healthcare administration. Graduates with either an Master’s in Health Administration or a bachelor’s degree in health administration can find plenty of jobs. Health-related non-profits need managers who understand the industry, and often provide better benefits than private-sector counterparts. This is good news for future health admins who want to do meaningful work while still making a living. Some of these jobs are at healthcare facilities. Others are non-clinical roles working in health education or mental health services. Either type of work requires strong project management skills.
Nursing Home Leadership
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing home managers made a median income of $82,950 in 2017. This is one of the lowest-paid careers in healthcare administration, which shows how lucrative this field is. Nursing home directors and managers create policies, manage staff and follow federal and local guidelines to keep their facility profitable, safe and attractive to residents. Rural facilities might offer lucrative sign-on bonuses or benefits to attract top talent, but plenty of jobs in nursing home administration are available in suburban or city environments.
Related Resource: Top 10 Bachelor’s in Public Health Degree Programs 2018
A degree in health administration teaches business and management skills that are transferable to so many sectors. Every employer wants staff with organizational and leadership skills. That’s why careers in health administration will always be abundant.