What You Need To Know About Healthcare Administration Careers

Despite peaks and swells in the economy, skilled administrative professionals continue to be sought after by healthcare organizations. According to the US Department of Labor, employment of medical and health services managers is expected to jump 16 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. If you're considering a career in healthcare administration, read on for comprehensive must-have answers to five frequently asked questions.

What Skills Do I Need For a Successful Healthcare Administration Career?

Healthcare administration is an attractive career choice because there are so many types of jobs, each requiring slightly different skillset combinations. For example, an administrator with a lot of charisma and vision might do well leading controversial projects that create positive, far-reaching changes. Another administrator with less overt charisma but a penchant for on-the-nail analysis and accurate interpretations might fit into a research-based administrative niche. Consider your own passions and play to your personal strengths from the outset. You'll eventually find your own level within the administrative fields.

One can, however, generalize a bit when it comes to naming skills that tend to be common to most healthcare administrators. Here are the top seven:

1. Sense of responsibility and personal accountability
2. Verbal and written communication skills
3. Desire to be of service to others
4. Organizational skills
5. Analytical skills
6. Leadership
7. Empathy

Do I Really Need a Degree to Become a Healthcare Administrator?

Do you intend to pursue a long-term career in healthcare administration? If so, you will certainly need an educational degree. Administrative roles have become far more complex over the years, so a higher level of formal education is quickly becoming the standard for most healthcare administration careers.

While a bachelor's degree is adequate for some entry-level positions in smaller operations, a master's degree is the norm for executive positions. Accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs in health services administration are available online through many top tier universities.

Many accredited online institutions offer bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in healthcare administration, nursing leadership, health systems management, healthcare informatics, clinical research management and many other related fields. As you progress up the career ladder, you may decide to pursue a PhD or a more specialized master's degree.

What Classes Will I Take During My Healthcare Administration Program?

Expect to take a mix of business and healthcare courses. Depending on the specific degree and institution, the focus may vary widely, so compare several programs to find one that dovetails with your interests. Here is a sampling of classes you might take during a typical healthcare administration program:

What Is a Typical Job Setting For a Healthcare Administrator?

One of the most appealing things about healthcare administration is that there really isn't one typical job setting. As a healthcare administrator, you might work in a hospital or a private clinic. You might oversee an entire health care system or manage an assisted living facility. From home healthcare companies to government agencies to insurance companies to humanitarian organizations, any institution related to healthcare has a need for skilled administrators.

More than one third of all health care administrators work in hospitals. Others work in nursing homes, home health agencies, HMOs, clinics, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric and ambulatory care facilities, and doctors' and dentists' offices.

If the choice of job settings seems overwhelming, just remember that it's not uncommon for recent graduates to work in several healthcare settings before finding their speciality. The average new healthcare administrator will often experience several positions with different institutions. Ideally, each succeeding position should give you another boost up as far as job scope and responsibility. As you progress in your administration career, you will achieve a well-rounded skillset and be prepared to compete for top positions in healthcare administration.

What Will My Job Responsibilities Be?

Health care administrators plan, organize, and coordinate health care delivery. They manage facilities, services, programs, staff, budgets, and relations with other organizations. As a new healthcare administrator, your initial responsibilities will depend on your level of educational degree, your related practical experience, and the healthcare setting in which you work.

Hospitals usually have three levels of health care administrative responsibility. Executive administrators are concerned with planning, policymaking, community outreach, negotiations, and response to federal regulations and standards. Associate or assistant administrators are responsible for budgeting, personnel, inservice education, information management, and coordination of hospital departments. Other administrators specialize in financial management, marketing, systems analysis, planning, and labor relations.

The administrative staffs of nursing homes and home health agencies usually are smaller than those of hospitals. These administrators may have only one or two assistants, sometimes none; however, they apply the same management skills used by the administrators of larger facilities. The administrators of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) have the added responsibility of developing medical benefit programs for enrolled members.

Job Outlook For Health Care Administrators

Employment of health care administrators is expected to grow faster than average for many years to come. The population is both growing and aging. As the population grows, the number of people receiving medical care and the number of medical offices will increase giving rise to a growing need for healthcare administration degree holders at all levels.

Start A Career In Health Care Administration

Now that you have a clear idea of the possibilities that a career in healthcare administration has to offer, the next step is to compare various educational programs. Healthcare administration is rapidly expanding, with plenty of new opportunities in diverse healthcare settings. It is an excellent time to make yourself into an attractive job candidate by earning your bachelor's or master's degree.

Explore Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
To get started on your own path to a rewarding healthcare administration career, just request free information from several accredited institutions. As an online healthcare administration student, you'll be able to balance your education with work and family. The sooner you attain your degree, the sooner you'll be able to explore the rich and satisfying world of healthcare administration: Online Health Care Administration Programs

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
• Doctor of Health Administration

Campus Locations:

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

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

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:

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

Virginia College

Campus

Virginia College Online continues the tradition ofgiving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement tostudents wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue adegree while maintaining commitments to work and family.

Programs:

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

Campus Locations:

Birmingham

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

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

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:

San Marcos
San Diego
National City

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:

San Bernardino
Santa Monica
Orange
San Diego
Alameda

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:

Citrus Heights
Pleasant Hill
Stockton
Sacramento

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

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:

Ventura
Rancho Mirage
Santa Barbara
Santa Maria

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

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
• Diploma - Medical Office Administrative Assistant

Campus Locations:

Oxnard
Canyon Country
Lancaster

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

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
• M.S. in Health Care Informatics

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:

Alhambra
Ontario
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
Milpitas
Concord
Salinas
Fresno
Hayward
Rancho Cordova
San Francisco
Stockton
Salida

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

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:

Anaheim
Colton

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:

Long Beach
West Sacramento
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