Healthcare administration is a growing field in the United States today, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are plenty of different places a healthcare administrator can work besides a hospital. In fact, only 39 percent of health services managers in 2012 worked at hospitals. If you’re considering a career in healthcare administration where might you find a job?
Ambulatory Care Services
In 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 26 percent of all healthcare administrators worked in ambulatory care facilities. These are facilities that provide services that prevent hospitalization for many common or chronic conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- Ear-nose-throat conditions
- Urinary tract infections
- Dental issues
The point of ambulatory care is to provide ongoing medical assistance that helps treat patient conditions and improve patient health without emergency room visits and hospital stays. Places that provide ambulatory services include:
- Doctors’ offices
- Clinics
- Surgery centers
- Urgent care clinics
Nursing Homes
The third most common type of place to find a job in hospital administration is in nursing and residential care facilities. These facilities need directors who can administer many different programs at once while also attending to the interests of:
- Patients
- Board members
- Staff
- Interested government agencies
Administration in a nursing home or other residential facility requires careful attention to detail as well as the ability to think ahead and manage complex financial affairs. Experience and skill in interpersonal communication and public relations are also a plus.
Government Jobs
There are also a few government jobs available to healthcare administrators. These jobs include healthcare administration in prisons and government-run correctional facilities. They also include state mental health administration positions. Government healthcare management positions are usually located in state capitals and larger cities.
Details About Healthcare Administration
Whether you work in hospital administration or in another venue, a job in healthcare management generally involves the same set of duties and necessary skills. Those choosing this career path are responsible for improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivered by their organization. These positions require careful attention to new laws and regulations governing the healthcare industry. Most healthcare administrators need to be adept at creating work schedules for staff, and organizing a facility’s service records will likely be a top priority as well. Great organizational skill and effective interpersonal relationship skills are extremely important for a successful career in this field.
Related Resource: Nursing Administration
A career in healthcare management doesn’t necessarily mean that you will work in a hospital setting for your entire working life. More than half of the healthcare administrators in the United States work in other facilities. Now that you know the different places a healthcare administrator can work besides a hospital, what work location would you choose when following this career path?
