Become a Health Care Administrator: Steps & Skills

Health care administrators, also known as health services managers or medical and health services managers, play a crucial role in the efficient operation of hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities. They are responsible for overseeing the daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care. If you are considering a career in this rewarding and dynamic field, here is a comprehensive outline of the steps you need to take to become a successful health care administrator. From education and training requirements to essential skills and qualities, as well as job search strategies and career advancement opportunities, we will cover everything you need to know to embark on this fulfilling professional journey.

Healthcare Administration Careers

Careers in health care administration encompass a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Health care administrators oversee and coordinate the daily operations of hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. They are responsible for managing staff, ensuring the delivery of quality patient care, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and developing strategies for financial stability. Additionally, they may be involved in the development and implementation of health care policies, marketing, and grant writing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of health care administrators work in hospitals, but the field also includes positions in private practices, outpatient care centers, religious organizations, government agencies, and the military.

Generalists vs Specialists

Health care administration requires a blend of general and specialized skills and knowledge. Generalist health care administrators provide overall direction and guidance for a health care facility, while specialists typically handle more specific responsibilities such as human resources management, finance, and compliance. In most cases, health care administrators must possess a combination of both generalist and specialist skills.

Job Duties

Health care administrators plan, coordinate, and direct the delivery of health care services in a variety of health care settings. They typically manage a team of personnel, which includes physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel. Specific job duties vary depending on the size of the facility and the types of services provided, but may involve overseeing budget and financial operations, managing staff, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards, maintaining records, preparing reports, and developing and implementing policies and procedures.

Education and Training

To become a health care administrator, you will need to obtain the appropriate educational qualifications and training. This journey usually begins with pursuing a bachelor's degree. While some people may know they want to pursue health care administration from the beginning of their working life, many people find themselves gravitating toward leadership from clinical or administrative positions and work up to becoming an administrator.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree in health care administration, health services management, or a related field such as public health or business administration, with a concentration in health care, is highly recommended. During your undergraduate studies, focus on courses that will provide you with a strong foundation in health care administration, such as health care management, health policy, human resources management, and health care finance.

Master's Degree (MHA, MHA/MBA, MSN/MBA)

In many cases, a master's degree is preferred or even required by employers for higher-level health care administration positions. Master's programs in health care administration, public health, nursing or business administration with a focus on health care are designed to provide advanced training and knowledge needed to excel in this field. These programs often involve coursework in health care policy, organizational leadership, finance, and ethics, among others. Pursuing a master's degree can not only increase your job prospects but also better prepare you for the challenges and responsibilities of a health care administrator role.

Certifications and Licenses

While not always required, obtaining professional certifications can enhance your credibility and competitiveness in the job market. The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) offer certifications that are widely recognized in the industry. Additionally, some states may require health care administrators to be licensed, especially if they are working in nursing home facilities. Licensing requirements vary by state, so it is essential to research the specific regulations in the state where you plan to work.

Skills and Qualities of a Successful Health Care Administrator

Becoming a successful health care administrator requires a combination of education, training, and personal and professional skills and qualities. Some key skills and qualities of an effective health care administrator include:

Leadership Skills

As a health care administrator, you will need to provide direction, guidance, and support to your team. Strong leadership is essential for ensuring the effective functioning of your facility and delivering optimal patient care. To develop and improve your leadership skills, consider seeking mentorship, attending leadership workshops, and engaging in self-reflection and self-assessment.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is critical to managing staff, working with other health care professionals, and interacting with patients and their families. Good interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately are essential for success in health care administration. To improve your communication skills, practice active listening, provide and seek feedback, and engage in role-playing exercises with colleagues or peers.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Health care administrators face complex challenges and must make important decisions daily. Critical thinking skills are needed to assess situations, analyze data, and develop effective solutions to problems. To enhance your problem-solving abilities, try to approach situations from multiple perspectives, stay informed on industry trends and best practices, and engage in group problem-solving exercises.

Adaptability and Flexibility

The health care industry is constantly evolving, and health care administrators must be able to adapt to new technologies, regulations, and patient needs. Cultivating flexibility and adaptability is essential for staying ahead in this dynamic industry. You can develop these qualities by embracing change, staying informed about industry trends, and being open to learning new strategies and approaches.

Health care administrators need to be able to work well in a fast-paced and highly-regulated environment. Working long hours and occasional weekends are often required to ensure the smooth functioning of the facility. Strong conflict-resolution skills are also essential for taking on the myriad of challenges that can arise in health care settings.

Time Management and Organization Skills

Health care administrators often have numerous responsibilities and have to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. Effective time management and organization skills are crucial for staying on top of your workload and ensuring the smooth operation of your facility. To improve these skills, set clear priorities, create daily to-do lists, and establish routines and processes that will help you stay organized.

Technology Skills

As technology plays an increasingly important role in health care, having an understanding of relevant systems and tools is essential for health care administrators. Familiarizing yourself with electronic medical records systems, scheduling software, and other relevant technologies can help you better manage staff schedules, track patient information, and make informed decisions about patient care. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) provides educational support and certification opportunities in health information management.

Gaining Experience and Building a Network

Internships and Entry-Level Positions

Gaining practical experience is essential for launching your career as a health care administrator. Internships and entry-level positions can provide valuable opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired in your education and training. Seek out internships at hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities, and be prepared to start in roles like administrative assistant or coordinator before moving up the ladder. These positions can serve as stepping stones to more advanced roles in health care administration.

Networking

Establishing a strong professional network is vital in the health care industry. Building connections with fellow health care administrators, physicians, and other health care professionals can open up opportunities and provide valuable insights and advice. Consider joining professional organizations, such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) or the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), and attending conferences and workshops to expand your network.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

To stay up-to-date with industry advancements and continue developing your skills and knowledge, it is essential to engage in continuing education and professional development. Participate in industry conferences, workshops, and online courses, and stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in health care administration.

Job Outlook

The medical and health services management field is expected to grow by 28% through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is much faster than average compared to other occupations. The increasing demand for health care services, along with the continuing development and implementation of new technologies and regulations, is driving the growth of this field. With the right qualifications, relevant experience, and the right skills and qualities, you can enjoy a successful and rewarding career in health care administration.

The median annual salary for a health care administrator in the U.S. is $101,340 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest-paid 10% of workers made over $205,620. The lowest-paid managers made below $60,780. However, salaries vary depending on the type of facility, geographic region, level of experience, and other factors.

Conclusion

Becoming a health care administrator requires a combination of education, training, skills development, and practical experience. By following the steps outlined in this blog post and remaining committed to continuous learning and professional development, you can embark on a rewarding career in health care administration. As a health care administrator, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, staff, and the community, while also enjoying the benefits of what can be a dynamic and fulfilling profession.