Careers In Healthcare Administration

All administrators and managers, whether in healthcare or other professions, need to have strong skills in communication, analysis, and organization. However, for a healthcare administrator, just having strong administrative skills isn't enough. If you think of healthcare administration as a coin, administrative ability is only one side of the coin. The other side of the coin is the caring aspect.

For example, there's Byron Y. Owens, MA, CFAAMA. Owens is a healthcare administrator who had a life-changing experience with Project Hope, an NGO working in southern Jordan in support of a women's health clinic. As Owens points out in a 2009 article published by the American Academy of Medical Administrators, humanitarian work can take its toll. "The work is hard, hours often long, and frustrations with anything from language barriers to cultural differences never ending," he explains.

However, Owens stresses that despite the challenges, the experience was "hands down" the most rewarding he's ever done throughout the course of his healthcare administration career. "When you look into the eyes of the patients who have benefited from the donations and may have lost their lives due to a lack of very basic medications had you not been part of providing it," Owens writes, "you are overcome with the satisfaction and joy of knowing that you made a difference."

But you don't have to travel to the far corners of the globe to make a substantial difference in the lives of others as a healthcare administrator. Sheree Parris Nudd is the vice president of Washington Adventist Hospital and Executive Director of the philanthropic fundraising division of the hospital, called the Washington Adventist Hospital Foundation. Philanthropy makes it possible for hospitals to improve services beyond what is funded by insurance companies or individual payments. "When we participate in the charitable activities of a hospital we really do save lives, just as much as doctors do," Nudd said in a 2002 interview conducted by business columnist Gene C. Mage.

Key Skills for Caring Healthcare Administrators

Do the above anecdotes resonate strongly with you? If you can picture yourself working at the administrative level to make big-picture changes in healthcare, you'll need an exceptional skillset. According to Marilyn M. Henry, MSN, FAAMA, FACCA, CHE, being able to work as a member of a team is high on the must-have list.

"Over my 30+ year healthcare career," said Henry in an editorial for AAMA Executive Online, "I have seen many different management concepts on how to succeed.... But "team" is one concept that transcends time, whether you are on a healthcare team or whether you are on the football field. I believe a true 'team' breeds success in whatever you are doing."

Other important skills include excellent communication strategies, strong leadership ability, and high empathy. You'll need to be able to bridge gaps of culture, language and gender. You'll need an unstoppable drive to help others, a rock-hard sense of responsibility, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. You'll need to be able to make decisions that aren't necessarily popular--but are the best ones for your community. As Albus Dumbledore of JK Rowling's famous books would say, you may need to choose between "what is right, and what is easy."

Paths to Healthcare Administration Careers

"There are three or four typical paths to careers in healthcare administration", says Nudd, quoted above. "Certainly nursing has been a key one. The allied health professions are another, and finance has been a very common way for people to move into administration. And yes, from time to time you also find people who have moved through the philanthropic fundraising path into administration."

The huge diversity of healthcare administration jobs speaks to the truth of Nudd's words. For example, as a healthcare administrator you might rejoice in the job title of Director of Hospital Public Relations, Director of Hospital Marketing, Managed Care Administrator, Financial Analyst, Human Resources Administrator, Systems Administrator...and many, many more!

Sources Cited:

Mage, Gene. "Helping fund healthcare. (Special Feature).(Interview)." Making it Work. 2002. Retrieved February 04, 2010 from accessmylibrary: accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-124855954/helping-fund-healthcare-special.html.

Marilyn M. Henry, MSN, FAAMA, FACCA, CHE. "Chair's Editorial: Team Breeds Success." January/February 2010. Retrieved February 04, 2010 from AAMA Executive Online: newsmanager.commpartners.com/aamaeo/issues/2010-01-05/6.html.

Byron Y. Owens, MA, CFAAMA, AAMA . "To the Ends of the Earth: A Healthcare Administrator's Experience with Medical Humanitarian Aid." September/October 2009. Retrieved February 04, 2010 from AAMA Executive Online: newsmanager.commpartners.com/aamaeo/issues/2009-09-07/2.html.

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• A.A. in Health Care Administration
• Master of Health Administration
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Campus Locations:

Online
San Diego
Elk Grove
Visalia
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San Bernardino
Culver City
Gardena
Salida
Pasadena
Lancaster
Murrieta
Oakland
Lathrop
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Bakersfield
Costa Mesa
Sacramento
Livermore
Fresno
Chula Vista
San Jose
Rancho Cordova
Roseville
Ontario
San Francisco
El Centro
Fairfield
Los Angeles
Beale AFB
Palm Desert

DeVry University

Campus

A graduate degree really can make a difference, especially when it's from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. Online, evening and weekend classes are available.

Programs:

• Graduate Certificate-Health Services Management
• Bachelor's - Business Administration - Health Services Management

Campus Locations:

Irvine
Colton
Elk Grove
Fremont
Sherman Oaks
Oakland
Daly City
Anaheim
Palmdale
Alhambra
San Jose
Pomona
Long Beach
San Diego
Chicago

Virginia College

Campus

Virginia College continues the tradition of giving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement to students wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue a degree while maintaining commitments to work and family.

Programs:

• BS - Health Services Management
• MBA - Healthcare
• AS - Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Birmingham

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Master's in Business Administration - Health Care Management

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• Ph.D. in Health Services - Self-Directed - Self-Designed
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Course-based - Leadership
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Self-Directed - Health Care Admin

Colorado Technical University Online

Campus

Take your career to new heights with Colorado Tech Online! Since 1965, Colorado Technical University has helped thousands of students achieve success in business, management and technology careers. Learn more today.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
• Associate of Science in Health Administration Services
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Colorado Springs

American InterContinental University Online

Campus

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

Programs:

• Bachelor's of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
• MBA - Healthcare Administration

Campus Locations:

Schaumburg

Baker College Online

Campus

Baker College Online is fully accredited and offers over 40 programs that will help you earn your Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate degree affordably. Learn more now.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Health Services Administration
• Master of Business Administration - Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Lisle

Argosy University

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

• Health Care Management (BS)
• Health Care Administration (MBA)

Campus Locations:

Alameda
Santa Monica
San Bernardino
Orange
San Diego

Northcentral University

Campus

Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University. We offer online doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs in education, behavioral and health sciences, and business.

Programs:

• Health Care Administration - PhD in Bus. Admin.
• Health Care Administration - D.B.A.

Campus Locations:

Prescott Valley

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Healthcare Administration
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Santa Maria
Rancho Mirage
Ventura
Santa Barbara

Regis University

Campus

Regis University offers a rich tradition of Jesuit education to enrich your life and further your career.

Programs:

• MBA: Health Systems Management
• MBA: Health Industry Leadership

Campus Locations:

West Jordan

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Health Care Administration
• Certificate in Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Sacramento
Stockton
Citrus Heights
Pleasant Hill

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (Online)
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

Campus Locations:

National City
San Marcos
San Diego

Jones International University

Campus

Earn a high quality degree in Business, IT, Education, or Communications. Jones International University® offers self-paced bachelor's and master's degrees tailored to your needs.

Programs:

• BBA Health Care Management
• MBA in Health Care Management
• MABC in Leading the Customer-Driven Organization

Campus Locations:

Englewood

The University of Liverpool

Campus

Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.

Programs:

• MSc in International Management (Management of Health Systems)
• Master of Public Health (Epidemiology)
• Master of Public Health

Campus Locations:

Online

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• BS - Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Oxnard
Canyon Country
Lancaster

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (dual degree)
• M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
• Master of Public Health

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Charter College Online

Online

You can advance your career with a degree from Charter College Online. We offer several Associates and Bachelors degrees in the business, health care, accounting and legal fields. Our accelerated programs are designed to help you complete your degree as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We help students get not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Health Care Administration

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Associate of Science Degree in Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Norcross

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Administrative Specialist

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Alhambra
Riverside

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Roseville
Hayward
Fresno
Salinas
Rancho Cordova
Stockton
Salida
Concord
San Francisco
Milpitas

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Electronic Health Records

Campus Locations:

Colton
Anaheim

Bryan College

Campus

Get your career started with training from Bryan College! We offer programs in Court Reporting, Advanced Health & Fitness Training, and Health Information Management & Coding at both our Sacramento and Los Angeles campuses.

Programs:

• Health Information Management and Coding

Campus Locations:

Rancho Cordova

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Applied Service Management

Campus Locations:

West Sacramento
Long Beach
Fremont

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Bryan University

Online

Earn your post-baccalaureate certification online from Bryan University. We offer an e-discovery project management certificate that can be completed 100% online.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Applied Health Informatics