Health Care Administration Careers - Choosing a Health Care Administration Degree
The field of health care administration continues to grow as management requirements expand. Career options within the health care industry are vast, ranging from general administration jobs to specialty niche positions.
The landscape is changing rapidly with regard to opportunities, specifically outside of the hospital environment. Changing regulations, an aging population and an upward trend in preventive care also contribute to the expansion of the health care industry.
An Overview of Health Care Administration
Health care administration focuses on the business end of a facility, along with a host of other responsibilities, including staffing, day-to-day practices and forecasting. Some administrators rise to CEO status while others choose to fill managerial or specialty roles. Larger facilities may also employ multiple high-level administrators who oversee everyday operations.
Regardless of the position, experience with and a thorough knowledge of all operational aspects is critical. People skills and the ability to make fast, critical decisions are also factors.
The top tier health care administration jobs typically include:
- chief executive officer
- chief financial officer
- chief operating officer
- president
- senior vice president
- vice president.
At a senior or middle level, departmental administration includes:
- computer operations
- financial operations
- non-medical personnel
- nursing staff
- quality assurance.
Where Health Care Administrators Work
Many types of facilities and companies require the skills of health care administrators. Some of these industries include:
- consulting
- insurance
- hospice
- hospitals
- marketing
- medical practices
- mental health
- military
- nursing homes
- outpatient care
- physical rehabilitation
- private laboratories
- teaching.
In each of these areas, health care administrators have the opportunity to make a difference. They have an impact on how a facility changes and grows while still being influential in their communities.
Requirements for Health Care Administration Jobs
A master in health care is the accepted standard for career advancement in health care administration. While some entry-level positions may only require a bachelor's degree, promotions and better opportunities will be more readily available for those who have a master's in health care.
Actual medical experience in any field is often an employment requirement, both in general and specialist administration. Other aspects of training include gaining knowledge in:
- accounting
- insurance
- patient rights
- privacy regulations.
Degrees in health care administration are available through many accredited institutions, including both traditional and online colleges and universities.
Health Care Administration Salaries
Health care administration salaries depend on the size of the organization and the exact position a person has. Hard work and long hours often go hand-in-hand with higher compensation, however. In smaller facilities, for instance, the administrator may be on call around the clock. Health care administrators should be prepared to make a full commitment to their selected facility and its patients.
In addition to size, the type of facility and region will factor into wages. At senior levels, compensation packages include base salaries. These may range up to $250,000 and more. Some include stock options and financial performance bonuses.
Administrators with advanced degrees and mid-level experience will see a salary of around $50,000, with the higher end approaching $100,000.
Recent graduates and entry-level positions may command around $30,000, but many are generally in the low $20,000 range.
Trends in Health Care Administration Jobs
Experts predict that opportunities for health care administration jobs will continue to open up in the future. No longer will hospitals be the main domain, although they also are seeking growth opportunities. A host of other companies and organizations are beginning to fill patient needs.
Some areas of expansion include:
- in-home care companies
- long-term care facilities
- managed care groups
- nursing homes
- private practice groups.
In particular, managed care (PPOs and HMOs) will continue to be larger players in patient treatment. Individual facilities will require administrative oversight at many levels. Adding to this need, a longer living general population will place greater demands on many types of facilities, including private managed care communities and personalized in-home care providers.
Other areas that are expected to grow are:
- patient treatment: Changes in patient treatment will lead to more health care administration jobs. In fact, one such opportunity may include health care financing administration. As costs rise, companies will seek more creative ways to ease the burden while continuing to provide effective care.
- products and services: Private companies that provide equipment, especially for in-home use, require top-level expertise. As these companies continue to grow, so too will opportunities for health care administration jobs.
- service integration: Challenges lie ahead for integrating services and remaining on top of ever-changing government regulations. Advances in technology and treatment options will also impact the medical sector.