What Does a Career in Healthcare Administration Entail?
Pursuing a career in healthcare management can be very fulfilling and lucrative. Around 2,000 students graduate each year with a degree in healthcare management. These days, some of these students are graduating from 100% online degrees.
Health services managers may work for a hospital, nursing home, physician’s group practice, a home health agency, or another health organization. This job entails many important duties not only to benefit the facility but to help the community as well. With this position comes strong responsibility as these roles deal with private electronic records management, hospital budgeting, computer security, new technology, and the healthcare industry’s compliance laws, and replacing older biotechnologies while ensuring there is an adequate amount of income to cover the costs of improvements required to innovate.
It is the health services manager's job to ensure the hospital runs smoothly by tracking trends and applying changes that will help improve patient care and the organization’s efficiency. They also oversee all of the hospitals' staff, including the doctors and nurses.
Those in health services administration work closely with billing and coding professionals, medical records, and insurance companies to safeguard the proper use of plan benefits, large physician organizations, medical groups, and healthcare practices.
Components of a Successful Career in Healthcare Administration
The need for healthcare management workers is increasing and, due to new technology, the role of these professionals has changed substantially, giving them more duties to perform. That said, there are numerous components involved with being successful. The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), claims there are four main qualities that health services managers must possess in order to be successful:
-
Excellent Communication Skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills are both vital to a healthcare administrator, as they should be able to communicate effectively with their subordinates, colleagues, and superiors to develop and present proposals and reports for healthcare organizations. -
General Management Skills
Another key factor is strong managerial and leadership skills, as they could be supervising large staffs that include doctors, nurses, administration and human resources staff, and many more professionals. They also need to understand human resource management within the healthcare industry, healthcare risk management, how to improve patient care quality, health insurance systems and healthcare costs, managerial accounting principles, and more to succeed in health services administration. -
Adaptability, Flexibility, and a Good Organizational Fit
Employers look for candidates that are a good fit for a healthcare setting who adapt well to the surroundings, vision, and goals of their organization. Displaying competence, confidence, and aptitude will make you the perfect candidate for a healthcare administrator. -
Strong Character, Good Professional Judgment, and Dependability
Not only are managers required to have good judgment and moral values to make critical and ethical decisions, but they must also be willing to take full responsibility for their actions whether they succeed or fail.
How to Earn an Online Degree in Healthcare Administration
What can you do with an Online Healthcare Administration Degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the healthcare administration field is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the future and has already grown 23% in recent years. Additionally, from 2012 through 2021, the U.S. economy job growth is expected to rise by 15.6 million and will reach 161 million during this period representing an employment increase of 10.8%. The industries expected to grow the fastest are construction, healthcare support, healthcare, and personal care fields. Combined, these four occupations are projected to account for more than 5.3 million or one-third of all the new jobs during this time. In the past, healthcare administrators were mainly used in hospitals or large healthcare organizations, but their use today has expanded to improve patient care and increase efficiency, not only in large facilities, but in smaller businesses as well such as chiropractic, dental, and doctors’ offices.
Some of the occupations in Healthcare Administration include:
- Hospital CEO
- Medical Office Business Manager
- Hospital Department Manager
- Government Policy Maker
- Human Relations Personnel
- Manager of a healthcare staffing agency
- Hospital CFO (chief financial officer)
- Clinic Administrator
- Facility Operations Specialist
- Dental Office Administrator
- Insurance Company Analyst
- Lab/Testing Facility Manager
- Government Lobbyist
- Insurance Contract Negotiator
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Facility Project Manager
- Chiropractic Office Manager
Typical Online Healthcare Administration Degree Requirements
Previously, most students would go the traditional route and choose to earn an online master’s degree in public health or health administration. Now, there are other options, like graduate degrees in public administration or business with a concentration in health-related service management. Another option that students have today is the opportunity to select a joint-degree, which is a master’s degree in both law and healthcare management or public health and business administration. Typically, graduate programs to earn an online master’s degree take two years to complete and include courses in organizational behavior, healthcare law and policy, human resources, marketing, financing, and more.
Although most people who obtain a healthcare administration degree work in the healthcare industry, they also can choose to work with other organizations such as schools and universities, government offices, insurance companies, mental health facilities, private medical facilities, nursing homes, and others.
If you decide to earn an online bachelor’s in healthcare administration, you can work your way up to a higher position, but it won’t be easy if you are competing with other professionals who have master’s degrees. You may have to opt for a lower paying position and be promoted up from within the company or hired elsewhere after getting some experience under your belt.
Typical Healthcare Administration Certifications Needed
Whether or not you need to obtain a license depends on the career you have chosen. Even if it is not required, certifications will enhance your qualifications. Those who want to continue their education and/or advance their career, can take advantage of certificate programs. Certification programs offer graduate and undergraduate levels in various areas of study. They are available to take on campus’ or online.
Undergraduate Certification Programs in Healthcare Management
Colleges, career schools, and universities offer undergraduate certificate programs for students who did not complete an undergraduate degree. Although the requirements vary between schools and programs to qualify, some may include English language skills, math skills, and basic technology proficiency; however, you must have a high school diploma or GED to take advantage of any certificate program.
Graduate Certification Programs in Healthcare Management
Graduate certificate programs define a specific field of study and offer academic and professional areas of study for students at a graduate level who already obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree. These programs are usually shorter than general graduate degree programs.
Some certification programs available in healthcare management are:
- Health Administration Certificate
- Healthcare Management Certificate
- Health and Wellness Administration Certificate
- Medical Office Administration Certificate
Academic Standards for an Online Healthcare Administration Degree
Getting into some colleges and Universities can be challenging, which is why many students prefer to apply to numerous schools and will usually qualify for more than one. Then they can decide between the schools that accepted them. It is recommended that students should apply to four to eight different institutions. Experts say that students should apply as early as their junior year of high school and to start you off in the right direction you should first create a to-do list since there is a lot involved in applying to colleges such as obtaining recommendation letters, writing essays, and other prep work.
The majority of colleges and universities require that applicants submit ACT or SAT subject test scores in order to be considered. The scores will most likely be sent by the company that tested you. In addition, colleges will look into your GPA as well. Although the required scores vary between institutions, most require between 2.5 and 3.0 GPA.
Exam/Experience Needed for a Healthcare Administration Degree
After applying for your healthcare administrator’s license, the governing body of your state will evaluate your application and determine if you qualify. If you are approved, you will have to take the state licensing exam and pass it in order to be certified in healthcare administration. The majority of states will have you take the “Nursing Home Administrator Licensure” exam and may require an examination fee and a licensing fee if you pass.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn a Healthcare Administration bachelor’s degree online?
Many aspects contribute to the online bachelor’s degree program’s duration. These include: the major you choose, the courses you take, concentrations, your grades, and the effort you put in. It takes 52 months to complete the online bachelor’s degree program and requires 120-course hours, just like on campus. Most full-time students can complete the bachelor’s in the healthcare administration program in 4 years. However, students who enroll in an accelerated program could earn their bachelor’s degree in as little as three years and those who attend college part-time could take up to seven years to graduate. Those who opted to take specialization courses will take longer to complete the program. Also, degrees in healthcare administration will usually accept experience from an internship for course credit.
How much does an Online Healthcare Administration bachelor’s degree cost?
The cost of an online bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration varies greatly between schools. Students in-state usually pay $9,139 on average per year at public colleges, while students from out-of-state pay almost $23,000, and those who attend a private institution are likely to pay even more for a bachelor’s degree.
Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Degree Coursework
Common courses to earn an online bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration may include the following:
- Financial Accounting and Finance
- Healthcare Human Resource Management
- Healthcare Economics
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare Strategic Management
- Healthcare History
- Health and Disease
- Healthcare Quality Management
- Health Science
- Healthcare Information Management
- Leadership Communication
- Healthcare Law and Ethics
Does the school have the major(s) you’re considering?
One thing that every college should have is a career assistance program to help students decide what kind of career they would like to pursue and which major to select. If you already know what you would like to major in, it still may be a good idea to wait to choose it, until after you have had a chance to take a couple courses and are certain of your decision.
Also, every college does not have every degree or major. You want to make sure that you choose a college which has the major you are looking for. You might even want to check to see if they have something you would consider as a backup, in case you realize that you don’t like the original major you chose after all. You never know what you might decide to do two years from now. And if you’re thinking about earning your degree online, make sure the courses you need are available in that format. Schools often provide fewer classes online than they do on campus.
How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
A little more than half of students who attend a college full-time earn their bachelor’s degree within six years. Some educators claim this is because students change their minds and their courses, take time off, or even drop out of school. Studies show that those students, who attend college for a while and then drop out, are worse off than someone who never attended college at all since they are still responsible for paying back their student debt.
If you really want to earn your degree on time, plan your educational path and follow through without straying off course.
What kind of accreditation does the online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
One thing you don’t want to do is waste money and precious time on a degree program that won’t be worth much since employers won’t take it seriously. Therefore, it is imperative that you check the college for accreditation. When a college is accredited, it means the school’s training, programs, teachers, staff, and the school itself have been evaluated by an outside association and approved. Employers will not only want to know if the school you earned your degree from was accredited but also who it was accredited by. Generally, the best accreditation is done by a regional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The following are of the regional organizations that accredit U.S schools and programs:
- New England Association of Colleges & Schools
- The Higher Learning Commission
- Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities
- Western Association of Colleges and Schools
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
In healthcare administration, there are many various areas of specialization as well as a wide array of professional opportunities. Because of the differences in programs and specialties, there must be different accrediting agencies for the range of healthcare programs involved. These agencies include: The Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration (AUPHA) and The Commission on Accreditation of Health Management Education (CAHME).
Professional Healthcare Administration Organizations
HFMA
Healthcare Financial Management Association
This association offers its members access to research publications and reports as well as articles on complex legislative subjects. Furthermore, they hold conferences, seminars, and other networking opportunities allowing members to learn and meet others in their professional community. They offer more learning opportunities for members by way of educational programs and specialized certifications.
AAHC
American Association of Healthcare Consultants
This association aims to raise and maintain the competence of its members, maintain ethical standards of performance, and inform the policies and standards of the healthcare industry as a whole. Members can attend international and national conferences and enjoy having a network of professionals within the organization.
AAPL
American Association of Physician Leadership
This association strives to provide physicians with a community of their peers and educational opportunities to develop leadership skills and advance their careers. Membership provides a discount on courses and a subscription to their Physician Leadership Journal. They also receive discounts on books, publications, and career services and the opportunity to access a mentoring program and a network of other physicians.
Top 10 Best Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Central Michigan University
According to our expert, objective analysis, CMU's School of Health Sciences features the number one health administration major in the nation. The bachelor's degree includes coursework in areas such as biostatistics, micro- and macro-economics, and behavioral healthcare. After graduation, students can apply to CMU's Master of Health Administration (MHA) program and then their doctoral program.
- Tuition
- In-State: $12,960
- Out-of-State: $24,120
- Rank: #1
- Total Enrollment: 21,622
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Diplomas Awarded: 188
University of St. Francis
Students in the College of Business & Health Administration receive ACBSP accredited educations that consistently launch careers in hospital administration. Students gain deep knowledge and insight into the challenges that healthcare systems face, and then devise novel solutions that encourage future growth. Students can start careers in hospital administration or stay on campus to complete a Master of Science or an MBA in Health Administration.
- Tuition
- In-State: $34,000
- Out-of-State: $34,000
- Rank: #2
- Total Enrollment: 3,927
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Diplomas Awarded: 132
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
UNC is one of the top universities in the nation. Undergraduate students will find that they offer one of the top degree programs for health policy and management. Their undergraduate degrees consistently pave the way to entry-level positions with some of the nation's premier health systems as well as advanced degree programs in law, public health, health administration, and more. Graduate students enjoy one of the nation's best MHA programs.
- Tuition
- In-State: $8,980
- Out-of-State: $36,159
- Rank: #3
- Total Enrollment: 30,011
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Diplomas Awarded: 153
University of Southern California
USC is a premier university that enjoys a national reputation for excellence. Their Master of Health Administration stands out as one of the top programs in America and is available for on-campus as well as online students. Undergraduate students can prepare for their MHA with a degree in business or an BS in Public Policy on the Health Policy and Management Track.
- Tuition
- In-State: $58,195
- Out-of-State: $58,195
- Rank: #4
- Total Enrollment: 47,310
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Diplomas Awarded: 182
Trinity University
The graduate Department of Health Care Administration at Trinity is among the very best. Their program has earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) every single year since 1968. Students in the Master of Science in Health Care Administration program complete a year-long residency in an administrative capacity, thus helping students build strong resumes before graduation.
- Tuition
- In-State: $44,680
- Out-of-State: $44,680
- Rank: #5
- Total Enrollment: 2,637
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Diplomas Awarded: 34
Seton Hall University
Graduating with a Master of Health Administration from Seton Hall is a tremendous accomplishment that rewards alumni every day of their professional lives. Undergraduate degree-holders with a background in business or healthcare will benefit from the MHA program, as will clinicians who wish to move into hospital administration. Professionals in New Jersey will be interested to know that Seton Hall has the only MHA program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
- Tuition
- In-State: $43,780
- Out-of-State: $43,780
- Rank: #6
- Total Enrollment: 10,162
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Diplomas Awarded: 57
George Washington University
George Washington University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the nation. GW's graduate health administration program is one of the top programs in the nation and has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Students who graduate with a Master of Health Administration enter hospitals and other health system environments with high pay and important positions.
- Tuition
- In-State: $56,935
- Out-of-State: $56,935
- Rank: #7
- Total Enrollment: 28,172
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Diplomas Awarded: 197
Washington University in St Louis
Often considered the "Ivy League of the Midwest," healthcare administration graduates from GW in St. Louis venture forth to take on high-status and highly paid positions in the business and healthcare worlds. WU's master's degrees in healthcare administration are recognized nationwide and alumni now hold key positions in the industry. Enroll in the part-time Master of Health Care Operational Excellence degree or certificate program through the McKelvey School of Engineering.
- Tuition
- In-State: $55,292
- Out-of-State: $55,292
- Rank: #8
- Total Enrollment: 15,852
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Diplomas Awarded: 7
Truman State University
TSU offers students a pathway to health administration through their School of Health Sciences and Education. The program helps students form a strong foundation in healthcare that serves them well in their entry-level jobs or Master of Health Administration graduate degree programs. The proof is in the pudding: Truman graduates move on to become leaders in public health, hospital administration, and healthcare systems nationwide.
- Tuition
- In-State: $8,120
- Out-of-State: $15,314
- Rank: #9
- Total Enrollment: 5,853
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Diplomas Awarded: 79
Capella University
Capella’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration is the perfect launchpad for success. Students can choose between a concentration in leadership or management. Those who elect their accelerated master's pathway (AMP) can expedite their graduate work and enter the workplace with higher salaries and better job security. Capella also supports a stand-alone MHA program as well as a Master of Public Health degree.
- Tuition
- In-State: NA
- Out-of-State: NA
- Rank: #10
- Total Enrollment:36,661
- Graduation Rate: NA
- Diplomas Awarded: 616
