There are many paths one can take to become a clinic administrator. Each path has its own requirements, some of which are lengthy and complex. Follow the steps discussed below to help you get a job as a clinic administrator within a short time.
Complete Your Degree
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the country’s career think tank, recommends those who want to become clinic administrators to complete a bachelor’s degree program in health administration. A bachelor’s degree in health administration will enable you to obtain the knowledge and skills you need to work effectively as a clinic administrator. You will learn a variety of topics such as healthcare management, healthcare informatics, patient care and facility operations. Once you graduate, you will be in a position to manage clinical and clerical staff members, hire new personnel, train new team members, allocate duties and schedule workers.
You may also need to obtain a master’s degree. This is very important, especially if you want to work for bigger facilities and improve your pay scale. A master’s degree only takes two years to complete, so don’t worry about spending a lot of time in school. Some schools offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This allows you to join immediately you complete your bachelor’s degree.
Go For an Internship
You need to go for an internship during the final year of your bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Doing so will give you the opportunity to gain practical experience as a management or administrative intern. This experience will help you build strong professional relationships with other healthcare management personnel and gain a deeper understanding of how healthcare management works.
Get More Experience
An internship program does not last for more than one year. Hence, it does not provide the level of experience needed for a decent job in clinical administration. It is good you take on an entry-level job position at a clinic or any other healthcare facility that allows you to work in an administrative role. You can begin by working as an assistant manager before moving on to a more advanced management position. Make sure you gain at least three years of work experience to improve your job prospects.
Get a Job as a Clinic Administrator
Once you gain enough experience, you can apply for clinic administrator positions in your state or any other part of the country. You will be required to show proof of academic excellence and pass drug screenings and background checks before you are hired. Once you get employed, you will be expected to perform certain roles, such as hiring and training new staff, maintaining the facility, conducting staff meetings, creating operational schedules, formulating budgets, overseeing billing and planning marketing campaigns.
Get Licensed
Most states require clinic administrators to be licensed, especially those working for extended care facilities. They must keep their licenses active in order to retain their jobs. This may be through pursuing continuing education or periodic renewals.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinic administrators and medical services managers earn a median wage of $96,540 per year. Their employment growth rate will be 20 percent for the next 10 years.
Related Resource: aWhat is a Director of Public Health?
A clinical administrator oversees the daily operations of a facility and monitor the staff members. He is a highly respected individual since he performs some of the most important administrative roles. To become a clinical administrator, get a degree in health administration, gain some work experience and obtain a license.
