Women in Healthcare Administration: Attaining Leadership Roles
Women working in health care fields today do not encounter the same challenges that their mothers and grandmothers did. As with other sectors, society has come a long way in rectifying inequalities in the health care workforce.
Women are stepping into new leadership roles, and the face of health care is far more diverse than it was fifty or even ten years ago. Nearly 80% of healthcare workers are women. In the area of health care administration specifically, the number of women in executive roles continues to grow.
However, women are still under-represented in the highest areas of health care leadership. In addition, according to a 2008 report by the Journal of Healthcare Management, there is still inconsistency in salaries received by men and women working in healthcare administration.
According to a survey conducted by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), women executives are more likely than men to work as a department head or other staff member. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to fill roles such as chief executive officer (CEO), president, or vice president. Over a fifteen-year period represented by ACHE's surveys, the proportion of female CEOs did not improve significantly. Similarly, over that fifteen-year period, the salary gap between men male and female healthcare executives did not diminish significantly.
Another study, conducted by the University of Michigan, examined the gender of chief hospital administrators in the United States. The 100 hospitals used in the study were hand-picked for their progressiveness and high quality. Only 24% of chief administrators at these hospitals were women. Over 60% of the hospitals employed only one or no women chief administrators. Only 15 of the hospitals had a female CEO.
What might be the reasons for women's underrepresentation in top healthcare administrative roles, as well as for the discrepancy in salary? According to the Journal of Healthcare Management, current research seems to indicate that "gender differences in mentoring and leadership succession planning are key barriers that need to be addressed." Perhaps healthcare needs to invest more time and effort toward mentoring opportunities and leadership development for women.
In the absence of an infrastructure that provides opportunities for women to move into top administrative positions on par with their male counterparts, women have been creating these opportunities for themselves. The "A-team" was created in the mid-1980s when a small group of female healthcare professionals decided to develop a strategy to help one another attain top administrative positions within their healthcare organizations. In a few short years, nearly half of the women were CEOs. Today, dozens of similar groups provide support, concrete guidance and key information to female healthcare professionals.
Regardless of the present gender imbalance in healthcare administration, men and women all have to go through the same programs, pass the same exams, and gain the same types of experience in order to qualify for administrative roles. Women who are just starting out in healthcare administration can give themselves a head start by planning their career goals, while staying flexible to the changing needs of the health industry.
For example, women who want to become nurse administrators and advance significantly in their career will need a Master's degree in Nursing, so it makes sense to plan their educational path in the most efficient way possible. Nursing degree programs include many options, such as LPN to RN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN and RN to MSN. The appropriate degree program should be selected in the context of one's ultimate career goals, rather than momentary convenience or cost.
Many women are choosing online healthcare administration degree programs to achieve the needed educational qualifications to move into management roles. This is a wise move, as online degree programs typically take less time to complete and frequently offer more personal attention and a higher caliber of practical content.
As healthcare administration starts to overcome the key barriers that have contributed to the decade-spanning stagnation of women's roles, more leadership roles will become available for female healthcare workers. In order to be prepared for those roles, women entering health care should focus on attaining the best education possible.
Take Charge Of Your Future With A Degree In Healthcare Administration
Take the next step towards earning an accredited Healthcare Administration degree online. Select schools that offer Healthcare Administration programs that match your interests and fill out the short request form to receive free, no-obligation information about tuition, program length, admissions, and financial aid directly from school admissions counselors:
Explore Healthcare Administration Degree 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
- Roseville
- San Francisco
- Diamond Bar
- Fresno
- San Bernardino
- Murrieta
- San Jose
- Gardena
- Pasadena
- Online
- Elk Grove
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Culver City
- Lancaster
- Ontario
- Beale AFB
- El Centro
- Oakland
- Fairfield
- Rancho Cordova
- Salida
- Livermore
- Woodland Hills
- Costa Mesa
- Lathrop
- Chula Vista
- Sacramento
- Bakersfield
- Visalia
- 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
- Colton
- Alhambra
- San Diego
- Irvine
- Fremont
- Pomona
- San Jose
- Long Beach
- Sherman Oaks
- Anaheim
- Daly City
- Oakland
- Elk Grove
- Palmdale
- Chicago
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
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
- 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
- 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
- Schaumburg
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
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
- Lisle
Northcentral University
Campus
At Northcentral University, we teach individuals, not just classes. Our unique, proven online educational experience is designed to help you achieve your goals using your own style of learning.
Programs:- Health Care Administration - PhD in Bus. Admin.
- Health Care Administration - D.B.A.
- 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
- San Marcos
- National City
- San Diego
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
- West Jordan
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)
- Santa Monica
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- Orange
- Alameda
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.
- Healthcare Administration
- Medical Office Administration
- Santa Barbara
- Rancho Mirage
- Ventura
- Santa Maria
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
- Stockton
- Citrus Heights
- Sacramento
- Pleasant Hill
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
- 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
- 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
- Diploma - Medical Office Administrative Assistant
- Oxnard
- Canyon Country
- Lancaster
Grand Canyon University
Campus
Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.
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
- 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
- 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
- Riverside
- Alhambra
- Ontario
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
- Roseville
- Rancho Cordova
- Stockton
- Hayward
- Concord
- San Francisco
- Salinas
- Fresno
- Milpitas
- Salida
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
- 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
- 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
- Fremont
- West Sacramento
- Long Beach
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)
- 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
