Healthcare administrators manage the business strategies of medical organizations such as hospitals, clinics, and surgeries. Their duties involve making long-term decisions in the interests of the healthcare system. The career combines science, health, and business to keep the organization functioning properly, while also ensuring that the patients’ wellbeing is of the highest priority.
If you’re considering becoming a healthcare administrator, now is the perfect time to do so, as it has been predicted that the number of job roles in health administration will rise by 22% in the next ten years.
If you’re wondering how you can make a career change and become a healthcare administrator, this guide should come in useful:
Undergraduate degree
One of the distinctive aspects of becoming a healthcare administrator is that there are no rules as to what degree or employment history you need to work in the field. Most professionals who have switched careers to healthcare administration have acquired degrees in fields such as nursing, human resources, and business. There are, however, specific healthcare administration degree courses that will provide a reliable framework for students to learn key theories and develop the practical experience to succeed in the job role.
Gain valuable work experience
Once you have completed your degree, it is crucial to gain relevant experience in the field to understand how the industry works and what the job entails. Many employers will value candidates that have undergone a six-month work experience placement over those with only formal qualifications, as it proves they can take a hands-on approach and understand day-to-day procedures.
It would be worth applying for an entry-level healthcare administration position to get your foot in the door and earn a salary, but there are also internships and fellowships to consider.
One of the questions you may be asking yourself is, how much does a healthcare administrator make? The salary level does depend on several factors, such as the level of education and the amount of experience you have under your belt. That said, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers earn an average of $99,000 per year.
Skills
To become a healthcare administrator, you will need to develop a range of soft skills, which are otherwise known as ‘personality skills’. These are essential within any healthcare career. Some of the most vital soft skills for the job include:
- Communication: Healthcare administrators are required to have good communication skills to interact with all co-workers for a smooth-running organization.
- Teamwork: Healthcare administrators must have a team-player attitude to provide co-workers with the appropriate instructions and assist with tasks as and when necessary.
- Stress management: Due to healthcare administration being an executive position, it can be extremely stressful in such a high-pressured industry, so the individual must be willing to develop stress management techniques.
- Flexibility: Working in healthcare isn’t always a typical 9-5 job – you are likely to work very early or late shifts. The individual will need to have a flexible attitude and be able to handle several tasks at once.
